Computer graphics (CG) and 3D modelling are providing new options for the creation of still images for transmedia stories. In the past, you either took photos or created images by hand using pencils, inks, or paint. The emergence of increasingly sophisticated 3D modelling software over the past two decades has made CG images a viable alternative to older techniques.
However, it is only in the past five years that relatively inexpensive 3D modelling applications have simplified the task of creating images, reduced software costs to under $1000, and allowed standard desktop and laptop computers to render images in a reasonable amount of time.
The latest generation of 3D software, which uses highly detailed models of human and other characters, makes near-photorealistic images possible. Realistic skin textures, hair, clothing, and props pulled from pre-built libraries can easily be added to a character or setting. Posing models and manipulating expressions is also easily done.
The position and expressions on the character in the sequence of images in this post were created in less than five minutes using a customized model from the author’s “library” of characters. The characters in this library were built using stock figures that were modified to change facial features, body size and shape, hair, and other characteristics. Creating these customized characters can take anywhere from one to three hours (or more) depending on the level of customization.
In the first frame the character is startled by something. The second frame shows the character’s expression expression of curiosity mixed with recognition, while the third frame shows anger. Each of these images was rendered in under two minutes using an off-the-shelf two-year-old Dell Inspiron laptop computer.
While there is still something of a learning curve with 3D modelling applications like Poser and DAZ 3D Studio, it is substantially less than for “industrial strength” applications like Maya that are used in feature film and television production.
Poser and DAZ are not likely to replace Maya any time soon but they may find a place in the production of images destined for use in transmedia stories published on the web, tablets, and other places where image resolution can be somewhat lower than that required for the big screen.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of these CG applications is that they give independent transmedia storytellers with limited (or no) budgets the opportunity to incorporate customized imagery into their narratives without having to invest in sets, actors, and photographers.