Weta Digital released a new ‘Virtual Cinematography’ featurette for ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.’

On their quest to reclaim the dwarvish kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug, Bilbo and the company of dwarves travel through the wilds of Middle-earth, from the cold and mysterious Lake-town to the wild rapids of the barrel escape and the sinister forest of Mirkwood. Weta Digital’s ‘real-world’ approach to virtual lighting and camera work helped sculpt the story of their incredible journey through Middle-earth. From initial previs to the final shot, see how virtual cinematography worked alongside traditional cameras and lighting in this exclusive making-of clip.