The use of motion capture for computer character animation is relatively new, having begun in the late 1970's, and only now beginning to become wide spread. Motion capture for computer character animation maps the actor’s motion onto the motion of a computer character. The idea of mocap began with the original trace animation known as rotoscoping. Artists would trace frame-by-frame photographs. Aku no Hana Snow White A Scanner Darkly

With the growth of video games and an increasing demand for animation and computer-generated images in the film industry, jobs for Motion Capture professions are expected to remain high. Median job salaries can range from around $44,000 per year for graphic designers to $61,370 among multimedia artists and animators. Ellen Paige Facial Motion Capture in the new video game Beyond: Two Souls.

Those working in Motion Capture professions can find employment with film production companies or video game development studios as digital camera operators, computer artists, video editors, graphic designers, texture artists, or computer animators. Motion Capture professions are likely to work closely with actors, technicians, and artists. Some specialized technical skills may be required for those working with camera equipment. Many community colleges, universities, technical colleges, and technical institutes offer programs and degrees that can lead to a career in Motion Capture. For example: Computer Animation, Media Arts & Animation, Graphic Design or Visual Communications. Crash Bandicoot, Uncharted Series, The Last of Us… Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls, Kara (Short Film)… Grand Theft Auto Series, Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire, Max Payne 3…

With more advanced technology, film and game producers have been able to take mocap even farther. For example, the video games God of War 3, Heavy Rain, The Last of Us, and the new game Beyond (ft. Ellen Paige) ALL use real-time actors using motion capture. Recently, a new feature created by James Cameron in the movie Avatar, the actors facial movements and expressions can now be recorded. In the video game Heavy Rain, artists have learned to take actual photographs of actors to use as the game characters skin, making a 3D copy of the actual actor in the game. Heavy Rain Avatar

The number one location to find a job in the gaming or movie industries would be, of course, Los Angeles, California. Followed by Seattle, Austin, New York City, and Orlando, Florida! Most movie/game/television studios are located in these areas, making them the top locations for job opportunities.

L.A. Noire MotionScan The Last of Us Mocap Comparison

A Brief History of Motion Capture for Computer Character Animation: Motion Capture Professions: Employment Information and Requirements for Starting a Career in Motion Capture: portal.com/articles/Motion_Capture_Professions_Employment_Information_and_Requirements_for_Starting_a_Career_in_Motion_Captur e.html