Thomas Javier Castillo, Department of Theatre and Film, Bowling Green State University

Projection Mapping is...

Projection of 2D visual content onto 3D structures, surfaces, or objects.

Also, the utilization of 2D textures or patterns to guide the visual content.

Ideally, an interplay between content and surface/space...but that is a challenge!

-Learn to view 3D spaces or objects in two dimensions.

-It's not what it is, it is what it looks like: this process in many ways is one big exercise in perspective drawing and design.

-Negative space.

-It's all fair game in terms of the projected content: animation, live action, any mixture thereof. BUT...strong color or light contrasts do tend to project better.

Here, a simple structure...

Image by Anirudh Koul, Tower by Eiffel

First Mapped...

And then transformed...by projection (or by cheap illustration)

Further (and better) examples...

BGSU Media Synthesis Documentations: https://vimeo.com/groups/mediasynthesis

The Icebook: https://vimeo.com/19348564

Scintillation: https://vimeo.com/3114617

Willow Music Video: https://vimeo.com/3114617

White Stripes Music Video: https://vimeo.com/471982

Projection Mapping Tumblr: http://videomapping.tumblr.com/

Within this technique, a lot of variety in the specifics of surfaces, and level of interactivity between surface and projection

That 3rd dimension is extremely challenging: Start with simple patterns and textures as guides

Best students examples: Pocock, Heimovitz, Lakis

The method...illustrated!

The method...

Start from content or from surface? A little bit of both...

Project a blank, transparent signal, and then outline the surface, texture, or object.

The resolution of the map (and the content) is dependent on the resolution capabilities of the projector.

The method...

Mapping requires a surface, a projector, playback, an imaging program (ie Photoshop or GIMP) and some level of control over ambient light.

Measurements and markings are key: placement of the projector during the exhibition has to exactly match the placement during the mapping.

The method...

Resolution and lumens are great, but most important is ambient light: a cheap old projector is fine in a dark room.

It is site-specific and fleeting. Documentation is a must!

Not just projecting movies onto walls...as much as possible, build to content in conjunction with the surface or transform existing content to work with the surface.

Media Synthesis course at Bowling Green State University, Fall 2012

Co-taught: Heather Elliott-Famularo and Thomas Javier Castillo

Interdisciplinary: Film Production and Digital Arts

Undergrad and Grad

Visiting Artist Diana Riechenbach: dianareichenbach.com

Media Synthesis course at Bowling Green State University, Fall 2012

Intensive workshop and exhibition

Big semester-end Arts Extravaganza event

Proposal, Exhibition, Critique, Documentation

Shared resources

Incorporate existing skill sets

Every piece of gear helps: mirrors, scraps of wood, old projectors and monitors

Key questions/challenges in the film production environment

So...what does this have to do with FILM?

How does this help me get a JOB?

Long history and rich set of active examples in the art world, but not much documentation in the film world.

How, as a teacher, can I engage film people?

Projection in Film: A Long Tradition in Visual Effects

Jean Cocteau: Orpheus

A very unique, interactive use of the classic rear projection technique.

Projection in Film

Stanley Kubrick: 2001 (and the Moon Landings!)

Images by sacredmysteries.com (!)

Front projection...requires careful coordination of set design, performance, and projected material.

Often utilizes mirrors

Projection in Film

Projection in Film

Michel Gondry-White Stripes Dead Leaves Music Video http://youtu.be/7OyytKqYjkE

The whatever method of projection. Very rough quality, but works very well in the right circumstances.

Projection in Film

Joseph Kosinski/Claudio Miranda: Oblivionhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DCkIuv82Q4#at=62

h/t to Bayonet Media

So...back again to what would be considered old-fashioned. But new cameras, projectors, and surfaces give this old technique new life.

Projection is Production

Requires all of the typical film production skills: Shooting, lighting, editing, scheduling, and so forth.

Students must bring their full set of skills to bear: Technical skill and conceptual clarity.

Production organization is key: no use coming up with wacky concepts only to get sidetracked for lack of a widget. Find the resources or adapt.

Critical Challenges for Filmmakers

Can filmmaking skills apply to other environments?

How does narrative work, or not?

How can narrative utilize space? How can space utilize narrative?

Site-specific storytelling: is this a thing?

Critical Challenges for Filmmakers

How does the live element change the way a filmmaker approaches the project?

How can performance or interactivity be incorporated?

How can you emotionally impact your audience with a different set of tools?