Specialist Negotiated Project
This paper investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize the visual effects (VFX) sector, namely in the area of rotoscopy. For VFX departments, rotoscoping and other labor-intensive operations present serious hurdles. This study looks into how AI-driven rotoscopy solutions can save time and artistic resources, which can then be reallocated to more creatively challenging projects. Using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, the study evaluates the creative benefits and efficiency improvements that come with implementing AI. The findings emphasize the role that AI plays in promoting innovation in the VFX industry and simplifying workflows, and improves our comprehension of the impact that technology has on these workflows.
Concepts
Why did I choose this rotoscoping using AI?
This study examines the transformative potential of AI technology within the visual effects (VFX) industry, particularly in the domain of rotoscopes. Rotoscoping, alongside other labor-intensive tasks, poses significant challenges to VFX departments. This project investigates the time and artistic resources saved through AI-driven rotoscope solutions, enabling reallocation towards more creatively demanding endeavors. The research assesses the efficiency gains and artistic dividends afforded by AI implementation by employing quantitative and qualitative analyses. Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of AI's impact on VFX workflows, emphasizing its role in streamlining processes and fostering innovation within the industry.
What is rotoscopy?
Rotoscopy is a crucial method used in visual effects (VFX) that entails carefully tracing objects or characters in film frames to enable their alteration for artistic purposes. It functions as a fundamental procedure in VFX production, facilitating the smooth incorporation of computer-generated imagery (CGI) with live-action material. Rotoscopy is an essential technique used in different areas of filmmaking, such as compositing, animation, and color grading.
By isolating elements within a scene, rotoscopy facilitates the compositing process by enabling artists to convincingly superimpose CGI elements onto live-action footage. To enhance the overall realism of the final composition, rotoscopy guarantees that computer-generated elements (CGI) merge seamlessly with their environments through the precise tracing of objects or characters. Rotoscoping is crucial in animation since it serves as a guide for animators to accurately depict realistic movements and interactions between characters and their surroundings. Through the process of tracing the movement of actors or objects, rotoscopy functions as a fundamental tool that animators utilize to construct animation sequences with coherence and fluidity.
In addition, rotoscopy is essential in color grading as it enables accurate selection and manipulation of individual elements in a scene. Through the process of isolating objects or characters, colorists can add specific color corrections or visual effects, improving the overall aesthetic and mood of the video. To achieve high-quality visual effects in filmmaking, rotoscopy is an indispensable tool, as it facilitates the removal of unwanted elements, the addition of visual effects, and the enhancement of the realism of CGI incorporation. In general, rotoscopy is a flexible technique that enables filmmakers to accurately and authentically bring their creative thoughts to life on the screen.
By isolating elements within a scene, rotoscopy facilitates the compositing process by enabling artists to convincingly superimpose CGI elements onto live-action footage. To enhance the overall realism of the final composition, rotoscopy guarantees that computer-generated elements (CGI) merge seamlessly with their environments through the precise tracing of objects or characters. Rotoscoping is crucial in animation since it serves as a guide for animators to accurately depict realistic movements and interactions between characters and their surroundings. Through the process of tracing the movement of actors or objects, rotoscopy functions as a fundamental tool that animators utilize to construct animation sequences with coherence and fluidity.
In addition, rotoscopy is essential in color grading as it enables accurate selection and manipulation of individual elements in a scene. Through the process of isolating objects or characters, colorists can add specific color corrections or visual effects, improving the overall aesthetic and mood of the video. To achieve high-quality visual effects in filmmaking, rotoscopy is an indispensable tool, as it facilitates the removal of unwanted elements, the addition of visual effects, and the enhancement of the realism of CGI incorporation. In general, rotoscopy is a flexible technique that enables filmmakers to accurately and authentically bring their creative thoughts to life on the screen.
Koko the Clown, a character from Max Fleischer's 1914 short animation Out of the Inkwell, was first used in animation through the technique of rotoscoping, which involved hand-drawing and tracing the film frame by frame, and was patented in 1915.
Rotoscoping, invented by Max Fleischer, was widely used in Disney's studio before the 1930s. After the patent expired in 1934, other studios adopted the technique, including Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland. Animation artists used the footage as a reference for hand drawing, observing unconsciously suggested movements.
Rotoscoping, a technique used in animation since the 1940s, was used to create otherworldly backgrounds and scenes in live-action movies. Ubbe Ert Iwwerks, a friend of Walt Disney, improved rotoscoping by creating a matte to separate actors from backgrounds, allowing for animated characters.
Rotoscoping, a visual effects technique, was first used in The Birds (1963) by Ub Iwerks and Alfred Hitchcock. It was later adapted for action films like the Star Wars trilogy's lightsaber. It was later used in composite shots for explosions and alien attacks. However, it only transitioned to digital in the early 1990s.
Bob Sabiston, an animator and computer scientist, developed the interpolated rotoscoping process into Rotoshop in 1997. This computer-based application simplifies the process for animators by generating smooth, fluid interpolated shapes and lines from keyframes, reducing the time and effort required.
Interpolated rotoscoping, first used in Sabiston's Snack and Drink, gained prominence in Richard Linklater's Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly, featuring an unearthly style that perfectly matched the psychological sci-fi story.
Figure1: A Scanner Darkly (2004) Rotoscopy
Sabiston significantly modified Rotoshop for A scanner Darkly, leading to the development of various visual effects software for rotoscoping. VFX animators handle chroma keying, motion tracking, effects painting, and object and rig removal, and still use frame-by-frame transcribing principles in modern animation (www.videoproc.com, n.d.).
Mary Poppins (1964) showcases visual effects using sodium vapor screens for real-time mattes, a process explored in the history of chroma keying (www.videoproc.com, n.d.).
Rotoscoping has been utilized in films like Star Wars, Mary Poppins, and The Birds since the 1940s to create complex backgrounds and scenes, removing unnecessary objects and creating iconic lightsabers. It was also used to composite shots together before blue and green screens appeared. (Shlapak, H.,2017).
Rotoscoping became a popular technique for filmmakers to juxtapose and combine characters and scenes, as VFX matured. Examples include Return of the Jedi (1983) where animated walking vehicles (AT-ATs) were matted into real forest scenes and Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (1963) where birds were traced to attack a small town. These examples demonstrate the versatility of rotoscoping in creating realistic and realistic scenes, even in today's digital world (FutureLearn, n.d.).
VFX programs now offer rotoscoping and masking capabilities, with some users preferring specialist software like Silhouette or Mocha. Rotos can be used to paint, remove objects, and strengthen keys. In the digital age, masks can be used to protect and show breath from a character's mouth. However, the same skill, attention to detail, and patience are still needed for good results in VFX, (FutureLearn, n.d.) requiring time and effort.
Rotoscoping is a crucial feature in visual effects software, alongside keying, tracking, compositing, rigging, and 3D effects like texturing, lighting, particle effects, and modeling.
Adobe After Effects is a popular visual effects software used in post-production for feature films, animations, and motion graphics to enhance the realisticness of rotoscoping.
Masks require a meticulous frame-by-frame approach, with tracking features for time savings. VFX artists draw the mask around the target object and make adjustments frame by frame.
The rotobrush in AE is a faster, intelligent solution for roto-scanning, detecting target object edges and automatically selecting desired areas, with additional brushes for fine-tuning.
Point Track:
Point Track is a technique used to track specific points in footage, aiding in rotoscopying a small portion of a frame or identifying an object or feature.
Mocha Track:
Mocha is a planar tracking system that effectively monitors flat surfaces like faces, screens, walls, and other textured surfaces instead of points.
The Motion Blur Roto method is a technique used to accurately rotoscope fast-moving objects, requiring careful attention to accurately represent the blur.
Rotoscoping elements are crucial in scenes with shifting focus, ensuring they match the defocused or blurred background for a realistic depth of field.
Why is the Rotoscopy technique used in VFX?
Rotoscoping is a technique that enhances or modifies specific footage parts, allowing for realistic effects through detailed footage manipulation.
Rotoscoping is a digital technique used to accurately track and replace an actor's movements in scenes requiring digital enhancement or alterations, often involving stunts or fantastical elements.
Rotoscoping offers filmmakers and VFX artists increased creative flexibility by combining live-action and digital effects to create scenes that exceed screen limits.
Challenges in rotoscopy
Rotoscopy, a pivotal method in the visual effects (VFX) field, encounters numerous problems in its present implementation. First and foremost, the labor-intensive aspect of rotoscoping remains a substantial obstacle. Artists must meticulously trace objects or people in each frame, resulting in time-consuming workflows, particularly for scenarios involving sophisticated motion or complexity. Furthermore, contemporary film and television productions frequently showcase vibrant and crowded settings, which contribute to the intricacy of the rotoscoping procedure. Precisely identifying items in complex backdrops and overlapping features necessitates careful and thorough attention to detail, which adds to the complexity of the task (Studio, 2023).
Budgetary constraints and stringent production schedules further complicate the operations of rotoscopy. Ensuring timely completion of tasks while upholding high-quality standards becomes progressively challenging within the limitations of time and budget. Moreover, the subjective aspect of artistic interpretation in rotoscopy poses difficulties. The process of determining object borders or refining traced elements typically requires subjective judgments, resulting in inefficiencies and delays as artists and filmmakers (Studio, 2023) work towards reaching an agreement on aesthetic choices.
Impact of AI in Rotoscopy
The radical nature of AI's influence on rotoscopy has transformed how visual effects (VFX) professionals approach this crucial element of filmmaking. AI algorithms utilize machine learning and computer vision techniques to automate and enhance the laborious task of tracing objects or characters in film frames (jim ottewill,2023). By substantially diminishing the time and labor needed for rotoscoping duties, this automation enables artists to allocate their time and energy toward more imaginative facets of the production.
In addition, AI-powered rotoscoping techniques demonstrate exceptional proficiency in managing challenging scenarios, precisely delineating objects among dense backdrops, dynamic camera movements, and complex motion. This feature guarantees reliable and accurate outcomes, even in the most difficult scenarios, hence improving the overall excellence of visual effects integration in the final product.
In addition, artificial intelligence allows for the immediate monitoring and precise outlining of objects in motion within ever-changing environments, surpassing the constraints of conventional techniques. By utilizing sophisticated motion tracking systems, AI algorithms adaptively modify tracing parameters to align with the motion of objects in every frame (Foundry, n.d.), hence enhancing the precision and effectiveness of the rotoscoping procedure. Furthermore, AI provides artists with options to increase their creativity. AI-powered rotoscoping solutions provide artists with interactive interfaces that enable them to enhance and personalize automated outcomes based on their artistic vision. By integrating creative control with automation, artists can attain desired effects with increased adaptability and effectiveness, thereby expanding the horizons of visual narratives on screen.AI has a dramatic impact on rotoscopy, providing unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and creative opportunities in VFX production (Foundry, n.d.). The ongoing advancement of AI technology is expected to further enhance its involvement in rotoscoping, leading to increased creativity and excellence in the realm of visual effects.
Rotoscope Reference Video:
Post-Production
In Nuke:
First slow-moving footage, which is challenging to mask out fast is chosen to test the time taken to roto out the subject.
Using frame hold the whole sequence is broken into smaller frame range of 10 frames each and only those frames are masked out using a roto node.
In this stage, the alpha ie the opaque data will be separated out using a shuffle node and will be retained by the keep node.
Using a copycat node the separated alpha is captured and processed by machine learning algorithm to maintain the mask throughout the shot.
Then the data generated by the machine learning method will be interfered then the generated alpha will be copied back to the footage by a copy node.
Rotoscopy Breakdown in After Effects:
Import image, drag into a layer, arrange in frames, set rotoscopy breakdown, add effects, and render using Adobe After Effects.
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Rotoscopy in Adobe Premiere Pro:
The video was edited, text added, video effects added, and background music and audio transitions exponential faded using Adobe Premiere Pro.
Conclusion
In summary, the indisputable benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in visual effects rotoscopy have significantly transformed the domain of VFX production and raised the bar for visual narratives. AI algorithms streamline the rotoscoping process by automating labor-intensive operations and streamlining workflows. This results in a significant reduction in manual effort and time, while also boosting efficiency and production. Furthermore, rotoscoping tools powered by artificial intelligence demonstrate exceptional proficiency in managing intricacy by precisely tracing objects within dynamic environments characterized by chaotic backgrounds and intricate motion. This guarantees consistent and accurate outcomes, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Moreover, artificial intelligence allows for the instantaneous monitoring and outlining of moving objects in dynamic environments, beyond the constraints of conventional techniques and enhances both the precision and effectiveness of the outlining process. Moreover, artificial intelligence provides artists with advantageous prospects for augmenting their creativity by providing interactive interfaces that enable the customization and improvement of automated outcomes in accordance with the artist's vision. By seamlessly integrating automation and artistic control, filmmakers are empowered to produce extraordinary visual narratives on-screen, achieving their goals with enhanced adaptability and productivity.
Work LOG Output
Final Output
1. Studio, F.F. (2023). Unveiling the Secrets of Rotoscoping: Every VFX artist needs to know. [online] Welcome to Frame Founder Studio. Available at: https://www.framefounder.com/unveiling-the-secrets-of-rotoscoping-every-vfx-artist-needs-to-know-this-essential-skill/. [Accessed 19 Apr. 2024]
2. www.videoproc.com. (n.d.). All About Rotoscoping: Concept, History, and Application. [online] Available at: https://www.videoproc.com/resource/rotoscoping.htm.
3. Foundry Learn (2021). 1 - Making a Data Set | Creating Mattes Using CopyCat | Machine Learning in Nuke. YouTube. 1 - Making a Data Set | Creating Mattes Using CopyCat | Machine Learning in Nuke. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fKvz_GYC_Q&t=430s [Accessed 7 May 2024].
4. Foundry (2022). Using CopyCat for Roto with @AlfieVaughan. YouTube. Using CopyCat for Roto with @AlfieVaughan. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMlt0T-3QRQ [Accessed 7 May 2024].
5. jimottewill (2023). The Role of AI in Assisting Animation Production | SAE Blog. [online] SAE United Kingdom. Available at: https://www.sae.edu/gbr/insights/the-role-of-ai-in-assisting-animation-production-unlocking-new-creative-possibilities/.[Accessed 19 Apr. 2024]
6. Foundry. (n.d.). Using CopyCat for Roto | How Nuke’s Machine Learning Saves Days of Work. [online] Available at: https://learn.foundry.com/course/6474/view/using-copycat-for-roto-how-nuke-s-machine-learning-saves-days-of-work.
7. Shlapak, H. (2017). A Brief History of the Art of Rotoscoping. [online] www.cgmagonline.com. Available at: https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/features/history-art-rotoscoping/
8. FutureLearn. (n.d.). What is Rotoscoping? [online] Available at: https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/vfx-for-filmmakers/0/steps/13255.
9. Studio, F.F. (2024). What Is Rotoscoping & The History of Rotoscoping in Animation. [online] Welcome to Frame Founder Studio. Available at: https://www.framefounder.com/history-of-rotoscoping-in-animation/.
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