MSG Sphere | Renderball App

Designing and animating on a sphere presents unique challenges. Given the size and 360-degree nature of the canvas, it's important to efficiently visualize content from all viewing angles. Initially, we used an Unreal Engine project provided by MSG, but this required a dedicated specialist to process and render previews—a time-consuming process that hindered rapid experimentation and feedback.

Renderball is an Unreal Engine-based tool designed for quick previewing of imagery and video on the Sphere. As one of the lead creative technologists, I helped develop this lightweight application, enabling designers, artists, directors, and clients to easily preview their work from all perspectives without needing Unreal Engine installed.

Renderball features a simple interface with intuitive controls for easy navigation and visualization.

• Easy Media Import: Drop image sequences and videos (mp4, mov, jpg, png, exr)
• Preset Camera Angles: Set camera to predefined angles based on popular social media drone postings
• Dynamic Environment: Change time of day and lighting conditions
• Content Control: Customize content playback (speed, rotation, brightness)
• Flexible File Format: Support for a wide range of file formats for importing such as image sequences, videos, and more
• Export Capabilities: Export stills & video renders using FFMPEG
• NDI Connectivity: Direct integration with Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, and more
• Multiple Movement Modes: Fly, walk, and pivot camera controls
• Real-time Preview: Instant feedback for rapid iteration
• 4-Up View Mode: View content from multiple angles simultaneously
• Unlit Material Mode: View content without lighting

Renderball has been a huge success, helping Buck artists, directors and clients to efficiently visualize content from all perspectives even to this day. It has greatly improved the process of visualizing content on the Sphere and has become a staple tool for the Buck MSG Sphere team.