My Question

How can virtual environments/worlds be used by filmmakers and animators as part of their creative working process and or arena for product?


My intentions with this research project is to achieve a deeper understanding of the thoughts of filmmakers and animators, in regards to the role 3D virtual worlds play in their' daily work. I shall discuss the meaning of 3D Virtual reality and explore where it has come from, its current impact in the film industry.
I shall explore 3D Virtual worlds such as Second Life, Worlds of Warcraft and Multiverse so to find out why they are becoming increasingly popular with filmmakers and animators. I intend to explore the evolution of virtual worlds and some of the ways they're enabling new production techniques in film. I will explore how and why Virtual Worlds are considered as pre-visualization solutions for filmmakers. I shall find out whether virtual worlds give filmmakers the opportunity to practice 3D storyboarding in real time and how it is beneficial to them in comparison to the traditional storyboarding techniques. I will explore how filmmakers use digital technology to create a world they want, and the process of doing so. I intend to discover how this cutting edge technology changes the way movies and stories are approached.
I will explore whether virtual worlds shall change the film industry, and whether the two can potentially be intergrated in the future. I will also explore how films are influencing designers to create virtual spaces based on films such as the Titanic and Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Multiverse. I shall also research on the impact 3D virtual worlds of movie promotion in the virtual worlds.The current generation is becoming more familiar with exploring within 3D Virtual Worlds, there is fear that this might encourage isolation i will also discuss the dangers that could possibly arise due to the popularity of 3d Virtual Worlds

After christmas i will interview students as well as staff to collect the relevant information. I shall discuss the process of creating virtual environments with in the film industry such as the creative process and the production process. I shall represent the process using sketches, text, digital art, charts etc. The goal of a virtual space designer, whilst planning their' virtual sets' and the different skills involved.The factors and techniques that are used and considered during the pre-visualization stage, such as the importance of the viewer. Explore the roles of viewers, some users are passive, observant, active or interactive and find out the reasons behind the viewers habits. I will explore the different environments that have been created in the 3D virtual worlds such as those influnced by films and see how they might appeal to regular users and the moods the environments create. I intend to become an active user of Second Life and Multiverse record my activity, and interview other users'. Thus i shall design an avatar that reflects my alter ego and place it in an environment suitable for it.