Reviewing Intelligent Cinematography: AI research for camera-based video production

2024-05-08

arXiv.org

AI Summary

This paper addresses the core challenge of enhancing cinematic production quality through AI. Methodologically, it establishes the first comprehensive survey framework for Intelligent Cinematography (IC), encompassing generative AI, object detection/tracking, camera calibration, multi-view geometry, 3D reconstruction, and IC-driven virtual production (ICVFX), systematically analyzed across four real-world production scenarios: general, virtual, live broadcast, and aerial cinematography. It innovatively identifies virtual production—particularly LED volume capture and automated 3D modeling—as a cross-media breakthrough, while prospectively examining ethical and legal implications of creative AI. The work delivers the first interdisciplinary IC technology landscape, introducing a unified terminology system, a coherent technological evolution roadmap, and a practical industrialization pathway—thereby providing both theoretical foundations and actionable guidance for academia and the film industry. (149 words)

Technology Category

• Computer Vision: Computational Photography, Image & Video Synthesis
• Humans and AI: Game Design — Procedural Content Generation & Storytelling
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Computational Creativity

Application Category

• Social Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systems
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Economic ramifications for generative AI infrastructure and applications
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

This paper offers the first comprehensive review of artificial intelligence (AI) research in the context of real camera content acquisition for entertainment purposes and is aimed at both researchers and cinematographers. Addressing the lack of review papers in the field of intelligent cinematography} (IC) and the breadth of related computer vision research, we present a holistic view of the IC landscape while providing technical insight, important for experts across disciplines. We provide technical background on generative AI, object detection, automated camera calibration and 3-D content acquisition, with references to assist non-technical readers. The application sections categorize work in terms of four production types: General Production, Virtual Production, Live Production and Aerial Production. Within each application section, we (1) sub-classify work according to research topic and (2) describe the trends and challenges relevant to each type of production. In the final chapter, we address the greater scope of IC research and summarize the significant potential of this area to influence the creative industries sector. We suggest that work relating to virtual production has the greatest potential to impact other mediums of production, driven by the growing interest in LED volumes/stages for in-camera virtual effects (ICVFX) and automated 3-D capture for virtual modeling of real world scenes and actors. We also address ethical and legal concerns regarding the use of creative AI that impact on artists, actors, technologists and the general public.

Problem

• Artificial Intelligence in Videography
• Creative Industry Impact
• Ethical and Legal Issues

Innovation

• Artificial Intelligence
• Smart Cinematography
• Virtual Production