Projection-Mapping* Workshop
Estonian Art Academy Animation Masters 11-22 January 2021
by Taavi Varm and Ville Hyvönen
The workshop will cover different techniques and technological possibilities for projection mapping. The goal is to create personal projects starting from idea development, storyboard, and sound design as an essential part of dramaturgical storytelling. End of the workshop, we will organize a public showing for finished audio-visual projects.
* – Projection Mapping is a projection technique used to turn objects, often irregularly shaped, into a display surface for video projection. These objects may be architectural landscapes, such as buildings, small indoor objects, or theatrical stages. This method can add extra dimensions, optical illusions, and notions of movement onto previously static objects.
Taavi Varm is a visual artist interested in combining spatial design with projection-based media. He is currently a Master’s degree student at Media Lab Helsinki, Aalto University. Along the way, he has been teaching video, art, and technology-related courses for the past 20 years in different Universities in Estonia and abroad. That has lead him to be an expert in consulting various government and national projects. He has done stage video design for numerous theatre plays in Estonia, combining hi-tech solutions to narrow the gap between technology and real-time performance. Taavi is also specialized in large-scale projection mapping projects. Lately, he has been working with interactive installations for museums and unique environments. To name a few: Fazer Visitor Centre, Georgian Pavillion at World Expo Astana, Unity DOME 360, Narva Alexander’s Cathedral installation, Narva Museum, and many more.
He runs the hybrid design company Varm Studio with his wife, industrial designer Anni Varm, which has developed many big scale projects to introduce Estonian design worldwide.
Ville MJ Hyvönen is an excellent example of a modern-day Renaissance man. His expertise and experience in the field of film, theatre, sound, and audiovisual have no limit. Almost three decades of work in collaboration with world-known artists like Kristian Smeds, Mikko Roiha, Eva Alkula, Tõnu Kaljuste, Reet Aus, and many more. He has created sound design for numerous theatre plays and full feature movies. Lately, he’s interested in more intimate and detailed sound installations for projects like Fazer Visitor Centre, Finnish Pavillion at World Expo Astana, Helsinki Central Railway Station, and IKEA Our Dream.
Day 1 / January 11 Monday / Introduction lecture
Introduction of the workshop project.
Introduction of lectures Taavi Varm and Ville Hyvönen
Priit Tender will talk about the extra assignment.
18.00-20.00
zoom https://zoom.us/j/94267064018
Day 2 / January 12 Tuesday / Individual work
You will have a day for individual work.
The aim is to get close to a final storyboard, but it’s okay to make changes afterward.
But you should have a general idea developed.
Day 3 / January 13 Wednesday / Feedback animation + sound design
We will have a feedback session.
Depending on the ideas, we will also talk about technical solutions and giving advice.
Let’s keep it practical.
10.00-14.00
zoom https://zoom.us/j/92573302378
Day 4-5 / January 14-15 Thursday, Friday / Individual work
As our timeframe is concise/short (as our final animation)
Final storyboard + time dramaturgy and sound ideas.
Visual examples, style, technique
Day 6 / January 18 Monday / Feedback, problem-solving
Dealing with individual problems
Possible files for test projection
Extra project deadline
10.00-12.00
https://zoom.us/j/93161623327
Day 7 / January 19 Tuesday / Individual work
As we cant meet all together, Taavi will make a video recording of scaled model mapping.
Day 8 / January 20, Wednesday / Sound design day
Ville will listen to your sound design ideas and give feedback.
12.00-14.00
https://zoom.us/j/94661738665
Day 9 / January 21, Thursday / Final day for individual work
Taavi is also available for questions and support.
Day 10 / January 22, Friday / MEETING
LINK for Friday “real life” meeting:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tjEGbayS0hEkdSxr_kOfxDRKvLKlJw0EREU2yOwwrLs/edit?usp=sharing
Taavi is meeting teams in real life. Masks and all!
Everyone will spend 15-20 min checking out their animation and mapping on the miniature model.
+ Record a short presentation video clip for your animation.
How to present your work (loose guide):
1. Introduce yourself with one sentence starting with your name.
2. The story behind your work (this is what people will remember).
3. Share something about the process.
4. What did you learn.
Software list:
commercial software I used for this workshop:
https://madmapper.com
https://www.millumin.com
I found this nice free alternative for mapping:
https://mapmapteam.github.io//
a good overview of software:
http://projection-mapping.org/software/
sharing video between programs:
http://syphon.v002.info
https://spout.zeal.co
render service I use:
https://us.rebusfarm.net/en/
Monday / Day 11 / Presentation Day
The presentation will take place in the 3rd-floor lobby area.
15:30 preparations
17:00 presentation
Later that evening, we will have a presentation of animations and hopefully have a glass of wine.
+ After that, at the end of February (if our government permits) there will also be a showing in Kohtla-Järve. Fieldtrip?
Material for workshop:
3D files (c4d, obj, fbx, abc) and STILL images LINK
SLACK group: https://join.slack.com/t/varmstudio/shared_invite/zt-knl0fh11-J3QxNbhvldnSLWd_96xgDA
Final video file technical requirements:
size:
1920 x 1080 pixels
framerate:
30 fps
codec:
video: H264 or Prores422
audio: 44100 Hz stereo (PCM or AAC)
instpiration:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cszudjlj87grx7c/AADQZDLrndjH03EN9fyP5J3ya?dl=0
Links from Ville:
Making music from nature sounds just with iphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ8Z13vQ7wI
Animation sound design / Bill Burt / Wall-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IPxIvbc_cs
Foley sounds in general
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO3N_PRIgX0
Axioma – projection mapping project:
Good example of music sync at 5:10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpRLwLcLHNA
Links from Taavi:
My favorites:
https://www.pinterest.com/mrmiisu/video/
Estonian artists:
Blogs/stuff:
https://www.creativeapplications.net
https://cdm.link/category/motion/
https://www.behance.net/search/projects/?search=projection%20mapping&sort=recommended&time=month
Nice pics examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpRLwLcLHNA
bonus:
self help:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6v3Irc8wvEN6B_SAMJntbcFL2Qm5u-Nh