Planning for a Performance Capture Shoot
Performance capture utilizes sensors that track an actor's movements and expressions in order to translate them into digital form. As opposed to traditional keyframe processes, it results in nuanced animation that can authentically replicate movements. Filmmakers and game developers in need of realistic computer-generated characters are moving towards this animation technique.
Are you looking to develop fantastical characters that still carry a sense of realism? Capturing specific movements for your gameplay, or adversely shooting extravagant set pieces for film and television? Maybe you want to create characters with particularly striking features?
Whatever it is, identifying your needs ahead of time will help you to better plan for equipment, actors, and logistics on your shoot. Here are four elements that Animatrik consistently plans for to deliver optimal results for productions that choose performance capture shoots.
Your data capture system
There are several systems available to choose from when exploring data capture, including inertial, volumetric, and optical. Whether it's for a film, video game, or virtual production, the system you select can significantly impact the quality and realism of the performances.
When working on Spider-Man: No Way Home, Animatrik suggested a combination of optical and inertial systems to capture the actors' movements and bring the characters to life in a seamless and convincing way.
Actors needed to swing around the set whilst carrying out intricate stunt and fight choreography. By ensuring the correct system was in place, the team was able to capture all the data they needed and had the creative freedom to complete every stunt.
The performers
Undertaking gravity-defying choreography, whilst delivering the right emotion, is a common necessity. And often, your actors might have never used these tools before so need to be instructed on how to use the equipment. Having a team on set that can help carry out successful captures is key.
On Warcraft, the production needed to create a race of orcs that would feature in large-scale battles, but also more intimate scenes. It was the largest virtual production we had ever been involved with at the time, handling the data tracking of nine different facial cameras simultaneously. Taking the reins of this capture while on set enabled the production team to give more focus to the performances, giving these characters the time they needed to be as believable as possible.
By focusing on the data output, Animatrik takes the technical burdens off productions and allows them to focus on the work of a performer. This ultimately helps to meet high standards and enhance the overall viewing experience for the final audience.
Location, location, location
Using a large space with high ceilings helps to accommodate your equipment and actors. Ensuring that productions plan this accordingly to create a seamless and successful shoot is an important aspect in Animatrik’s process.
What’s more, sets can take up a great deal of space — especially when mimicking filming from tall buildings. Having a facility equipped to capture every angle takes away that strain.
In the case of Carry Me Home, Animatrik hosted the show in-person at our studios in Burnaby, Vancouver, providing the ideal space for a live circus that could be transmitted virtually, in real time. With large-scale choreography being carried out, the success of the show was in part due to the consideration put into securing the perfect space, equipped for real-time capture.
Where to place markers
A great deal of the success from Carry Me Home was down to where and how we placed the markers. This is a vital consideration to those opting for an optical system.
It’s important to achieve the best coverage possible while minimizing any possible discomfort for performers. Especially in the case of the simultaneously live and virtual Carry Me Home show, where markers would constantly get in the way of stunts. Animatrik advised on alternative placements to what’s typical, without sacrificing data coverage.
A successful performance capture shoot requires deep understanding of the project's needs and goals. Animatrik’s extensive experience in planning and executing productions of this kind ensures that every aspect is well-planned, resulting in a final product that meets requirements of any production.
Get in touch today to find out how we can facilitate your production’s needs.