Today I got to visit the set of Grey’s Anatomy. The production graciously let us come see their shoot so that we could learn what we live action techniques might apply to the world of CG animation. I think we ended up with quite a few useful insights. The main one for me is that I wish it were easier to set up soft light sources in CG and have them render quickly.

The other thing of note is that the DP combines the functions of storyteller, camera angle, blocking, and lighting in a way that we don’t usually have in animation. In many ways it’s much more efficient to consider all these aspects when setting up a shot instead of thinking about them separately (and often months apart) as often happens in animation.

There’s a really cool vibe about a live action set. Patrick Dempsey was also kind enough to chat for a moment with our little group about his experiences with animation production.

Not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon.