presentation

topic : is it worth to be a digital actor?


Outline

1. Background of digital animation

2. Major technique in  digital animation
- CGI
-motion capture

3. CGI + motion capture
-example and trend

4. Question : is it worth to be a digital actor?
-article
-case study
-my view

5.Key references


PPT:

 Digital Animation - Digital acting
Tabitha, Li Cheuk Wing
1102776

What is digital animation ?
can be produced on a computer

an extension of classic stop motion animation
What is CGI?
Computer-generated imagery

specifically 3D computer graphics and special effects in many fields
 E.G. art, video games, films, television programs, commercials

created by computer software


Movie -

Motion capture
recording movement

translating on to a digital model

Animate digital character models in 2D or 3D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCnjG23fu50&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL392F795745F19961

CGI + Motion capture

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

The Polar Express

Key quote – Computer facial animation
The modeling of human facial features is both one of the most challenging after elements in computer-generated imagery. Computer facial animation is a highly complex field where models typically include a very large number of animation variables.
Key quote- The Crazy Tech Behind James Cameron’s Avatar
“The way we developed the performance capture on ‘Avatar’ is we have our virtual camera, which allows me to hold a camera in real time ,in my hands and point it at the actors and see them as their CG characters,” ……

“This amazing ability to quickly conjure scenes and images and great fantasy capes that is very visual…When you are doing performance capture, It’s very hard to imagine what it will look like. But if you can see it, if you can have a virtual image of what is it going to be like, then you are there.”
Case study - Avatar: Motion Capture Mirrors Emotions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wK1Ixr-UmM&feature=related
Uploaded by: DiscoveryNetworks
Date: 2009-12-24
Description: Avatar's new performance capture technology could revolutionize the way directors, actors and animators collaborate to create whole new worlds on screen. Director James Cameron explains the process.

Key quote – New Oscar Rules Deem Motion Capture “Not an Animation Technique”
    In a statement on its official website, AMPAS , “Motion capture by itself is not an animation technique.” ……

This decision not only renders fully motion-captured movies like Disney’s A Christmas Carol is ineligible for the top award but also shuts out James Cameron’s Avatar or or Michael Bay’s Transformers 3 from elbowing their way into the category.
Is it worth to be a digital actor?
Key quote - Do the ‘Avatar’ actors deserve recognition?
Director James Cameron had many reasons to be happy the morning that this year’s Oscar nominations were announced: His blockbuster movie “Avatar” tied for the most with nine, including best picture and best director. But he was dismayed that his cast, was shut out.

“The academy has to come to terms with where performance capture goes,’’……

Animators have to work very, very hard with the motion-capture data. After the performance is captured, it’s not just plugged into the computer which spits out big blue people. It’s a hybrid.”
Key quote-Academy Needs An Oscar For Digital Acting
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which gives out the Oscars,……it is shown more willingness in recent years, adding a category for Animated Feature Film.

Given their new-found willingness to adapt with the times, I would petition the Academy that it’s time to add another category to keep up with the way technology is changing movie-making: digital acting.
Key reference
Computer facial animation by Frederic I. Parke, Keith Waters 2008 ISBN 1-56881-448-8 page xi

The Crazy Tech Behind James Cameron’s Avatar by Hollywood Reporter, http://screenrant.com/crazy-3d-technology-james-cameron-avatar-kofi-3367/

Academy Needs An Oscar For Digital Acting from http://www.helloindianapolis.com/commons/pages/articles/opinion/academy_needs_an_oscar_for_digital_acting/237518/

Do the ‘Avatar’ actors deserve recognition? By Richard Verrier,http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sc-ent-0224-avatar-actors-20100224,0,1272757.story

New Oscar Rules Deem Motion Capture “Not an Animation Technique” by Dominic von Riedemann, http://www.digitalacting.com/2010/07/13/new-oscar-rules-deem-motion-capture-not-an-animation-technique/