Welcome to the HFCC Theater Virtual Theatricality Website

Dr. George Popovich, Artistic Director
Alan Contino,Chief Engineer
Dan Lemieux, Motion Capture Acting


NEW CLIPS!! Click here to see several demonstration videos of the VTL MoCap Systems.
 
Click Here for our BROCHURE

SUMMER COURSES:2010

STH 264-01 (061342), ADVANCED MOTION CAPTURE APPLICATION, will be offered. This course is only for those who have taken STH 262, INTRODUCTION TO MOTION CAPTURE, AND STH 263, INTERMEDIATE MOTION CAPTURE.  This course will meet TWR, 9:35 AM-11:30 AM.

STH 235-01 (061344), TOPICS IN THEATER: SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR STAGE AND SCREEN. This course does not have a prerequisite. This course will meet TWR, 11:40 AM-1: 20 PM. MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 10 STUDENTS.

FALL COURSES: 2010
GOOD NEWS! ANOTHER SECTION OF INTRODUCTION TO MOTION CAPTURE STH 262-70 (065076) HAS BEEN ADDED MONDAYS 7:25-10:105 PM. MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 10 STUDENTS

It is no secret that the film industry is rapidly moving into Detroit. Major studio growth is beginning NOW! Jobs will go to those with ADVANCED skills. The VTL now offers a series of 4 classes that result in a Motion Capture Certificate. 
Motion Capture has been used in major Motion Pictures such as LORD OF THE RINGS, THE POLAR EXPRESS, HAPPY FEET, BEOWULF and THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON as well as thousands of video games. Perhaps more importantly, it  is quickly  becoming  a means to produce animated  television  shows quickly  and with  quality  results as evidenced in such productions  as SID THE SCIENCE KID and JANE AND THE DRAGON. 

Henry Ford Community College’s Virtual Theatricality Lab offers a 12- credit course sequence that teaches the skill sets used in for the film and animation industry. The certificate was developed in cooperation with Dan Lemieux, Hollywood stunt coordinator and Motion Capture performer.

We are the premiere education venue in Michigan for Motion Capture Education.

The courses are taught using a Vicon Optical Motion Capture System, Blade, and Motion Builder Software. These are the same tools used to create Motion Capture Characters in THE POLAR EXPRESS, BEOWULF and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The first required course, Maya, Art 209 gives students the fundamental knowledge of 3D art and graphics necessary to the understanding and mastery of a Motion Capture Pipeline. The second course in the sequence, STH 262, introduces students to the elements of Motion Capture. The third course in the sequence, STH 263, gives students experience in facial Motion Capture.  The final course, STH 264, culminates in a Motion Capture project showcasing acquired skills in a demo reel.
 
In fall 2010, the course rotation for the HFCC Motion capture Certificate begins again. The first course in the rotation, STH 262-01 (062017) INTRODUCTION TO MOTION CAPTURE, is offered TR 2:10-3:30 PM. GOOD NEWS! ANOTHER SECTION OF INTRODUCTION TO MOTION CAPTURE STH 262-70 (065076) HAS BEEN ADDED MONDAYS 7:25-10:105 PM. MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 10 STUDENTS.

The VTL will also offer the following courses, FALL, 2010, in addition to STH 262:

STH 235-02 (0609501) GREEN SCREEN PRODUCTION FOR STAGE AND SCREEN. This course is an overview of how green screen production works in motion picture and stage production and will provide a basic foundation for the execution of green screen technologies for use in stage and motion picture productions. This course will aid the student in developing a basic skill set for visual effects occupations in the theater and motion pictures and ensure the creation of a student demonstration reel of visual effects techniques to use for job placement and further educational opportunities. Course is offered 12:40-2:00 pm, TR. MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 10 STUDENTS.

STH 235-01 (060949) FILM ACTING. For the fourth year, STH 235-01 FILM ACTING will be offered. The techniques of Sanford Meiser will be utilized. Class meets TR 11:08AM-12:30 PM. MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 10 STUDENTS. Note:

If you are planning to begin the Motion capture Certificate sequence in the Fall, you may take the required Art Course, Art 209, Maya, in Spring or Summer, 2010. Please consult the Art Department Schedule of classes. You may also take STH 262 concurrently with Art 209.

Questions?  Email or call: Dr. George Popovich, Director, Theater Arts Virtual Theatricality Lab , Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, Mi.
popovich@hfcc.net; 313-845-6478.
 
 
 
 
HFCC Theater
Click for the
HFCC Theater website