DRONE PHOTOGRAMMETRY FOR FILM.

The 2024 example is the visual revolution in the new film Society of the Snow: How Drones and Digital Technologies Are Transforming Cinema.

Photo of the making of the Netflix movie ‘The Snow Society’. the film by J.A. Bayona- NETFLIX

THE ROLE OF DRONES IN VFX (visual effects)

The digital revolution in filmmaking has unlocked new frontiers in visual storytelling, with the use of drones, photogrammetry, airphotogrammetry and LIDAR leading this paradigm shift. These technologies have not only redefined the capture of aerial imagery, but have also radically transformed visual effects (VFX) production, allowing the creation of digital environments that achieve a level of detail and realism close to perfection compared to the real scenery in the Valley of Tears in the Andes.

In this blog, we talk about the application of drones within the film industry, looking at case studies such as ‘Society of the Snow’ where these innovations have been used to deliver a visually immersive experience.

The adaptability and ability of drones to capture high-resolution data from unique perspectives has been a game changer for VFX creators. Beyond spectacular aerial shots, the use of drones to gather detailed terrain information has enabled the creation of 3D models that serve as the skeleton for digital worlds. These models are crucial for designing complex scenes that require pinpoint accuracy in the placement and movement of virtual objects, ensuring seamless integration with recorded sequences.

WE ARE CONVINCED OF THE PROGRESS THAT OFFERING THE SERVICE MEANS FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY AND FOR THE VFX COMPANIES IN THE CANARY ISLANDS.

The reconstruction of the Andes, the theatre of the aerial disaster narrated in ‘Society of the Snow’, benefited from photogrammetry and digital recreation to capture the majesty and hostility of the terrain.

In the following video, we can see how although many scenes were filmed in the Sierra Nevada and other areas, absolutely all the mountain backgrounds are from the Andes.

These techniques allow not only detailed terrain mapping but also the capture of textures and reliefs, crucial elements to recreate the inhospitable environment the survivors faced.

By transforming photographs and laser pulses into 3D models, the VFX artists obtain a detailed canvas on which they can build and manipulate digital elements, enriching the narrative with unprecedented visual realism.

PHOTOGRAMMETRY, 3D AND LIDAR IN THE PRODUCTION ‘Society of the SNOW’.

The ability to recreate real locations with photographic fidelity or design entirely new environments has opened up endless creative possibilities. ‘Society of the Snow’ serves as an illustrative example of how the integration of 3D scenarios enriches the narrative, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a compelling alternate reality. The accurate recreation of the Andes, made possible by data collected by helicopters, drones and processed through photogrammetry and LIDAR, sets a new standard in cinematic immersion, where the line between reality and fiction merges.

INTEGRATION OF 3D SCENARIOS IN CINEMA

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Despite the undisputed benefits, high fidelity data integration poses significant challenges, from managing huge volumes of information to the need for specialised equipment and effective coordination between various production departments. The industry’s response has been to develop innovative solutions, such as advanced data processing software and sophisticated compositing techniques, that enable professionals to overcome these obstacles. These tools not only facilitate the manipulation of captured data but also ensure that digital elements are credibly integrated with the footage, culminating in visual effects that challenge our perception of the real thing.

WITH AirPHOTOGRAMMETRY AND LIDAR THE VFX ARTISTS GET A DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM SET.

CONCLUSION

In BEEDRON RECORD we are convinced of the great advantages of this service for the film industry in the Canary Islands and the possibilities that this work gives to VFX departments and companies in the Canary Islands. Technologies such as drones, photogrammetry and LIDAR in film VFX promise to continue to revolutionise the industry, which is why we offer the use of professional drones for airphotogrammetry. Like the DJI Mavic 3E, which allows the generation of high level and detailed photogrammetry.