Performance capture (Pcap) is used because animators and visual effects (VFX) producers have always sought methods for making their work more life-like and believable. Pcap is currently the best way to transfer a human actor’s authentic, full performance onto a 3D-modeled character.
Early motion capture and Pcap transcended the technique of rotoscoping, where animators traced over filmed footage. In recent years, Pcap has evolved to become more effective at a lower overall expense than ever before.
Performance capture technology allows media producers to combine the power and subtlety of actors’ performances with the unique artistic vision of each production’s CGI animation and VFX.