Overview - 3D Postproduction: Stereoscopic Workflows and Techniques - page 12

1.2.6 3D Post Activities
The key activities of a 3D post team are closely related to core objectives
of depth, comfort, continuity, and creative intent. These activities include:
• identifying issues
• estimating complexity of issues
• prioritizing issues to be resolved
• coordinating resources
• resolving issues
• enabling and supporting creative work
• testing imagery in audience viewing environments
• creating the show master
Just as in 2D post, the 3D post team is a surrogate for the audience. From the
on-set digital imaging technician (if your show has one) to the i nal team review
prior to mastering, the post team is responsible for asking the same questions
an audience member might ask while viewing the piece. For example: “Why
is there a major jump in depth in between two shots?” or “What is 'pulling'
my eye in the shots in this sequence?”
Remember, not all 3D issues need to be resolved. If the story of the show is
strong, the audience may ignore some technical issues. Ideally, a successful
post process will minimize the necessity of having a viewer ask anything at
all. In some cases, the underlying story or experience is so outstanding that
comfort and continuity take second priority.
If You See Something, Say Something
Learn to trust your eyes and your gut when reviewing 3D imagery. Even if you
are not yet familiar with specii c nomenclature for the various issues of geometry,
depth and color in 3D, if you feel something uncomfortable in a shot, this is
your visual system telling you that something may be wrong in the imagery. It
is very important that all members of the post team feel empowered to raise
possible issues with imagery. As with 2D, the more eyes on the show the better.
Use colloquial terms to describe what is happening (for example, “This shot
pulls my eyes into the upper left area of the shot”) and note that in the review
report for the shot.
“The biggest thing that I can teach people who are looking at 3D
for the i rst time critically and to analyze it is to trust your eye