Overview - 3D Postproduction: Stereoscopic Workflows and Techniques - page 3

CHAPTER 1
Overview
“Postproduction (is) the most important element in the anatomy of i lm-
making. It's an art unto itself that structures the arc of your story . . . Frame
by frame, with precision and skill, your canvas evolves its persona.
Postproduction is the key to i lm magic or i lm mediocrity. From it comes
your completed canvas, which is presented for all the world to see and
critique.”
—Robert Evans, from his book THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE
1.1 Stereoscopic 3D
Stereoscopic 3D (3D) is the art and science of capturing, processing and
presenting to audiences two slightly different two-dimensional (2D)
representations of a scene. These two representations can, under the right
conditions, simulate key aspects of human visual experience. For the purposes
of this topic, postproduction starts the instant imagery is captured, continues
through creative and technical image processing and ends with the delivery
of digital masters ready for distribution to audiences (see Figure 1.1 ).
In a sense, there is 2D only when there is the distinction of 3D. 2D visual
grammar and assumptions have been part of our visual world since each of
us was born. Digital technologies have sped up certain tasks and allowed
for more creative iterations but fundamentally, 2D post workl ows and
techniques have been internalized in teams since the dawn of motion pictures.
Neither 2D nor 3D is an inherently superior method of visual storytelling.
Each has its advantages and adherents. Most people who work in 3D also
work in 2D. As 3D viewing options continue to enter the mainstream, so
too will opportunities to create 3D content. To make the most of these
opportunities, it's important to understand the relative costs and benei ts
of 3D postproduction options. This is true whether you are a postproduction
professional, independent i lmmaker, researcher, hardware designer, game