Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Combo Bravo and Sheridan College's Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) will collaborate on a virtual production workflow for the creation of diverse photorealistic virtual environments that can be adopted into Combo Bravo's current production practices for virtual reality and film. Combo Bravo is a Toronto-based production company specializing in 360-degree video for film and VR, with clients including Adidas, Chevrolet, UNICEF and others. This applied research and development (R&D) project will (1) assist Combo Bravo with establishing workflow solutions for visualizing cinematography and action using experimental tools within Unreal Engine and (2) enable the creation of engaging photo-real immersive environments for in-camera visual effects through integration of 360 spherical content in game engines. Using techniques developed for 360 video production combined with real-time rendering in Unreal Engine will allow for unique approaches to content creation that will increase efficiency and overcome production challenges relating to location and travel restrictions. This R&D will support Combo Bravo adoption of industry leading technology and bring new solutions to their network of high-end brand and agency clientele. This project aligns with SIRT's goals of supporting leading-edge Canadian screen industry R&D and of remaining at the forefront of emerging technology application and development.