Motion CapturNimation (Pt.2)

So continuing from last week, what exactly is a motion capture device? It isn't just ping-pong balls strapped onto a person. There has to be a reason why these people decided to wear something so ridiculous. It's simple really. The producers, who are developing the game/animated film, are trying to capture the emotions and stance positions of the performer to create a character who is human like in every way. A human like character gives a reason for the audience to stay because a human like character creates someone the audience can relate to. The other reason why producers use mocap (motion capture technology) is that it is very cheap. It doesn't even really need a special computer (or a computer for that matter). Here is a video that demonstrates that anyone can use mocap, even at home.

 So how does this process work? By using the process of tracking cameras and tools called opticals, the producers get a "rough sketch" of the performer. The opticals transfer data back to a program to capture the movements of the performer. By using unique algorithmic codes, the producers can map out a performer's body and change variations within it. The result? With various touch ups, the performer's character can be something as ridiculous as a monkey, to a badass human. But technology never stops advancing. Now besides using ping-pong balls, little marbles are made to capture the facial movements.

Capturing emotion is key. Without it, the characters are less likely to be relatable to and the audience loses interest, which is the last thing any game company/ film company wants. To capture one's emotion, James Cameron developed virtual cinematography. This process allows the producer to capture the actor on both a virtual and real-life stage. The emotions and movements are better captured and because the emotions are human like to the max, the characters can pretty much be anyone or anything from blue aliens living on a planet called Pandora, to turtles living inside a sewer dieting on pizza.

Beyond Two Souls (an above average game in my opinion), makes their scenes as realistic as possible by recreating the world of the game. The movements and emotions are captured based on the performer's reaction to a particular scene with his/her interaction with the particular environment.

Motion capture is developed and created upon pure imagination. The concept of it is so unreal, that it seems that it seems like it is an idea from a science fiction novel. With just the power and movements of the ping-pong balls, game producers can create just about anything, and for this reason, people are very inclined to play video games, than actually sit through and watch a movie (seriously, if you haven't played a video game yet, go try it! I recommend The Last of Us.)