Motion Capture Animation

Motion Capture Course Overview

The Mocap course is divided into two phases: the group collaboration phase and the individual production phase.

At the start of the course, we formed groups of three to four members to complete the preproduction and filming work. During the group collaboration phase, members assign specific responsibilities for the mocap shoot (such as acting, technical operation, and recording) and work together to complete the pre-production tasks like creating the storyboard, shot lists, or producing 3D environments and assets.

Once the group has completed the mocap recording session in the studio, the team disbands, and the second phase—the individual production stage—begins. In this stage, we must process the captured data according to the chosen recording method (traditional motion capture or real-time capture in Unreal Engine), performing data cleaning and organization. Then assemble, edit, and choreograph the mocap footage according to our own creative concepts, ultimately producing an independent animated short film.

Year 3 Motion Capture Work- Gate

WIP Breakdown Video:

Personal Responsibilities during Group Collaboration Phase:

  • 3D Modelling The Small One (Flying Robot)
  • Environment Design the Unreal Motion Capture Level 

Personal Responsibilities during Group Collaboration Phase:

  • Video Editing 
  • SFX Design

Year 2 Motion Capture Work

As the motion capture studio was closed during my second year due to the pandemic, we were either provided with mocap data directly or allowed to download assets from Mixamo for use.

Semester 1 Motion Capture Work - Dancer With Three Different Visual Effects

WIP Breakdown Video:

Personal Responsibilities:

  • Maya – Mash Network/ Distribute 
  • Realflow – Meliting Effect

Semester 2 Motion Capture Work - Facial Capture Animation

Personal Responsibilities:

  • Maya – Motion Capture Animation Retarget 

Year 1 Motion Capture Work - Godzilla Shows Up In New York City

In my first-year Motion Capture course, we were required to work in groups to conduct the motion capture shoot, followed by individual post-production work. At the beginning of the course, four different themes were provided, and our group chose a scene inspired by GODZILLA (1998), focusing on Godzilla’s appearance in New York City.

The motion capture performance centred on civilians reacting to the sudden emergence of the creature, portraying panic, chaos, and frantic crowd movement through expressive body actions.

Personal Responsibilities during Group Collaboration Phase:

  • Motion capture actor

Personal Responsibilities:

  • Animation Scenes Desig
  • Creating 3D Models for Animation Scenes
  • Video Editing