Kiwi Blokes Win Formula One Contract
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Kiwi and Dunedin computer graphics company Animation Research Ltd has won the contract to deliver graphics for this year’s Formula One series for the BBC.
For the young graphics company, this is a huge win. Staff had been working 16- to 18-hour days to put together a graphics package for Sunday’s Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
“To be delivering this from Dunedin, let alone New Zealand . . . it’s a big deal,” says Managing Director Ian Taylor:
That included a detailed 3-D depiction of the Melbourne track and, as the series progressed, it was hoped data from the vehicles would be used for graphics showing lines the drivers took; where they accelerated; braked; their speed; gear choices, and the G-forces they had to deal with.
As well, commentators would be able to “drive” the virtual cars during analysis before or after race coverage, choosing the lines they would take into corners, and how they might have dealt with crashes.
The contract had stretched the limits of the company, as it worked to “build” 17 virtual tracks, as well as all the vehicles involved, their drivers, and had a level of detail down to bumps on the track.
The company has done other major event:
- Every America’s Cup since 1992.
- New Zealand cricket since 2000, including ball tracking for the first umpire review.
- Graphics for major golfing events, including Ryder Cup, US Open, British Open.
- Multimillion-dollar development in 2004 to build training simulators for air-traffic controllers for the Airways Corporation of New Zealand
Along with Weta Workshop, Animated Research is one of those well hidden successes in the high technology field.
Those in North America can see the opening round of Formula One in Melbourne on Speed channel Friday 1-30am Eastern (Practice), Saturday 2am (Qualifying) and Sunday 1-30am (Race Day).
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Their graphics are done in great detail and are very unique. It is not surprise with that much effort and talent they were able to land the rights to do the designs for Formula One.
They have done a lot of hard work and much effort for winning this formula one contract, so we have appreciate for their work.Well Done!
If you watch Americas Cup and the fancy racing graphics of the yachts, it is these guys
Cheers and thanks for the comments
They definitely deserve the contract. Congratulations, this contract will surely lead to much more!
Cheers Brad, I watched them do the first 100% virtual sports cast in Auckland earlier this year. They are good at what they do.
Cheers all – has certainly been a LOT of work at our end! And with 2 rounds down we’re only just getting started
@rach: Cheers, good luck on the next F1 rounds, Melbourne was a great race, it was on ESPN in North America.
KB