Is “Motion Capture” Animation?
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On the heels of an announcement partnering Disney with the filmmakers behind Polar Express, there’s an interesting discussion going on over in the AWN Forums about whether or not motion capture is animation, or whether or not it’s even tolerable as a story conveyance.
I’m no purist. In the strictest definition of the word, motion capture is animation in that the technology “brings to life” the characters on the screen. This is as true of the characters in Monster House as it is of Gollum and King Kong, both of which used extensive motion capture.
But even if you are a purist, I think a film should ultimately be judged on the final result. Does it work for you artistically, story-wise, character-wise, etc?
February 8th, 2007 at 10:27 pm e
yes, it technically is animation. but because its so computer ‘technical’, it seems like a cheat…i just cant accept it as ‘animation’ …its a personal thing really. I think you could get just the same animation, even more beautiful with a pencil. yet, what isnt animated without a computer these days? I do think that the motion capture should not be done by well known actors though, same as voice work…because having a famous name to a voice or movement takes away the soul of the character which the character and story artists have developed.
February 8th, 2007 at 10:51 pm e
Thanks for the comments! I hope to generate some interesting debate about our art form here and in the AWN forums.
I have to disagree about the voice-acting, though. Aside from the fact that I think Buzz Lightyear and Woody puh-lenty of soul and character, I think the voice-recording in Monster House was some of the most lifelike and convincing I’ve ever seen (or heard) in an animated film.
March 9th, 2007 at 7:37 am e
I don’t see mo-cap as animation.
It is just like filming something and putting an image filter on top of it.
I respect mo-cap films but, I don’t think is fair to call them animated features.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:02 am e
Animation simply means giving life to something. At the Disney theme parks they refer to their costumed characters as animation. Puppets are animation. I don’t see any reason to exclude mo-cap. It’s not “key frame” animation for sure, and one can argue the artistry involved (just as many railed against the early days of CGI). But I think it’s animation.