Coolness: Image Metrics CG Facial Animation

by Liam on August 22, 2008 · 2 comments

My most anticipated movie at this point in time is James Cameron’s Avatar. Cameron is known for his groundbreaking technology and when the Avatar actors describe the CG technology as ’20x more advanced than Beowulf‘ you know we have something to look forward to.

Here’s Emily:

She isn’t real.

Avatar producer Jon Landau spoke about this technology that will be used in the film:

“Image Metrics’ revolutionary technologies for performance-driven character animation require neither complex motion-capture hardware, nor specialist technical knowledge. Their animation solutions put the performer at the heart of the process, dramatically enhancing the creativity and reducing post-production time. It is this type of innovation that will again allow us to present to the consumer, stories that could not otherwise be told.”

This technology will mainly be used on Zoe Saldana, Laz Alonso, CCH Pounder and the rest of the actors playing the Na’vi alien race.

The Times Online also has a cool article on “Emily” and the technology behind her.