How 3D Scanning & Unreal Engine Revived a Historical Moment

At Visualskies, we are no strangers to using 3D data for visual effects in blockbuster films, but Princess Anne: The Plot to Kidnap a Royal marked a departure from our typical projects. Here, the emphasis was on bringing a significant moment in history to life—the attempted kidnapping at The Mall.

The decision to blend traditional model-making with 3D scanning was pivotal to the documentary’s visual impact. ClockWork Films constructed a bespoke physical model of The Mall, complete with figurines representing the key players in the 1974 drama. While physical models often serve as static representations, our role was to digitally transform this model into a dynamic and interactive reconstruction of the scene, making history accessible to viewers in a captivating way.

To create a lifelike recreation of the events, we deployed a comprehensive capture strategy using the latest in scanning techniques. We scanned The Mall physical set model in situ within its filming location using both LiDAR and photogrammetry, ensuring that every detail was preserved in its intended context, capturing the shape, texture and lighting set by the DOP, Piers Leigh. To enable us to dynamically tell the story we captured figurines and miniature vehicles with photogrammetry, generating detailed 3D digital twins representing the individuals and elements involved in the kidnapping attempt. This allowed us to precisely place digital actors in their correct positions, reconstructing the events of the day.

 

Once we completed the scanning process, we meticulously produced 3D Unreal Engine ready assets of all scanned items. This data was then implemented into our proprietary VS Scout App, a virtual scouting tool that allows filmmakers to refine shots on the fly. The app facilitates pre-visualisation of all 3D data and provides rich geomatic information for multiple departments, making it an invaluable resource for collaborative pre-production.

Once the 3D assets were created, we utilised Unreal Engine to transform the static models into a fully realised digital environment. Known for its ability to produce highly realistic visual effects in real-time, Unreal Engine was key to quickly generating hundreds of shots needed to tell the story using the digital miniature model.

For Princess Anne: The Plot to Kidnap a Royal, the pre-planned shots designed by Laurence Turnbull in the VS Scout App were crucial. He used the app to experiment with camera angles, refine shot composition, and save his plans. These shot plans were then handed over to Visualskies, where we completed the final renders in Unreal Engine, bringing the vision to life in a way that was both visually striking and historically accurate.

A key component of the project was the use of entirely scanned data for all the on-screen content. By capturing every detail of the physical model, including vehicles, buildings, and figurines, we achieved an unprecedented level of accuracy in recreating the scene and immersing the audience in the drama. Synchronising the onscreen rendered graphics with the actual filmed sequences.

The scanned data was not only used for static visuals but also to design camera movements and create a dynamic narrative that unfolded over just a few minutes. This innovation allowed the team to unpack a series of key moments, creating a visual experience that felt as though the viewer was right there in the action.

Princess Anne: The Plot to Kidnap a Royal is a testament to the power of innovation in storytelling. By blending traditional model-making with cutting-edge 3D scanning and Unreal Engine technology, the documentary took viewers back to a pivotal moment in British history, immersing them in the drama in a way that had never been done before. At Visualskies, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling. Whether through our work on big-budget films or specialist documentaries like this, we continually explore new ways to merge technology with narrative and bring stories to life in the most compelling way possible.

A special thanks to the talented team at ClockWork Films, including Heenan Bhatti, Piers Leigh, Laurence Turnbull, and Rachael Fish, whose collaboration and creativity were integral to the success of this project.

To achieve the level of detail and realism required for Princess Anne: The Plot to Kidnap a Royal, we utilised an array of high-end equipment and software, including:

Sony A7R4

Leica RTC360

RealityCapture

Unreal Engine

Cyclone 360

ZBrush

These tools were essential in capturing and processing the data, allowing us to bring the physical model to life with stunning accuracy and realism.

For the latest updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deeper dive into the world of visual effects and 3D scanning, we invite you to connect with us on our social media platforms. Follow us and be part of our community where we regularly share our experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-evolving realm of film and VFX production. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see how technology and creativity come together to create cinematic magic.

 

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