By Carolyn Giardina

Rendering or playback engines for in-camera visual effects, a component of virtual production, are among 11 studies launched by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the run-up to its annual Scientific and Technical Awards. The studies are made public each year, allowing individuals and companies with devices or claims of innovation in these areas to submit their work for consideration.

This year's 11 research areas include character dentures, tools for live compositing of virtual characters and environments on set, in-camera VFX rendering or playback engines, LED processors for in-camera VFX, and image-based lighting for CG rendering.

Completing the list are heat protection gel for stunt performer safety, easy-to-use tools for building anatomical character simulation rigs, noise suppressors for post-processing final frames for CG rendering, dynamic time alignment of multiple moving microphones, stabilized multi-camera systems for capturing plates with a wide field of view, and movable six-degree-of-freedom motion bases capable of supporting heavy loads.