Matchmoving
Chapter One
The Basics of
Matchmoving
Anytime a computer-generated (CG) element
needs to be placed into a live-action sequence or
vice versa, a matchmove is required. But what
exactly is matchmoving?
Matchmoving is the process of matching CG elements
into live-action footage. As a result, it's a
crucial part of many visual effects shots. Despite
its importance, it is completely invisible in the
final shot-that is, if it's done right.
In this chapter, I explain the key steps involved in
a matchmove and how matchmovers work with
the rest of the visual effects team. I've also included
a tutorial that is designed to help you get comfortable
working with cameras and perspective.
A Typical Matchmove
In order to better understand what matchmovers do, let's consider a typical visual
effects shot. The director has called for a CG creature to crash out of window of a
building and run across the street and into an alley. Because the monster will need to
interact with the window, the visual effects supervisor decides that in addition to the
monster, the window-shattering effect should also be done in the computer.
On the day of shooting, the director makes artistic decisions as to ... read full excerpt from Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking ebook
