FrameForge Storyboard Studio is previsualizationstoryboard software used by directors, cinematographers, VFX Supervisor and other creatives in the fields of filmmaking, television production, filmed advertising, industrial videos and other filmed or video content. The software creates virtual sets and locations using simulated cameras, actors and objects in photo-accurate 3D scaled sets for previsualization. FrameForge creates data-rich Storyboards and exports these sequences for use at all stages of production for both traditional 2D shoots and, with the introduction of version 3, stereographic 3D shoots too. It won a Technical Achievement Emmy from the National Academy of Arts and Sciences along with a Lumiere Statuette from the Advanced Imaging Society
Background
The program was designed by filmmaker Ken Schafer and his San Diego-based software company Innoventive Software, LLC. A graduate of New York University's film program, Schafer started software programming in the 1980s by creating an extensive system of macros for WordPerfect that automatically formatted text into screenplay format. He packaged these macros and sold them under the name Script Perfection. The macros evolved into the stand-alone program called ScriptThing and was eventually exclusively licensed for sale by Screenplay Systems under the name of Movie Magic Screenwriter. Schafer followed up with other software designs including the program FrameForge Storyboard Studio.
Awards
Technical Achievement Emmy from the NationalAcademy of Arts and Sciences in the Pre-production Previsualization System Category. One of the key criteria for this Emmy was that the pre-visualization capability of this software allows the user to test and solve real-world production issues during pre-production, with a proven track record of saving productions time and money by eliminating the requirement to perform physical tests on-set until convinced of the final design.
Lumiere Technology Award from the International 3D Society, presented to FrameForge Previz Studio 3, Stereo Edition at the I3DS's 4th Annual Creative Arts Awards. The International 3D Society's Technology Awards honor technological achievement in the stereoscopic medium and are given to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the advancement of stereoscopic arts and technologies.
Reviews
"White Paper" on the Production of the Short Film "Wallenda", by Director VW Scheich. Posted Feb 28, 2012, http://www.frameforge3d.com/News/Press/FrameForge-3D-and-Wallenda:-A-Match-Made-in-3D-Heaven/
Post Magazine, by Igor Ridanovic. Posted Jan 1, 201, http://www.postmagazine.com/Publications/Post-Magazine/2011/January-1-2011/Review-FrameForge-Previz-Studio-3.aspx