Clipping in Virtual Production

Clipping is a Cinematography term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.

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Basic Definition:

What is Clipping in virtual production?

Clipping is a term used frequently within virtual production and filmmaking. In general, it can be defined as the process of selecting or modifying parts of an image, video frame or model to remove or obscure any unwanted elements. 

In image processing, clipping refers to the loss of detail in areas whose intensity falls outside of the minimum or maximum range of the capture device. This can result in pixelated or distorted images. It’s important for filmmakers to pay attention to camera settings like exposure time, gain, and white balance to avoid excessive clipping.

In rendering, clipping occurs when part of the scene falls outside of the field of view or near/far clipping plane of the virtual camera. In these cases, objects that are too close or far away may become invisible due to being cut off by the clipper algorithm. A good practice is to adjust the camera settings to ensure all relevant elements remain visible while reducing the risk of redundant calculations caused by unnecessary objects that go beyond the viewing limits.

Lastly, in production design, clipping is often used to create cutaway views of a model which allows designers to take a closer look at its inner workings. Clipping techniques vary from manually cutting into the material with tools such as knives and saws to digitally slicing models using 3D software programs like Autodesk Maya or ZBrush. By controlling the depth and width of the cuts, complex shapes can easily be created with precision. 

When creating digital environments for virtual production, it's essential to use software that provides features for both manual and automated clipping. Some popular options include Unreal Engine 4. for real-time interactive productions and Houdini FX for VFX workflows. These applications have powerful editing capabilities that allow users to quickly adjust camera parameters and make adjustments on the fly, making them invaluable tools for today’s virtual productions.