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ENVISIONING THE FUTURE REGION OF NEOM WITH UNPRECEDENTED REALISM THROUGH VOLUMETRIC CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY

MILAN, ITALY, MAY 2 2023

Squint/Opera, a renowned digital design studio  with a reputation for innovative work in the field of architecture, was given the responsibility of producing exceptional visuals and videos of Neom, an ambitious futuristic city development located in Saudi Arabia. Neom aims to be a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and technology, with a focus on key sectors like energy, biotechnology, and entertainment. The region is strategically located near the Red Sea and spans over 10,000 square miles, making it an unprecedented feat of engineering and urban planning.

To create an attractive and captivating representation of the future city of Neom, the visuals must exhibit its groundbreaking and eco-friendly design features, highlighting the various sectors and services that make it unique. It was important that the visuals convey the potential impact of this ambitious project on the region and the world. That's why Squint/Opera turned to the expertise of AXYZ, a trusted name in developing 3D and 4D scanned models of people using advanced capture technology. With their help, Squint/Opera can create truly immersive and realistic images that bring the Neom project to life.

Ollie Alsop, co-founder of Squint/Opera, expressed that “AXYZ's expertise and proficiency in 4D character capturing made them the perfect partner for creating highly realistic 4D animated people that our client was seeking”.

AXYZ's cutting-edge 4D scanning technology was used to capture the movements of people from multiple angles, resulting in highly detailed 4D people scans that were stunningly realistic, capturing not just the subject's physical appearance, but also their mannerisms, facial expressions, and body language. 

Nico Salzano, Senior Producer at Squint/Opera, expressed their satisfaction with the use of volumetric capture models in their archviz project in Saudi Arabia. "The benefits were immediately apparent, and we are thrilled with the results. Our client was able to perceive a lifelike representation of their future city project, making the experience much more immersive and engaging."

During the development of the project in Saudi Arabia, Squint/Opera compared the use of AXYZ's 4D people scans to traditional greenscreen filming methods. They found that the use of volumetric capture models provided a distinct advantage over traditional filming techniques in terms of realism and interactivity. 

Utilizing 4D people scans presents remarkable benefits compared to conventional filming techniques. Unlike green screen filming, which requires actors to perform in front of a green background and then be superimposed on a digital environment, 4D people scans allow for seamless integration of realistic human models into the virtual world, ensuring that 3D models are accurately lit and can be easily manipulated to explore different angles and cameras for final shots. The end result is a more realistic and engaging visual experience for the spectator.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Squint/Opera is a leading creative studio  that specializes in creating visual communications for  architectural projects, urban environments, and large-scale developments. With a team of skilled designers, animators, and software engineers, Squint/Opera has earned a reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of architectural filmmaking . Their work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of design principles, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences.

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