Felix Lee - Lighting Compositing - Rookie 2024

Shot - 01

Reference

For the first shot, I planned to integrate an actor into a full CG environment with heavy atmospheric god rays.

Models

These are the models I used for my shot 01

Once I gathered all the references and models, I began laying out the 3D scene in Maya. Additionally, I added a human rig on the sofa for shadow purposes and did some minor animations to closely match the actor movements. Following that, I applied a neutral grey material to all the models in the scene, making it easier to adjust the lighting in the future. Then I added in an HDRI and 2 quad light out of the camera view to act as sky lighting. I tried to position the lights in a manner that would make sense even on an actual set.

Next, I added the key light to act as sunlight streaming through the window. However, the scene lacked bounce light from the sun, so I introduced another fill light to replicate the sun bounce light. That's pretty much the lighting set up for this shot

Next, I captured the green screen shot. I ensured that the actor alignment with the 3D scene was as precise as possible regarding to positioning, colors, and light direction. Since it's a still shot, my main focus was to match the camera height to the 3D scene. I achieved this by utilizing the camera grid and testing the alignment in Photoshop on-set until it closely matched the frame. 

Additionally, I've keyed the actor out in nuke and added textures to the scene, opting for a slightly darker tone initially, knowing that the atmosphere would slightly brighten it later on. I aimed to create a contrasty scene similar to the references I found from the start

At last I added in the atmosphere and did some finishing touches like masking stuff, zdefocus, refining render noise and textures all kinds of finishing touches.

Shot - 02

Reference

For the second shot, I planned to integrate a CG boat onto the waters of Granville Island in Vancouver. I've taken numerous lighting references at Granville Island, capturing different compositions, times of day, and exposures.

Models

This is the model I used for my shot 02

I imported the model into Maya and set up some basic lighting for the boat. I also applied a neutral grey material on to the boat to make adjusting the light easier. I added in a subtle blue light to act as sky light and then a top down light to bring out the form of the boat. Finally, I added decorative lights to add some interest point to the boat.

Next I created a simple animated ocean surface using Bifrost . I've utilized it to render out a crypto layer to mask out the bottom of the boat. Additionally, I added color onto the ocean surface to account for bounce light. I ensured that the tint of the color I added closely matched the plate for a seamless integration.

Afterward, I applied the texture and adjusted it to my preferences.

Lastly, I rendered out a reflection layer using the basic ocean surface I had created, along with an atmosphere layer. I integrated them into the plate along with the boat and finished it off with some final touches.

Shot - 03

reference

For the third shot, I planned to create a cyber themed scene with bokeh in the background.

models

This is the model I used for my shot 03

For this shot, I wanted to demonstrate my ability to light characters.

Since I was aiming for a cyber themed look, the first location that came to mind was Granville Street. After acquiring the plate, I adjusted the contrast and hue until I was satisfied with the result. I aimed for a warm and cold look.

additionally I did some simple animation for the character.

Similar to the previous shots, I applied a neutral grey material to the model to make adjusting the light easier.

I added a warm key light and a cold fill light, giving the character a purplish look. If you look at the chrome ball, you'll see there is some additional geometry beside the character, that allowed me to get some bounce light onto the character.

I added warm and cold rim lights to make the character stand out from the background.

After I'm happy with the lighting I applied the texture and adjusted the texture to my liking. Then I comped the character on to the background and finished it off with some final touches.