Magicam — The Process and Production Techniques

With the use of miniature scenes and models, it is possible to synthesize realistic images by combining a scene containing normal-size objects with a scene containing miniature objects. The normal-size scene is generally called the foreground and the miniature scene is called the background. The resulting synthesized image is generated from the foreground and background scenes using an advanced matting technique. Prior to the development of the Magicam system, camera movement during the matting operation had little success in holding an adequate perspective match between foreground and background necessary to achieve realistic composite images. A precision camera-control servo machine, controlled by an analog computer, was developed to maintain appropriate perspective match during complex camera movements. The system has been designed for both broadcast television and film use. Applications and technical aspects of the Magicam system are discussed.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1977-10

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J06739