Motion capture (Mocap) is a Performance Capture 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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Motion capture, or mocap for short, is an invaluable tool for virtual production. It's the process of recording 3D movements and using that information to animate objects, characters, props, and cameras in a virtual environment.
A common mocap process begins by capturing an actor’s performance with motion sensors or markers. These sensors can be attached to an actor’s body to record even the most subtle motions and translate them into digital data. The captured performance will then be mapped onto a three-dimensional model, which will be used to create an animated character within a virtual scene. Various software applications are used to store and manipulate this data, allowing filmmakers to adjust every aspect of their production, from character movement to camera angles.
Elements such as facial expressions, body gestures, and other subtleties can all be added with the help of specialized mocap tools. Facial recognition software can detect subtle changes in an actor’s facial features and mimic these changes in the virtual character. Similarly, animation rigs allow filmmakers to easily fine-tune a character’s pose without having to adjust each joint manually. Motion capture also makes it possible to accurately recreate background elements such as crowds and vehicles, which would otherwise require more time and resources if done traditionally.
When creating realistic animations, motion capture is one of the best options available. Popular software solutions such as Autodesk MotionBuilder, iPi Soft Mocap Studio, and Xsens MVN Animate provide comprehensive toolsets for capturing and editing motion data. Additionally, there are several third-party plugins available for Maya, Unity3D, Unreal Engine, and other popular game engines, which make it easy to import motion capture files into your project.