hi people, have a question about a compositing job

[Matt_asimspon]

hey guys, im new around these parts,

i know little about 3d animation, and have a few questions, ive got a script that ill be seeking some funding for, and will pitch with a few visual concepts, clips.

now the story involves a tree trunk that is passing through the interior of a house going floor to ceiling.

now logistically actually transporting and setting up a huge art dept piece to the location isnt ideal, we plan to make a section of it for close ups at least, but while were scoping out options, i wanted to ask how much work it would be to comp in the top of the trunk meeting the ceiling in a wide would be, oreven a full cg version of the tree into the interior?

im a fairly good after affects compositor, so i know about tracking nd mattes, but know nothing of 3d max or maya, yet, i might attempt to teach myself, but dont know if ill be good enough in six months or so to do this level of job.

anybody undetaken a comparable task.
would be interested in taking on such a job.

this is a trailer for my current short, its nothing to do with this film but the style will be of a similar dark tone.

http://vimeo.com/2987137

thanks.

regards
Matt

[Mattykins]

I have a 3D integration project I am working on now. Normally I do 2D composites. But 3D is a new game.

Essentially you will need to mark the area where the tree will be for reference. Shoot it.
Then move it into matchmoving. Which is a much more intensive task than a 2D motion track in AE. You'll need a dedicated piece of software to get the track. I use PF Track personally.

Then we move into the 3D package. Create a digital camera to mimic the physical one. Attach the matchmove to it. Place the tree in the frame where it should go. Light it correctly to match the scene. Render out.

Then move to compositing. Composite the lit and rendered tree into the frame where it should be. Compositing 101 takes over.

Obviously this is a very basic descriptor of how this works. But short answer is, it's not an easy task.

[Matt_asimspon]

hey matt, thanks for the response. my description was just an outline, so thats great.

The shot involves two people entering in the foreground, backs to cam, and looking up at the tree.

i wonder whether i can get way with making it alot easier on myself and just using a locked of shot, from a low angle. shooting a clean plate, and one with the actors against a screen, and then just treat the tree as a digital matte painting, guess i need to shoot a test and see what i can get away with.

ill keep you posted, thanks mate.