A Multi-Touch 3D Set Modeler for Drama Production

Abstract

In contrast to other industries, the media industry and in particular television has not yet been optimized by advanced techniques such as virtual modeling in the pre-production stage. As a consequence, most of the creative decisions in television productions are taken at production time, rendering the production stage more labor intensive than it perhaps should be. We are convinced that television production can also benefit from virtual modeling techniques in pre-production. To this end, we developed an integrated modeling tool for drama production. This tool allows directors to pre-visualize drama scenes in 3D using an intuitive multi-touch interface. Multi-touch technology allows a very intuitive and user-friendly interface for manipulating 3D scenery - no previous expertise in 3D modeling is required and the learning curve is flat and short. Using nothing more than hands and fingers on the multi-touch table, directors manipulate characters, props, cameras and microphones.