Digital human is a Real-Time Engine term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.
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Digital humans are a form of technology that is reshaping the way we interact with computers, as well as each other. These photorealistic characters, also referred to as avatars, are rigged for real-time, performance capture-driven animation. This means that digital humans can be seen and interacted with in both the physical and virtual worlds.
The applications of digital humans are varied and far-reaching. In gaming, they allow gamers to have an interactive avatar to play their games with. For the film industry, it allows filmmakers to create realistic digital actors that can be used for scenes or even entire films. Digital humans can even be used for telepresence – allowing us to communicate with people at different locations around the world through virtual meetings.
They offer unprecedented realism and interactivity compared to traditional methods like pre-rendered CGI. With digital humans, you can bring your scripts to life on screen without having to hire professional actors and crew, saving time and money while still maintaining cinematic quality visuals.
A variety of software packages exist today which enable the creation of digital humans. Faceware Studio is one such package, providing automated rigging and facial motion capture capabilities. Unreal Engine is another popular choice amongst game developers looking to create interactive 3D environments populated by lifelike characters. Additionally, there are plugins available for Maya and Blender that can help turn a character into a fully fleshed-out digital human ready for animation.
Digital humans have opened up exciting new possibilities for creators across all industries. From creating immersive gaming experiences to producing feature films on a small budget, digital humans give us access to limitless potential.