FrameForge 3D Studio

FrameForge Storyboard Studio (formerly FrameForge Previz Studio) is previsualization storyboard software used by directors, cinematographers, VFX Supervisor[1] and other creatives in the fields of filmmaking, television production, filmed advertising, industrial videos and other filmed or video content.

FrameForge Storyboard Studio
FrameForge Storyboard Studio on Mac OS X
Developer(s)Innoventive Software
Stable release
Version 4 / December 2019
Operating systemMac OS X, Windows
TypePre-production
LicenseProprietary
Websitehttp://www.frameforge.com

The software creates virtual sets and locations using simulated cameras, actors and objects in photo-accurate 3D scaled sets for previsualization. FrameForge creates data-rich Storyboards and exports these sequences for use at all stages of production for both traditional 2D shoots and, with the introduction of version 3, stereographic 3D shoots too. It won a Technical Achievement Emmy from the National Academy of Arts and Sciences[2] along with a Lumiere Statuette from the Advanced Imaging Society[3]

Background

The program was designed by filmmaker Ken Schafer and his San Diego-based software company Innoventive Software, LLC. A graduate of New York University's film program, Schafer started software programming in the 1980s by creating an extensive system of macros for WordPerfect that automatically formatted text into screenplay format. He packaged these macros and sold them under the name Script Perfection. The macros evolved into the stand-alone program called ScriptThing and was eventually exclusively licensed for sale by Screenplay Systems under the name of Movie Magic Screenwriter.[4] Schafer followed up with other software designs including the program FrameForge Storyboard Studio.

Overview

FrameForge runs on both Mac OS X and Windows Operating Systems. The software comes with an library of 3D objects that allow for the construction of precise 3D spaces (sets and locations) using a drag'n drop paradigm. These sets are viewed through virtual cameras which can exactly mimic the optical properties of real-world cameras.

The User Interface simulates a ‘Multi-Camera Control Room’, a virtual studio where the user can build and amend rooms and spaces, place cameras, props and actors without any technical knowledge of 3D programs. FrameForge comes pre-set for standard and custom film sizes plus popular prime lens collections which obtain accurate data while the user explores multiple camera angles, shots, lenses and choreography.

Whenever a frame is stored by the user, all the camera and object data is stored as well, giving the user the option to view, print and export not only the image that they want the camera to see, but also all the technical information required to capture that image on a real set.

The software comes with over 800 unique objects and actors that interact with each other like their real world counterparts do. Drag an actor to a chair and he sits, drag a gun or cigarette to a hand and it will be held, dresser drawers pull open and trees can lose their leaves. Further, actor features like ‘reach-for’ and ‘look-at’ simplify posing that can be modified down to a single finger's joint.

Other Features
  • Instant rendering of multiple camera POVs with OpenGL Hardware Acceleration, Texture Sharing and other optimizations
  • Room Builder Drag’n’draw generation of a set with sizable walls, windows, doors and overall dimensions
  • TrueOptix optically-correct Depth of Field depiction with user controllable f/stop and point of focus settings
  • KeyFrame ‘Tweening:’ The automatic creation of averaged in-between frames creating camera and actor movement animations
  • Export to QuickTime, PDF and Flash Animation formats
  • Actor Pose Control
    • Partial Pose selection to select ‘in between poses’
    • Full Facial expressions plus facial modifiers and phonemes
    • Body and Facial Morphs (Fat, thin, gaunt face, Roman nose, etc.)
    • Can be aged from 20-60 yrs
    • Numerous Hair and Clothing options
    • "Reach For...", "Look at..." and "Match Eyelines…" functions
  • Exact on-set distance reporting and measuring of set objects
  • USB Game Pad Interface allows control of the program from a standard joystick USB Game Pad or a proprietary Director's Pad* (sold separately)
  • Native VRML Object Creation support with options to create ‘hinged’ part objects
  • Importation and association of script documents from script formatting and popular word processing software

Awards
  • Technical Achievement Emmy from the National Academy of Arts and Sciences in the Pre-production Previsualization System Category. One of the key criteria for this Emmy was that the pre-visualization capability of this software allows the user to test and solve real-world production issues during pre-production, with a proven track record of saving productions time and money by eliminating the requirement to perform physical tests on-set until convinced of the final design.[5]
  • Lumiere Technology Award from the International 3D Society, presented to FrameForge Previz Studio 3, Stereo Edition at the I3DS's 4th Annual Creative Arts Awards. The International 3D Society's Technology Awards honor technological achievement in the stereoscopic medium and are given to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the advancement of stereoscopic arts and technologies.[6]

Reviews

References
  1. Mark Kolpak, VFX Supervisor Marvel's Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D.
  2. http://emmyonline.com/tech_67th_recipients
  3. "3D Society Honors Innoventive Software". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2020-01-03.
  4. Holben, Jay. "FrameForge 3D Studio Simplifies Storyboard Process" American Cinematographer Magazine October 2003. pp 101–106
  5. http://emmyonline.com/tech_67th_recipients
  6. "3D Society Honors Innoventive Software". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2020-01-02.
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