BRINGING THE VIRTUAL TO LIFE WITH ANIMOTION LIVE
Launched as a joint venture between PSP and Writemedia, Animotion Live is a revolutionary animated character system that sits at the cutting-edge of motion capture, bringing fully mobile, virtual characters to life and providing live audience interaction.
Aimed at the live events, film and video and computer games industries, the Animotion system operates in real time and in 360 degrees to capture every nuance of body movement.
Applications for the system at live events are vast. For example, virtual mascots on large screens can interact live with crowds at sports matches, virtual presenters can be used at conferences or to meet and greet guests at a gala dinner. The system has already been successfully used at an event at the IMAX cinema in central London with Apple Macintosh co-founder Steve Wozniak, who was interviewed by a virtual humanoid.
Video / film production and computer games can also utilise Animotion. As the system has no time lag, and all elements of motion are captured in real time, the post-production pipeline - traditionally a very expensive and time consuming process - is virtually eliminated.
The motion capture system is based on an actor wearing fibre optic sensing devices that capture highly accurate data on full body and head movements. The system also uniquely incorporates data gloves, giving seamless, real time data transfer of intricate hand movements with stunningly integrated effect. Facial and voice capture is achieved using phonetic driven real time voice capture. This eliminates lip-sync issues and provides full facial expressions and movement.
Animotion uses the very latest in 3D animation software to produce stunning results, including real time lighting and shadow dynamics. The system works with all leading 3D applications, so it is possible to import existing 3D animations. A portfolio of stock characters is available, or bespoke characters can be specifically designed by the in-house team.
Animotion’s David Woodcock says. “The product has been in development for over a year and the results we are achieving are exceptional. Although motion capture has been around for a while, we have really pushed the boundaries in terms of making all the elements work seamlessly together in real time.
“We have produced a robust, durable accurate and reliable system that provides a complete solution for the live events production world. This new technology has a real wow factor and certainly creates a buzz around events. Audiences are stunned, as they initially find it difficult to comprehend a virtual character interacting with them.
“With event budgets being made to work harder than ever, Animotion Live offers an alternative to hiring an expensive celebrity to host an event. A virtual host can offer a more cost effective option, whilst adding significantly to the dramatic impact.”
There will be an Animotion demonstration in 3D from 9-11am on Monday 12th January 2009 at London’s Royal Academy of Arts.
For more information please visit www.pspav.com or call David Woodcock on 0207 384 6545.
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