The SIRT Centre recently completed the first stage of a major 3D high frame rate (HFR) research project in collaboration with Christie Digital and a broad group of Ontario and international industry associations and companies. The project is focused on helping industry with the technical opportunities and challenges associated with the introduction of HFR moviemaking and display, as well as on its impact for the audience experience and the creative production process.
As part of SIRT’s role as an international centre for High Frame Rate research, HFR footage from a variety of cameras is being captured for workflow research by SIRT and its national and international collaborators. An initial 3D shoot was directed by SIRT Technology Supervisor Bert Dunk, (ASC, CSC), with the objective being to capture a variety of shots at frame rates of 24, 48 and 60 frames per second, with shutter angles ranging from 180 to 360 degrees. Shot on location at Pinewood Toronto Studios using ARRI Alexa cameras and a Stereo Tango rig, the shots included Wushu fighters to capture rapid movement within the frame; as well as dolly and pan movements that were designed to examine the implications of shutter angle and frame rate on audience perception of resolution and strobing. The shoot involved a team of industry professionals including stereographer Brent Robinson, digital engineer Jasper Vrakking and motion control specialist Ray McMillian, as well as support from Christie Digital, Dashwood Cinema Solutions, William F. White, DJ Woods, Clairmont Camera, Laffoux Solutions, Sony Canada, MasterImage, and Rohde & Schwarz.
The aim of this initial shoot is to identify the precise combination of camera settings that produce clear, smooth images with fluid movement and very little chatter, but avoid the harsh crispness that some industry experts associate with high frame rates. This first stage of the project will provide the basis for further testing of capture and display at high frame rates at SIRT.
A reel of selected shots from this shoot was screened at the HFR Cinema panel at SIGGRAPH 2012, held August 8th. SIRT director John Helliker participated in the panel and discussed the potential of HFR cinema from an applied research perspective. The HFR panel has since been covered in The Hollywood Reporter and Creative COW.
SIRT and its partners will continue to analyze the footage and material from upcoming shoots using a Christie 4K CP4220 projector with HFR capacity of up to 60 fps and 22-ft silver and white screens located at SIRT’s 5000 square foot studio space at Pinewood.
