tive form of motion capture known as the rotoscoping process that was perfected by Walt Disney studios in the creation of the film "Snow White" to today's highly sophisticated digital technology form of motion capture resulting in realistic 3D animation as in the film "Beowulf," the future of motion capture promises to create virtual reality from unreality because of rapid and innovative changes in technology.
According to Sturman (1), the use of motion capture for computer animation is relatively new, having begun in the late 1970s and only now beginning to be widespread." From sophisticated video games like "Grand Theft Auto" and highly realistic 3D animated films like "Shrek" to the use of motion capture to help Olympic athletes improve their form and performance, motion capture continues to drive the entertainment, video and sports industries. For the film "Beowulf," made three years after the first all motion capture film "The Polar Express," advances in technology permitted filmmakers to capture the smallest details of emotion and even facial stubble and eye movements which were not possible for "The Polar Express" (Kehr 1).
The goal of researching motion capture and 3D animation in this analysis is to gain deeper insight and understanding into the history, types, and processes associated with motion capture technology in filmmaking, video games and sports. An ancillary goal is to discover the most recent developments in motion capture technologies and processes in order to gain a better understanding of the likely future direction of this relatively modern form of animation. A conclusion will address the significance of motion capture for the film, video game, and sports industries.
The History of Motion Capture
The history of motion capture has its origins in the late 19th century. Eadweard Muybridge was a pioneer photographer of the moving image. His photographs of horses in...