1. Detailed Pre-Planning:
- Planning was crucial. Invisible's team collaborated with creatives and directors to understand the scenes they had to enhance.
2. Practical Sets Enhancement:
- Sets were augmented with digital assets to make them more interesting. For instance, in one scene, a street was enhanced with digital billboards and passing vehicles.
3. On-Set Tracking and Capture:
- For seamless CGI integration, they used tracking markers and motion capture on set. This allowed for accurate data to be fed into the CGI process.
4. Virtual Scouting and Previz:
- Invisible relied on virtual scouting to plan shot sequences and determine where CGI elements should be implemented. Previsualization enabled them to plan how real-life set elements would interact with digital ones.
5. Compositing and Matchmoving:
- Once footage was captured, Invisible used compositing and matchmoving to blend practical and digital elements. Matchmoving helped match camera movement from live-action footage to CGI shots.
6. 3D Modeling and Texturing:
- 3D modeling and texturing created photo-realistic digital assets that could interact with practical elements.
7. Dynamic Environment and Lighting:
- Invisible worked on virtual environments that replicated the lighting conditions of real scenes, ensuring cohesive visual effects.
8. Color Grading and Post-Processing:
- Color grading and post-processing helped merge the practical and CGI elements further. They ensured seamless integration and achieved a uniform visual style.
9. Constant Iteration and Review:
- Invisible maintained constant communication and had regular review sessions with creatives to provide updates and receive feedback, leading to iterative improvements.
10. Collaboration and Expertise:
- The team had professionals skilled in both practical and digital effects, facilitating smoother collaboration and a holistic approach to the projects.
Invisible's success in mixing practical and visual effects lies in their meticulous planning, integration of innovative techniques, and expertise in both traditional and digital aspects of filmmaking.