Tetra Vaal – Amazingly realistic 3D robot (Video)

This is one of the most realistic 3D animations we’ve seen so far. Why is that?

Tetra Vaal
OK, now we have really reached the point where it is impossible to tell the difference between the computer-generated material and the real footage. Talented people at The Embassy Visual Effects Inc. have created a magnificent piece directed by Neill Blomkamp.

What is so extraordinary about this video is not only their superb 3D rendering, shadows, dirt and the texture, but also a rather unusual context the whole action takes place in. The amateur or semi-pro camera looking footage combined with the casual movements of the robot largely contribute to the ‘real’ feeling.

After you see it once, replay the video and pay attention to some of the poses that the robot makes. Let us, for example, take a look at the robot holding the machine gun upright in a rather patronising and authoritative manner while patrolling the streets of Johannesburg. Then there is the car ride and casual looking through the window in a slight mixture of relaxation, readiness and anticipation we would expect from say, a NYPD officer ready to go to action in some American movie. Perfect analogy to human behaviour and some good cliche pickups make quite a combination.

I have played this video to quite a few people now. Technologically minded audience instantly tries to determine whether this is real of animated while the general audience (amazingly enough) accepts this footage as a fact! Scarry isn’t it.

Download video (QuickTime):

A futuristic robot polices the chaotic streets of a developing nation in this spec commercial / corporate video. This demo spot was created using footage shot in Johannesburg.

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Produced by:
The Embassy Visual Effects Inc.
Director:
Neill Blomkamp

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