Overview - 3D Postproduction: Stereoscopic Workflows and Techniques - page 24

3D Farthest
Point/Plane

Screen Plane

3D Nearest
Point/Plane

Figure 1.11 Z-Space (3D).

1.7 Area of Interest

To make sure we know where we are in Z-Space, we can use the concept
of “area of interest.” The area of interest is dei ned as the place storytellers
want (or expect) you to look during the course of a shot, scene or sequence.
Another term for area of interest is the “subject” of a scene. This is also
true of 2D and 3D storytelling. In 3D, subjects can also appear in various
locations along the Z-dimension, with some objects playing in front of the
screen, some at the screen and some behind the screen. When we say that
a 3D shot is playing “behind the screen” or “in positive Z” we are talking
about where the area of interest in that shot plays. Other elements in a scene
may play at and/or behind the screen.
In most forms of imaging, a scene is bounded by a noticeable frame or
surround on the top, bottom and sides of the imagery. This frame is of
particularly important in 3D imaging. This is because when an area of
interest playing in front of the screen encounters a side edge it can create
confusing depth cues in the audience. The most common is what we call