photo credit: Julian Preece Photography

Motion capture isn’t generally known for its portability, with shoots tending to happen in static, purpose-built studios.

However at the Bristol Tech Fest this year, we decided to break out our technology and set up a mini motion capture volume – in Motion.

With 12 Vicon Valkyrie VK26 cameras we were able to rig a 4m x 4m motion capture volume. Festival goers were then treated to the unusual opportunity of seeing a real-life motion capture shoot in amongst the bustle of the event. CAMERA Innovation and Commercial Services Lead, Eva Martino said:

“Seeing professional motion capture actor Andrew Wheildon-Dennis work on scenes with director Andrew Panton, as well as having the opportunity to talk to them about the experience of filming using this technology, provided a rare insight into how motion capture is used within the creative industries.”

Footage of Andrew was displayed on a large monitor, helping viewers to understand the difference between motion capture and standard film video capture. They watched Andrew’s near real-time movements as the markers on his suit are picked up by the infrared motion capture and saw how the multiple camera angles enabled us to capture Andrew’s position in 3D.

CAMERA’s Marketing and Network Coordinator, Rebecca Megson-Smith said:

“It was great to geek out with creative technologists and discuss the varied ways people want to use motion capture from VR, to film and games research and development. The immersive world is already with us but the exploration into understanding ourselves within that space is still in its infancy.”

Motion as a venue offered quite a novel space for us to be working in – and quite different to our set up back at the Edge on campus at the University of Bath.  Our standard motion capture volume hosts 36 x Vicon Valkyrie VK26 Cameras plus 2 x integrated reference cameras; the volume length is adjustable from 8 – 12 metres, with 8 metres width and 6 metres high, enabling us to track 10 performers at a time. We also have associated equipment to achieve full finger tracking and face capture.

Tech Spark’s Bristol Tech Festival took place 7 – 11 October 2024, with the MyWorld sponsored Creative Day taking place on Thursday 10 October.