Uploaded on Flickr by varlen
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).
Related posts:
- Kiwi Cowboy Wilson Dixon (Video) “Life is like a salmon swimming upstream,” he says....
- Kiwi Shoe Polish to Get New Owners The iconic kiwi shoe polish is to get new owners...
- Kiwi Racing Star Takes on Streets of Monaco Kiwibloke’s first love has always been cars, the faster the...
- Kiwi Duo Focus Eyes On US Masters 2009 (Video) Two Kiwis are playing at this years US Masters, former...
- Kiwi Anna Paquin Digs Teeth into Vampire Role (Video) Kiwi Academy Award Winner Anna Paquin has hit the headlines...
new zealand
flight of the conchords
Peter Jackson
Kiwi
Kiwifruit
Moblog
Travel and Places
7 responses so far ↓
1 Tony // Mar 26, 2009 at 3:39 pm
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.
2 jamith // Mar 27, 2009 at 1:03 am
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!
3 kiwibloke // Mar 27, 2009 at 6:03 am
If you watch Americas Cup and the fancy racing graphics of the yachts, it is these guys
Cheers and thanks for the comments
4 Brad Harvey // Mar 27, 2009 at 8:31 am
They definitely deserve the contract. Congratulations, this contract will surely lead to much more!
5 kiwibloke // Mar 27, 2009 at 8:36 am
Cheers Brad, I watched them do the first 100% virtual sports cast in Auckland earlier this year. They are good at what they do.
6 Rach from ARL // Apr 5, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Cheers all – has certainly been a LOT of work at our end! And with 2 rounds down we’re only just getting started
7 kiwibloke // Apr 5, 2009 at 11:27 pm
@rach: Cheers, good luck on the next F1 rounds, Melbourne was a great race, it was on ESPN in North America.
KB
Go on leave a comment, it's easy...
We don't use the nofollow tag out of principle, you are welcome to comment, but please respect it or it could disappear. If you want to understand what this means please read my DoFollow Page. We also don't moderate because we believe in instant gratification.