February 12, 2008

Our Digital Media Program has just acquired an important piece of new technology. In late January, technicians from Vicon installed a 12 camera motion capture system. Motion capture is a digital technique used to record human and animal movement and is revolutionizing how movies and computer games create action sequences and crowd simulations. Films like POLAR EXPRESS and BEOWULF have used motion capture as their primary production tool. Tom Hanks in POLAR EXPRESS and Angelina Jolie in BEOWOLF donned special Velcro equipped jump suits with special markers that served as reference points for motion capture cameras. As the actors moved in real time within a fixed space, digital information is recorded and then used by 3D animators to expedite the animation process saving time and money.

Vicon was the motion capture system of choice for such blockbusters as SPIDERMAN, HARRY POTTER and STAR WARS. Our new system will now be an integral part of the Digital Media curriculum. Given the already impressive track record of awards won by Digital Media students, expect to soon see the next generation of award winning student animations. And don't be surprised to see our students using motion capture in ways not yet imagined!