Taking another cue from the military, game developers and filmmakers are turning to an expert in the field of precision motion tracking, InterSense Incorporated, to access the latest virtual production technology. InterSense has combined its patented motion tracking technology with powerful virtual production software to create a precision, inertial-ultrasonic virtual camera tracking system called the InterSense VCam. The virtual camera system provides producers of video games and films a simple, intuitive way to incorporate hand-held and steady-cam operated camera moves into their projects and previsualize the results.
InterSense will demo its VCam Virtual Camera Tracking System at next week's Game Developers Conference (GDC), recently voted the most important gaming industry event in a GamesIndustry.biz survey. At GDC, InterSense, in partnership with The Third Floor, will demonstrate how InterSense VCam technology was used to produce high-end game cinematics for the latest installment of Electronic Arts' Command & Conquer franchise: Red Alert 3. The VCam allows the director to operate a physical camera in a virtual environment, enabling more lifelike, feature-film-quality cinematography in game cinematics.
The Third Floor team first used the InterSense VCam technology on two animated feature films, "Beowulf" (2007) and "A Christmas Carol" (2009). Since then, the studio has leveraged the VCam on other cinematics, including Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft II and Diablo III.
Developers can see a product video and testimonial from The Third Floor, as well as view the use of the VCam technology in the making of "Resistance 2". Attendees are also invited to stop by InterSense's booth (5127 NH) during GDC, taking place March 23 - 27 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
"The VCam system saves game developers hours of production time -- lowering costs, enhancing the creative process and speeding delivery schedules. Most importantly, this technology creates an amazing in-game experience for the end user," said Dean Wormell, InterSense's Director of Visualization and Simulations Applications. "The VCam is an interactive tool that puts creative control in the hands of directors, inspiring them to create some of today's most cutting-edge game content."
"The VCam has really changed the way we approach working with our clients. It's now a much more interactive experience, where cinematographers and directors collaborate with our team as we explore the possibilities in real-time. Ultimately, InterSense technology helps us build the strongest possible content to inspire the next generation of hardcore gamers," said Chris Edwards, co-founder and CEO of The Third Floor.
Wormell further notes that the availability of the VCam system could not be timelier, citing rising sales as a clear indication that video games are changing how Americans spend their leisure time. CSMG recently reported that software sales of video games in North America surpassed $16 billion in 2007 and are expected to grow at over 16 percent annually for the next five years.
About the InterSense VCam
The VCam features InterSense's MicroTrax 6-DOF motion tracking sensors directly integrated into a production camera body with Autodesk® MotionBuilder® functions mapped to the camera's interface controls. A 3-axis analog joystick added to the VCam allows translation, rotation and scaling of the virtual environment in MotionBuilder to help set-up or scout a virtual shot. In addition, buttons on the camera for zoom, play, record and jog transfer total production control to the camera operator. Remote video to the VCam is standard and wireless options are also available, adding further creative freedom and flexibility.
About InterSense
InterSense Incorporated is a market leader in precision motion technology. Its patented Hybrid Technology tracks motion with an unmatched combination of real-time positioning, tracking and alignment capabilities, bringing higher speed and quality to visual simulation, enhanced vision and navigation applications. InterSense's premier motion tracking products enable real-time, realistic interaction with computer graphics to enhance technical applications in training and simulation, robotics, augmented reality, 3D virtual displays, video/film/game development and production, oil and gas exploration, and medical imaging. In addition to a marquis global customer base spanning the military, industrial, entertainment, research, engineering and life sciences industries, InterSense also works with a network of software solution partners, systems integrators, value added resellers and OEM hardware partners. For more information, visit www.intersense.com.
About The Third Floor
The Third Floor is a Los Angeles-based digital studio founded by six of Lucasfilm's top previsualization artists. The founders helped to design elaborate sequences for Star Wars: Episode III and War of the Worlds from the "third floor" of George Lucas' Victorian mansion. Since 2004, The Third Floor has been offering their own brand of state-of-the-art previs to clients around the world. The Third Floor team has helped many productions maximize their creative content and save money through efficiency in production and in post. Some of The Third Floor's more recent projects include Cloverfield, Narnia: Prince Caspian, Iron Man 2, Resident Evil 5, JJ Abrams' Star Trek, and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. For more information, visit: www.thethirdfloorinc.com.
Embedded Video Available:
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=483256
Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine
Contact: Ashley Parker Racepoint Group Email Contact (781) 487 - 4642