There are several video out there that show a 3d animation rendered into real life. Here is an example:
0dt-MsAC1C8
Lots of people call this Compositing. I think it would be fun to do in with some video tha is clearly in New Haven and digitally add some object that is out of place. I am not sure what object would best. Mabye something from history.
The basic process is that you take a video and then use a motion tracking program (Voodoo) to calcuate how your camera moved. You then used Blender to create the 3d elements and import your Voodoo data. From this Blender is able to render the composit video.
Here is a quick breakdown of how its done.
7ifJghW94_E
I also found these more detailed tutorials:
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPZbtKQ1a4g
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREGzpAGKyA&feature=related
Result
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzu_tKp8pqQ&feature=related
So does anyone want to try this? Give me some crazy and inspring ideas what what a very short clip could be.
Update: found a newer tutorial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVPcT0dJmoY&feature=g-vrec