Motion capture technology has revolutionized the way digital performances are created, blending the precision of real-world movement with the limitless possibilities of digital animation. In this course, students explored industry-standard techniques for full-body human performance capture, refining their skills in data processing and integration into character animation and game engine applications.
Group Final Projects: Crafting Digital Performances
As part of their final project, student teams had the choice to either build a library of motion capture data or create a short animated scene using their own captured performances. Each project involved a meticulous process, from initial planning and choreography to motion capture sessions, data refinement, and final animation integration.
Behind the Scenes
A key component of the group projects was the process documentation video. These videos showcased the workflow behind capturing motion data, from actor performances in mocap suits to the cleaning and retargeting of motion data for use in animation software and game engines. Through these process breakdowns, students demonstrated their technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills.
Individual Motion Capture Demo Reels
In addition to the group projects, each student produced an individual demo reel, highlighting their personal workflow and expertise in motion capture. These reels featured key stages of the process, including the in-studio capture session, data editing and cleanup, and a sample of the final polished animation.
These demo reels serve as a showcase of the students’ technical skills and understanding of motion data application, providing valuable portfolio pieces for careers in animation, virtual production, and game development.
Through both group and individual projects, students gained hands-on experience with professional motion capture pipelines, developing the ability to translate human performances into compelling digital animations. This class not only sharpened their technical skills but also reinforced the importance of storytelling, precision, and collaboration in the world of motion capture.