Computer models are mathematical representations of a Euclidean space. This may be landscape, a room or a surreal environment. Within this space is also placed a virtual camera. Our view of the model is created, or rendered, through this virtual camera. By moving the camera through the space of the computer model, the virtual environment, the viewpoint of the rendered image moves and the viewer feels as through they are moving through the virtual scene. This is similar to how the viewer's viewpoint is moved through the imaginary world (the diegetic world) of a movie by wheeling the camera on a trolley. As a viewer of the movie your presence within the movie set or virtual scene is mediated through the camera, if the camera is moved you feel as if your presence is altered/moved.

Click here to play with a working model in shockwave.

We use a variety of 3D model generation software packages depending on the creative demands of the scene. Bryce (illustrated) is often used for landscapes, Poser for bodies, Truespace for realistic dynamics and 3D Studio Max for basic geometry construction. 3d Studio Max is also used to consolidate various elements to create the final shockwave models used by Vos and Spider.

the model showing camera
(coloured red)

the view of the model rendered through the camera