Exploring Cool 3D Video Applications Using Waves & Tablets

The applications of 3D video are becoming very wide-ranging. Recently, ReelSEO writer Grant Crowell asked if 3D animation software was now valuable for video marketing. As a marketer, I've always been compelled by video content that goes beyond the norms of traditional video- let's face it, 3D video is simply more eye-catching than 2D video. So I have begun to explore what kinds of 3D video applications are out there, and thought I'd let you know about what I've discovered so far.

RealFlow's RealWave

I had the chance to see a presentation on RealWave, presented by After Effects Toronto's Chris Bodaglo of Slyngshot Solutions.

The RealFlow program lets you animate water, gas, or thick droplets of sludge, like in these videos below:

Or even something simpler like this:

There are four different types of waves that you can choose from:

1. Control Points allow you to put points on the wave formation. You can adjust how fast/slow/frequent your point(s) can go up and down.
2. Fractals allow you to create smooth waves right out of the gate. They're quick and can make some very interesting displacements.
3. Spectrum can make your waves a little more uniform and can help make those waves going toward the coast a little nicer with a sunset.
4. Scripting the code that you can use to move waves is Python. Sample scripts can be found in the resources of Realflow.com's website.

Once you're done in RealFlow, you can then export your .bin file and import the waves into your 3D application!

Resources For RealFlow and The Motion Industry

• http://www.fxphd.com (one term lasts 3 months, a tutorial video is distributed each week about a range of topics on RealFlow and the motion industry)
• http://www.digitaltutors.com (great tutorials you can get via subscription monthly/yearly)
• http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com (tutorial DVDs on a wide range of topics mostly in the 3D industry)

If you have any other questions for Chris Bodaglo of Slyngshot Solutions, he can be reached at [email protected]

Video Mirroring

I was also at Mobile Monday Toronto earlier this year, and RIM showed off a unique capability of their PlayBook using a feature called video mirroring, which allows for a "live overhead projector" during presentations! This is due to the front and rear facing camera capabilities of tablets.

In the movies, special effects are often created by shooting scenes from multiple angles, and then using computer software to blend it all in.

Further, front and rear facing cameras can allow for what is known as "spatial imaging", or holograms, allowing for a variety of live hologram applications to go with the many uses found in security, photos, prints, banknotes and more today.

There's even an International Hologram Manufacturers Association that showcases some of the best spatial imaging has to offer. Currently , it's mostly being used for security purposes, but there's no doubt that tablets with rear and front facing cameras have added another dimension to consider for the everyday video and 3D enthusiast.

We won't even need 3D glasses to view it either with the continued development of augmented reality apps, which is 3D visible to the naked eye as I explain here, and what the Ontario College of Art and Design's President and Mobile Media researcher Sara Diamond believes will explode in the next few years!

If you have any other innovative examples of 3D, as I'm just getting started on the topic, please let me know at [email protected], so I can give you the appropriate attention.