Motion Capture · Direction · Animation
From human
performance
to character.
I directed the live performance, worked with the captured motion data, connected an online character model to the skeleton, and developed the animation through its final textured result.
Project overview
I shaped the performance before it became animation.
This project began with live direction on the motion-capture stage. I directed Emma Parker and Joe Marinelli through the actions: starting on the floor, crawling forward, reacting with fear, moving backward, falling, and crawling across the floor. The goal was to create a clear physical performance that could carry through every technical stage.
Behind the scenes
Directing the performers in person.
These videos show me directing Emma Parker and Joe Marinelli before their movements were transferred to the digital character.
Directing the Motion-Capture Performance: Take One
Directing the Motion-Capture Performance: Take Two
Production journal
Building the motion from start to finish.
The three studies belong together. They show the project in chronological order, from raw captured movement to the finished character animation.
Beginning
From captured movement to a working skeleton.
I started with the performance recorded on the motion-capture stage. Emma Parker and Joe Marinelli wore motion-capture technology that recorded points across their bodies. I brought the movement data into the project, cleaned it up, and prepared the skeleton for the character.
Comparison
Checking every stage of the movement.
This study compares the live performance, the motion-capture skeleton, the character model, and the colored version of the model. Seeing the stages together helped me check how accurately the original acting transferred to the character.
Final
The finished textured character animation.
For the final study, I completed the character presentation by adding the colors, materials, and textures. The finished animation brings the original directed performance and the digital character together.
Project credits
My contribution
I directed performers Emma Parker and Joe Marinelli and handled the motion-capture workflow shown on this page. The character model was found online. I connected its skeleton to the captured movement and developed the animation in Maya.