L.A. Noire Debuts New Animation Capture Solution From Depth Analysis

Sydney-based Depth Analysis has revealed MotionScan, a new system for 3D motion capture designed for the film and video game industries. The system will make its debut in Rockstar and Team Bondi's L.A. Noire, where all involved say it has streamlined post-production processing and reduced budgets. "Traditional motion capture could never bring to life the subtle nuances of the chaotic criminal underworld of L.A. Noire in the same way as MotionScan," says Team Bondi founder and director Brendan McNamara. Thanks to the tech, "the emotional performances of the actors allow the story to unfold in a brand new way," McNamara enthuses. "Through this revolutionary technology, we’re able to deliver audiences a truly unique and revolutionary game." Depth Analysis explains that MotionScan uses 32 high-definition cameras to capture 3D performances at up to 30 frames per second -- according to the developer, it's able to capture up to 50 minutes of final footage and capable of processing up to 20 minutes of facial animation automatically per day. It doesn't require phosphorescent paint be applied to the actors, nor staff to clean up data or animate fine details by hand, the company asserts. "2010 continues the trend of high production values in both triple-A video games and blockbuster movie releases," says Depth Analysis research head Oliver Bao. "Audiences now expect detailed CGI actors and realistic performances that pop onscreen with any game or VFX movie they see, and we developed MotionScan technology with this in mind."