How do you ensure that the performance capture data matches the character design and personality?

1 Define your character

Before you start capturing any performance, you need to have a clear idea of who your character is, what they look like, and how they behave. This will help you choose the right actor, design the appropriate rig and model, and set the tone and style of the animation. You should also consider how your character fits into the story, the genre, and the audience expectations. For example, a cartoony character may require more exaggeration and stylization than a realistic one.

2 Choose your actor

The actor who performs the capture is the main source of your character's personality and emotion. Therefore, you should choose someone who can embody your character's traits, motivations, and goals. You should also look for an actor who has experience and skills in performance capture, as it can be different from traditional acting. For instance, an actor may need to wear a suit with markers, work in a sparse environment, or interact with virtual elements. You should also communicate your vision and feedback to the actor, and collaborate with them to refine the performance.

3 Adjust your rig and model

The rig and model of your character are the technical components that enable the animation. They should be compatible with the performance capture data, and also reflect the character design and personality. You may need to adjust the rig and model to suit the style, level of detail, and complexity of your character. For example, you may need to add or remove bones, blend shapes, or controls to achieve the desired deformation, expression, or movement. You may also need to tweak the proportions, textures, or colors of your model to match the character's appearance.

4 Edit your data

The performance capture data is not always perfect, and may need some editing to fix errors, glitches, or inconsistencies. You may also need to edit the data to enhance, modify, or stylize the performance to suit your character and story. For example, you may need to clean up noise, smooth out jitter, or remove unwanted motion from the data. You may also need to add, delete, or change keyframes, curves, or poses to improve the timing, spacing, or arcs of the motion. You may also need to exaggerate, simplify, or exaggerate the expression, gesture, or action of the character.

5 Review your animation

The final step is to review your animation and see how well it matches your character design and personality. You should check for any technical issues, such as clipping, popping, or sliding, and fix them if necessary. You should also check for any artistic issues, such as lack of appeal, emotion, or clarity, and adjust them if needed. You should also compare your animation with your original vision, and see if it conveys the character's traits, motivations, and goals. You should also seek feedback from others, such as peers, mentors, or clients, and incorporate it if appropriate.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?