MAX-R

DIGITAL LOCATIONS demonstrates the potential of the advanced virtualisation of shooting locations for film production, offering a streamlined approach to pre-visualisation, location scouting, shot planning and Virtual Production. By creating realistic digital twins of real-world locations, it enables filmmakers to visualise scenes, plan complex shots and collaborate effectively while maintaining creative flexibility and control.
Additionally, the concept of DIGITAL LOCATIONS facilitates the virtual exploration of buildings, heritage sites and natural landmarks from anywhere in the world without the need for extensive travel. This not only reduces production costs but also supports sustainability initiatives like the EU Green Deal.
 

KEY BENEFITS & FEATURES:

• Efficient Pre-Vis & Scouting: shot-planning with realistic digital twins of locations
• Virtual Production Ready: minimising on-location filming, available 24/7
• Remote Collaboration: exploring locations virtually, from anywhere
• Supporting Sustainability: reducing costs and travel needs
• Open-Source: built on adaptable technology with customisation on request

 
The current demonstrator is a platform prototype utilising core MAX-R technologies developed by Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg (VPET, TRACER, DataHub) and UPF (wgpuEngine). This project was created in close collaboration with members of the MAX-R Creative User Group: Film Commission Region Stuttgart and Third Picture GBR - reflecting a commitment to advancing industry practices.
 
Latest versions of the DIGITAL LOCATION demo were presented at CVMP 2024 and at the European Film Market during Berlinale 2025.

 
As part of the DIGITAL LOCATIONS initiative, we have released two datasets under the Creative Commons licence:
The initial dataset features CONTAINER CITY STUTTGART, while the second presents the old horse stables of the MARIENWAHL LUDWIGSBURG estate. Both are available for download below.

In MAX-R, we are developing AI-assisted software tools and pipelines designed to streamline and enhance workflows for 3D animated film productions. These tools aim to empower filmmakers and animators to create bipedal character animations in real-time with the aid of the latest advances in machine learning.
 
AnimHost, an integral component of the TRACER ecosystem, addresses these challenges by connecting animation generators to Digital Content Creation (DCC) applications and other clients. The generated animations can be exported, further processed and refined in standard DCC applications such as the open-source software Blender. This integration allows animation artists to remain within their familiar creation environments while utilising machine learning capabilities and maintaining ultimate creative control over their content.
 
The use-case of the TRACER framework within MAX-R was presented at CVMP 2024 in an AnimHost demo.
 
To test, evaluate and visualise this workflow in a realistic production environment, we produced an animated short film titled SURVIVOR:

ANIMHOST MOTION CAPTURE DATASET 2024 & 2025

 
The training data for the AnimHost animation generator was developed through two dedicated motion capture sessions at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, ensuring fair use and traceability of ownership. The second session focused specifically on running movements.
 
These datasets were released under the Creative Commons licence by Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
 

SHORT FILM UNREAL PROJECT DATASET 2025

 
The Unreal scene and character assets used to produce the final short film, SURVIVOR, which evaluates the animation workflow, are released under the Creative Commons licence by Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
 

As part of MAX-R, our project partners Improbable and the BBC developed tools to enhance live digital experiences and redefine virtual performances. To evaluate their workflow and platform, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg captured a live DJ performance and, in collaboration with Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, hosted the virtual experience BROWSER BEATS. This event brought the minimalist electro DJ set into an interactive online environment, enabling participants to engage with each other as 3D avatars and experience the performance directly through a standard web browser.