SCENE 01 / VOLUMETRIC CAPTURE
Volumetric Capture
3D video recording for immersive experiences.
Here is how this works in practice. Volumetric capture records three-dimensional performances using arrays of synchronized cameras, creating digital assets that can be viewed from any angle. This technology produces photorealistic 3D content for virtual reality, augmented reality, game engines, and interactive media applications.
Here is the short of it. We connect you with volumetric capture studios and tech teams set to recording high-fidelity 3D performances. Our team sets up stage booking, calibration, and data processing pipelines to deliver volumetric assets that integrate seamlessly into your project's post-prod and distribution workflow.
Capabilities
Volumetric Services
Capture real performances as viewable 3D video from any angle.
01
Capture Systems
- Multi-camera arrays
- Depth sensors
- Synchronized capture
- High-resolution
- Full 360° coverage
Complete Volume
02
Performance
- Actor capture
- Full body motion
- Facial detail
- Costume capture
- Multi-person scenes
Human Performance
03
Processing
- 3D reconstruction
- Mesh generation
- Texture mapping
- Format conversion
- Quality optimization
Full Pipeline
04
Applications
- VR experiences
- AR content
- Holographic displays
- Game cinematics
- Interactive media
Immersive Content
True 3D Video
Capabilities
Our Process
Pre-Production
Planning capture needs, wardrobe considerations, and tech setup.
Capture Session
Recording performances in the volumetric stage with synchronized cameras.
Processing
Converting raw capture data into 3D video assets through reconstruction.
Delivery
Optimizing and delivering volumetric content in needed formats.
On Location
Volumetric Capture Pipelines Anchored by Weta and Avatar
Here is how this works in practice. Our volumetric capture capacity in New Zealand combines the Wellywood real-time pipeline. Stone Street Studios in Miramar, Park Road Post, and Wētā FX (post Unity sale, Manuka renderer DNA retained) — with Kumeu Film Studios in Auckland. This was purpose-built for James Cameron's Avatar 2/3 production pipeline and houses the largest underwater performance capture tank in the Southern Hemisphere at Manukau Wellington.
Here is how this works in practice. Standard volumetric stages combine 4D Views and Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture multi-camera arrays (up to 106-camera rigs), Mo-Sys StarTracker and Vicon Vero performance capture, ARRI Alexa LF / Mini LF, Sony Venice 2, and RED V-Raptor witness camera arrays, with Faro X130 / Leica RTC360 LiDAR for set reconstruction and Reality Capture / RealityScan photogrammetry pipelines. Mark Sagar's Soul Machines facial-capture R&D at Auckland directly seeds the volumetric performance pool.
Here is the short of it. NZ's volumetric capture heritage is among the world's most major: Andrew Lesnie's LOTR Massive crowd-simulation engine at Weta Digital pioneered procedural performance capture in 2001. Peter Jackson's King Kong (Andy Serkis performance capture, Best Visual Effects Oscar 2006), Avatar (2009 — first major application of facial performance capture), and Avatar Way of Water (2022. Best Visual Effects Oscar 2023, with underwater volumetric capture at Manukau Wellington a world first) all routed through NZ-based pipelines.
Here is the short of it. Rings of Power (Amazon Prime) continues the volumetric workflow at Auckland Film Studios. We set up NZSPG 20% + 5% productivity uplift records through the New Zealand Film Commission, the extra 5% post-prod NZ-content uplift for finishing routed through Park Road Post, plus required iwi/hapū consultation under Te Tiriti o Waitangi where te reo Māori, kapa haka, or sacred taonga are digitally captured (Te Puni Kōkiri liaison). WorkSafe NZ studio compliance, ACC universal accident cover, and MEAA-Equity NZ credentialing are bundled into each booking.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is volumetric capture?
Volumetric capture records a performance from all angles at once using dozens of synchronized cameras. This creates true 3D video that can be viewed from any angle—not just a flat 2D recording.
How is it different from motion capture?
Motion capture records movement data applied to CG characters. Volumetric capture records the actual look of performers—their faces, costumes, and movements—as viewable 3D video, no CG characters needed.
What are common applications?
Volumetric video is used for VR/AR experiences, holographic displays, immersive documentaries, music performances, game cinematics, and anywhere viewers want to move around and through recorded scenes.
What are the wardrobe considerations?
Certain patterns and materials can challenge volumetric reconstruction. We advise on costume choices during pre-production—mostly solid colors and matte fabrics work best, though modern systems handle more variety.
What formats can you deliver?
We can deliver volumetric content in many formats including point clouds, mesh sequences, and compressed volumetric video formats. Delivery format depends on your target platform and playback needs.
Where are volumetric stages in New Zealand?
New Zealand has access to volumetric capture facilities through partnerships with global studios. We set up stage access, tech crews, and all aspects of volumetric production.
Related Services
Productions in New Zealand that need this often pair it with AR Production, Multi-Camera Setups, and Virtual Production for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Multi-Camera Shoots and Post-Production Audio.
On Set
Need Volumetric Capture?
Tell us about your immersive project and we'll capture it in 3D.