How 3D VFX and Facial Scanning Technology Power the Global Rise of K-Content
Optimizing vision systems for high-quality 3D facial scanning
- Customer
- Dexter Studios
- Location
- Seoul, South Korea
- Date
- June, 2025
With the global expansion of OTT platforms, Korean VFX technology is gaining significant attention on the international stage. The production of world-class 3D VFX requires an exceptional level of precision, indistinguishable from reality. To achieve this, high-performance machine vision systems optimized for the unique demands of the film industry are essential.
What role do vision systems play in 3D VFX production?
3D VFX systems are technologies used to create computer-generated scenes in films and dramas that either do not exist in reality or are impossible to shoot.
In 3D VFX production, vision systems play a critical role in accurately capturing the movements and facial expressions of actors. Data collected through high-resolution cameras and precision lighting systems forms the foundation for realistic 3D modeling and animation during post-production. In the film industry in particular, image quality and color accuracy optimized for aspect ratios such as 4:3 or 16:9 are crucial factors that determine the final quality of the work.
The need for next-generation 3D VFX systems
Dexter Studios has been operating its own 3D VFX system, but with the rapidly evolving global content market demanding higher quality, a system upgrade became necessary.
Key technical challenges:
Glare issues: Unwanted reflections caused by direct lighting on actors, leading to degraded data quality.
Lack of lighting uniformity: Strong lighting intensity, but insufficient image uniformity and brightness.
Resolution and performance limitations: Higher resolution and frame rates required for premium 3D VFX production.
Compliance with cinema standards: Need for aspect ratios (4:3 or 16:9) and color accuracy optimized for film production workflows.
These challenges resulted in decreased production efficiency and longer post-processing times, directly affecting project timelines and costs.
Integrated vision solution for 3D VFX systems
Basler thoroughly analyzed Dexter Studios’s requirements and delivered a tailored solution. Initially, the Basler boost camera and F-S35 lens were proposed, followed by an in-depth review of the lighting system. The core objective of the system is to precisely capture the actor’s subtle facial expressions and movements to enable seamless 3D compositing in post-production. A one-week on-site test was conducted to validate performance under real production conditions, during which lighting quality and positioning were continuously monitored and optimized.
A tailored approach to capturing emotions in pixels
At the heart of this system is the Basler boost camera, equipped with a global shutter and a 34.2MP high-resolution sensor. The camera features a 4:3 sensor aspect ratio, aligning perfectly with cinema industry standards for smooth workflow integration. The Basler F-S35 lens, with a 35mm focal length, supports a 530mm working distance and 300mm field of view, accommodating diverse shooting scenarios. To ensure stable transmission of large-volume image data, the imaWorx CXP-12 Quad frame grabber is utilized, guaranteeing real-time, high-speed data streaming. In addition, customized lighting solutions (developed in collaboration with partners) were integrated to reduce glare and improve lighting uniformity, optimizing the overall image quality of the system.
Benefits of vision solutions for 3D VFX production environments
Minimizes cropping or resizing during post-production with 4:3 sensor aspect ratio, aligned with cinema industry standards
Captures subtle facial expressions and movements in high detail with 34.2MP resolution and 36fps performance
Ensures distortion-free, accurate imaging, even during fast motion, thanks to global shutter technology
Accommodates various shooting scenarios flexibly with a 530mm working distance and 300mm field of view
Guarantees real-time, stable transmission of large image data via high-speed CXP-12 interface
Resolves both glare and lighting uniformity issues through development of a customized lighting system
Through Basler’s tailored and integrated solution, Dexter Studios was able to build an economical and efficient 3D VFX system while optimizing overall production costs. As a result, lighting uniformity was improved without brightness loss, glare issues were resolved, and enhanced imaging quality contributed to shortened post-production time and significantly increased production efficiency.
Basler’s solution enabled us to achieve the 3D VFX quality we envisioned—with consistency and confidence. The combination of high-resolution cameras and a tailor-made lighting setup allowed us to acquire detailed facial data with exceptional reliability, while drastically minimizing glare and image noise. What truly stood out was the integrated approach—balancing image quality with system stability. It simplified our entire workflow and significantly boosted post-production efficiency.
Project Partner: Dexter Studios
Dexter Studios is a leading VFX company in South Korea, founded in 2012 by director Kim Yong-hwa. The studio achieved a milestone in Korean cinema history by attracting a total of 27 million viewers with the Along with the Gods series—becoming the first franchise to reach over 10 million admissions for multiple installments. Dexter has also provided VFX for global hits such as Parasite and Space Sweepers. Today, it is Asia’s largest full-service VFX studio, employing over 300 people across eight business divisions. In 2024, Dexter became the first Asian company to win the Media & Entertainment Innovator of the Year at the Autodesk Design & Make Awards.
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