The line between real and render : Exploration of CG integration and the thresholds of photorealism

Sammanfattning

This thesis explores the definition of photorealism and the challenges when integratingcomputer-generated elements into live-action footage, with a particular focus on achievingphotorealism through accurate match moving, lighting, and shadow interactions. Working aspart of a VFX team on a short film, the project investigates how different decisions affectedthe photorealism of the final result. Using software like Nuke, Houdini, and Maya, analyzing aspects such as lighting andcamera tracking, broadened my understanding of how photorealism is achieved acrossdepartments. Though some planned implementations, such as the use of camera artifacts,were limited by time constraints and changing workload distribution, the theoreticalgroundwork for these elements is still established. The findings emphasize the importance of cross-department collaboration, clearcommunication, and a shared understanding of how realism must be considered throughoutthe pipeline, from footage preparation and camera tracking to animation and lighting. Thethesis also reflects on the shifting perception of realistic computer-generated images ineveryday media and how that influences the expectations of VFX.