Layout Stage

Example: kure_layout_sq0020_sh0040_v001_nb.blend
Resolution: 5328*2880

The Layout stage is a critical phase in our shot production pipeline. In this stage, we transition from the rough compositions of the previs stage to a technically sound and finalized layout. The primary goal is to establish the final environment, camera, and initial lighting that will guide the background artists and downstream processes.

Layout Example An example of a finalized layout, showcasing the cleaned-up set, established lighting, and final camera angle. Note the overscan (33.33%) in the render.

Core Objectives

  • Set Finalization: We import the set geometry from the previs stage and perform a thorough cleanup. This involves optimizing geometry, ensuring proper scale, and organizing the scene hierarchy. The result is a finalized set that serves as the foundation for both background painting and the final projection set.
  • Lighting Foundation: Initial lighting is established to define the mood and time of day. This lighting pass serves as a direct guide for the background painters.
  • Camera Finalization: The camera animation from the previs stage is refined and locked. This final camera movement will be used throughout the rest of the production pipeline until the final rendering stage.
  • ViewLayer Setup: ViewLayers are configured to separate the scene into distinct renderable groups. The primary reason for this is to prepare for the background projection workflow. Splitting the set into layers based on depth (e.g., foreground, midground, background) is crucial to prevent texture stretching and distortion when the 2D background painting is projected back onto the 3D geometry. The specific breakdown of layers must be carefully considered for each shot based on the distance between objects and the camera movement. A well-planned layer separation ensures a clean projection.

Refer to the examples below for a typical ViewLayer structure.

ViewLayer Example - layers > Note: A complex shot like this one, would normally require more layers to further separate the foreground and midground elements, aswell as the sky. but for the sake of simplicity, this example only uses four layers.

Published Files

Upon completion of the Layout stage, the following files are published for use by subsequent departments.

2D Deliverables

  • PNG: A separate PNG for each ViewLayer. These renders should come from the overscan (33.33%) static camera.
  • Resolution: 5328*2880
  • Naming example: kure_layout_sq0020_sh0040_pileDriver_v001.png

3D Deliverables

  • Cleaned Set: A finalized 3D scene file containing the cleaned and optimized set geometry. This file will be utilized by the background painting department for creating the projection set.

  • Naming example: kure_layout_sq0020_sh0040_set_v001.blend

Camera

  • Final Camera: A single, approved camera for the shot. This camera asset should not have any overscan applied and will be the standard for all following production stages up to the final render.

  • Naming example: kure_layout_sq0020_sh0040_cam_v001.blend