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How do I have a character Throw an Object and track it. Help
I need help with an effect I’m trying to achieve.
How do I make a character throw an object (in this case a stone) and have the rock glide through space.
My biggest concern is planning this shot.
Do I shoot the character with a reference object in hand and eliminate it in post? Or, do I shoot the character pretending to hold, then throw, and add the stone into the character’s hand in post?
I was wondering if anybody has done something like this or knows anywhere I can get a tutorial.
I’ve seen a lot of movies where character throws a knife or bat etc and it glides thru space. Kinda same thing.
Thanks.
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5 Replies
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Why not shoot both and see which works best for your particular situation?
You may even be able to use both. -
I would certainly have the actor hold and throw a prop stone, and then replace the prop with your CGI stone after it leaves the actors hand. Removing the stone from a background with the paint tools will be relatively simple, especially if the shot is locked down. Then you can animate your replacement stone however you like.
Planning and setting up a shot like this is 3/4 of the battle. The post SHOULD be easy if you can shoot it well. It might help if you could describe in more detail exactly what you want… is it a hand held shot? Does the camera pan to follow the path of the stone? Is it a big rock or a small stone?
Brian -
Thanks guys. Yes I intend to shoot both and see what works.
Here’s the scene:
Sequence 1: Medium Shot of a character, throws a stone (average sized stone that will fit into a palm but still visible)
Sequence 2: The camera pans left (tracking the stone)
Sequence 3: The camera stops 180 degrees as we see the stone fly past the same character (medium shot but different clothing)
I hope this is clearer.
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I would also shoot the shot both ways. Putting a like object in the actor’s hand allows them to position their hand correctly and the weight of a real object will influence their movement and add to the realism of the shot.
If you are shooting motion capture or from a static camera position, I would also shoot a background plate, which would easily allow you to paint out the prop object.
If you are moving the camera and not using motion capture, I would first work with the actor and the prop object until you have everything as you want it. I would shoot takes with the real object and then shoot without the prop object. Encourage the actor to feel the weight of the object so you maintain the realism. You can also try having the actor release the object earlier in their throw than they normally would. This allows the actor to position their hand correctly and feel the weight of the object, but allows it to leave frame quickly. It may be that the prop object is covered by the post object and you don’t have to paint anything.
Hope this helps,
Eric
Eric Goldstein
Giraffe Film Company
Los Angeles
eric@giraffefilm.com -
Thanks Eric. I appreciate all the tips. It should be fun trying this out.
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