... Screen Grab off video of a Virtual Field

Technology Applications

Performance animation uses the motion skills of MEDIALAB puppeteers to drive computer- generated puppets. This means that character animations can be keyed with real footage "on air." Individual characters can be included within traditional cartoon structures, live-action broadcast productions for interaction with live audiences, and as virtual talk show hosts. Typical applications for performance animation are pre-taped television programs, post-produced sitcoms and series with one or several digital characters and occasional appearances of a mascot or program presenter. Other live events where MEDIALAB's technology is deployed is in amusement parks, conferences, and corporate shows.

  • live broadcast: For live shows, integrating a digital puppet (presenter, co-presenter, guest) or on-air sitcoms requiring a computer-generated character shot at the same time, needs consistant accuracy and synchronization between real and virtual cameras.

  • MEDIALAB has asserted itself in the interactive 3D games market and is already producing for regular broadcasts. For instance, Pizzarollo is a real-time, fully textured interactive game produced by Canal+ and played by kids over a regular telephone network. The game is aired daily.

  • MEDIALAB has also introduced the concept of "Virtual Live Action" which enables the real-time simulation of sporting events. This technology provides sports commentators with an innovative means of explanation for greater viewer insight while events are in progress.

  • The three-dimensional series is the field of computer-generated imagery (CGI) where MEDIALAB's real-time performance animation system advantages are the most obvious and where MEDIALAB has experienced the most success. Several series have already been produced including Donkey Kong Country in conjunction with Nintendo. When using performance animation, costs for a fully rendered 3D post-produced series can be reduced to a level similar to that of traditional animation but with shorter pre-production time.

  • MEDIALAB has been producing TV commercials, music videos, and TV titles for major networks and agencies for over 5 years and applying its expertise to film special effects.