Training

HENRY FORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

VIRTUAL THEATRICALITY LAB

Course Master

I. Division: Fine Arts and Fitness

II. Course Number and Title: STH 266: Introduction to Motion Capture Performance and Production.

III. Credit Hours: 3 credit hours: TR 11:10-12:30

IV. Total Contact Hours: 47

V. Prerequisite: None

VI. Co-requisites: None

VII. Course Grading Scale: A – E

VIII. Catalog Description: A lab-based computer class dealing with the principles of Motion Capture Performance and Motion Capture Production for use in Virtual Theatricality, Motion Pictures, Gaming, Television, Web Media and Motion Studies. This course provides an introduction to the motion capture pipeline from setting up the lab and capturing data to applying the data to animated characters in MotionBuilder. This course will consist of two tracks, depending on student interest.
The two tracks are Performance (for Actors) and Production (for Artists and Technicians). The fundamental principles of motion capture technology will be learned while working through a structured series of assignments that will culminate in a 20 second animated sequence based around a particular performance, gesture or motion. The exercises will be supplemented with lectures, demonstrations and readings in other texts. Grades will be based upon class participation and successful completion of all the required elements at each point throughout the semester. There is required lab time outside of class and you should expect to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week working through the assignments.

IX. Measurable Objectives

Major Core Course Objectives (Artist/Technician Track)

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:
• Recognize the advantages and limitations associated with the Motion Capture process
• Demonstrate correct body marker placement
• Demonstrate Camera Calibration, Set Up and Focusing
• Perform a Range of Motion Trial (ROM)
• Work within a Motion Capture Pipeline
• Create Motion Capture Model Marker Sets
• Import/Export characters and motion data from MotionBuilder to the most popular 3D packages
Detailed Course Objectives (Artist/Technician Track)

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:
• Set up the Vicon Motion Capture System
• Navigate and Manage Blade 1.5
• Prepare the Volume
• Set Up Characters
• Set Up Actors
• Capture a Simple Body Performance of One Character
Major Core Course Objectives (Actor Track)

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:
• Recognize the advantages and limitations associated with the Motion Capture process
• Demonstrate correct body marker placement
• Perform a Range of Motion Trial (ROM)
• Work within a Motion Capture Pipeline
• Demonstrate a knowledge of actor performances and films utilizing Motion Capture
• Create simple human Motion Capture movements
• Create simple martial arts Motion Capture Movements
• Create simple non-human and fantasy character
Detailed Course Objectives (Actor Track)

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:
• Create simple story boards for Motion capture Performance
• Perform basic Motion Capture actions without occlusion
• Create drama and story telling through Motion Capture Performance
• Work with a diverse creative team
X. Assessment of Academic Achievement
• Course Projects and Presentations
• A rendered Mo-Cap final project
• Quizzes
XI. General Course Requirements and Recommendations

• Excellent attendance
• Full participation in each exercise
• Objective feedback for other students
• Full professional courtesy to other students
• Cell phones off
• Willingness to step outside one’s personal level of comfort

Texts: REQUIRED: Understanding Motion Capture for Computer Animation and Video Games by Alberto Menache. Publisher Academic Press