This course will introduce students to the principles of motion capture as applied to the production of digital games and cinema. Topics will include the study of different forms of mocap technology, the design of efficient animation pipelines, techniques for combining keyed and mocap animation, and real-time capture into game engines. Students will gain experience in directing actors, blending hand-keyed animations, applying the laws of physics to motion data sets, building tools and troubleshooting captured data. Students cannot receive credit for both IMGD 4403 and IMGD 440X. This course will be offered in 2021-22, and in alternating years thereafter.
Students should have knowledge of basic 3D animation principles and software such as is provided by IMGD/AR 2333: 3D Animation I. They should also have knowledge of structural anatomy and kinematics such as is provided by IMGD 2048: Technical Art and Character Rigging.