It’s pretty amazing how far GPU technology has come over the last decade. The gap between real-time game engines and photo-real post rendering is closing quickly. Take a look at this promo for “Construct”, a short film by Chaos Group, rendered entirely with GPUs.
The entire motion capture session was captured, rendered, and displayed on a camera operator’s viewfinder. Imagine the possibilities this kind of workflow opens up. All kinds of creative decisions that where reserved for live action can be made on a 3D set instantaneously! Additionally, things that would be impossible to change quickly on set, like materials and environments can be made with the click of a mouse during shooting.
** September 2018 Update **
Construct has been finished, released, and the project is evolving forward into new mediums!