Transformation

INSPIRATIONS

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Matrix universe, I embarked on a very exciting journey. A recent rewatch of the movies sparked my imagination and set the stage for my project.

To capture the mood and atmosphere, I took cues from The Batman (2022). This choice also allowed me to dive deeper into understanding anamorphic cameras and their unique visual qualities.

BACKGROUND

The foundation of my project began with a photo of my local area that I transformed into a moody night scene, enriching it with deeper colors and a calm atmosphere.

But that's not all!

To create a captivating atmosphere, I incorporated realistic rain into the scene. Using Action VFX rain plates, I brought the scene to life with raindrops cascading onto the bridge and boats, adding depth and immersion.

FOREGROUND

To bring the rainy atmosphere to life, I took on the challenge of rebuilding the foreground in 3D, which allowed me to create realistic ground reflections. This decision gave me more artistic freedom as well, as I was no longer constrained by matching the lighting to the original footage. Additionally, it opened up possibilities for adding camera movements; which I did.

TRANSFORMATION

To bring this effect to life, I used the car's UVs and applied an STMap directly in Nuke. This involved precise UV mapping, which allowed me to animate a texture seamlessly transitioning across the UV tile.

In addition, I incorporated the wireframe of the car, subtly enhancing the simulation-like appearance that aligned perfectly with what I wanted to convey.

What pushes this process to the next level is its procedural nature. I developed a custom node that efficiently controlled the transition with only two keyframes, streamlining the workflow and ensuring a smooth transformation.

THE RAIN

The rain played a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and mood of this project, and achieving its realistic depiction was highly important to me.

To accomplish this, I used ActionVFX plates by duplicating and offsetting the animation on each duplicated footage. This created a multi-layered rain effect consisting of a background layer (behind the car) and a foreground layer (in front of the car). Precisely cutting the rain using the car's alpha channel ensured a seamless and natural merge between the elements.

Since my camera was animated, I projected all the rain onto 3D planes, carefully accounting for different depths. This technique not only added realism but also allowed for an authentic depth of field effect, which I'll discuss further in the next section.

DEPTH OF FIELD

The depth of field effect and the shape of the bokeh were essential elements for me to consider, especially since my project was in an anamorphic format , which requires adherence to specific rules.

Although it may seem like a minor detail, I devoted considerable attention to perfecting the bokeh shape. I firmly believe that even the tiniest details contribute to creating a sense of realism!

To achieve the desired outcome, I divided the image into 25 sections, with 5 horizontal and 5 vertical divisions. I then applied different bokeh images to the z-defocus based on each section's location. As the objects approached the edges of the frame, the bokeh effect became more pronounced, creating a natural-looking bokeh.

COLOR GRADING

Now, let's turn our attention to the final phase of this project: the color grading!

Color grading played a huge role in shaping the overall look and feel of my creation.

To guide my approach, I drew inspiration from The Batman (2022), particularly the captivating color grading used in the opening scenes. I was intrigued by the unsettling and mysterious atmosphere it evoked, and I wanted to recreate a similar vibe. By emphasizing the singular light source above the car and enveloping the surroundings in darkness, I aimed to convey a sense of unease and anticipation. The heavy rain further heightened the sense of impending intrigue.

Through careful color adjustments, I strived to capture the essence of the desired mood and amplify the visual impact of the scene, ensuring a compelling and immersive experience for the viewer.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this project has been an incredibly rewarding journey that has expanded my knowledge and skills. Exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries, I embarked on a captivating journey that allowed me to unleash my creativity.

Throughout the process, I encountered challenges and moments where I may have gone above and beyond, but it was all part of the learning experience. Every step offered valuable insights and fueled my passion for future projects.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work on it and eagerly anticipate the prospect of delving into more exciting projects. With each new undertaking, I am confident that I will continue to grow, learn, and bring my ideas to life.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead!