By Denise Quesnel, S3D Centre, Emily Carr University of Art + Design

… On August 17-18th, staff from the S3D Centre directed the first variable rate HFR shoot of its kind with talented independent crew and cast members in Vancouver BC. “L’âme Soeur (Soul Mate) 3D” is a dual short film / applied research project that takes full advantage of HFR technology. Shot on the RED Epics on a motorized Kernercam stereoscopic 3D rig in both standard and high frames rates, we used the most recent advances in technology to investigate a question we have been studying for the past year: If technology were capable of capturing and displaying a complete narrative that incorporates variable standard and high frame rates, what are the creative benefits/drawbacks of doing so? Does the utilization of HFR as a ‘tool’ in this regard change the immersive experience for the viewer? We suspect that the question of whether or not to utilize HFR in a stereoscopic 3D film within a narrative context depends largely on the creative intent of the film itself. This short film was a means to explore this research.

Initial research conducted in advance of this production consisted of a complete analysis of cameras, stereoscopic rigs, post production and display solutions that were capable of supporting HFR. The RED Epics were chosen for their ability to shoot HFR at unprecedented resolution, and the ease of a RED workflow. We used our Kernercam 3D rig with Epic mounts which proved of critical importance due to its motorization of IA (inter axial), convergence, and focus. We were unable to find a display capable of HFR playback to bring on set, so we monitored on a consumer LG monitor in standard frame rates [more…]

Source: S3D Centre, Emily Carr University of Art + Design