Objective
Guide trainers in delivering a session that equips participants with practical knowledge of motion capture technologies comparing professional-grade suits with accessible smartphone-based options and how to apply them in performance contexts.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Objective: Set up the environment for both high-end and low-end motion capture workflows.
- Steps:
- Prepare and test all hardware and software for both systems:
- High-end: Motion capture suit, base station, and calibration software.
- Low-end: Smartphone with mocap app.
- Print or share visual workflow diagrams for both setups.
- Prepare short demo files showcasing both outputs.
Checklist:
- All devices charged and connected.
- Software installed and updated.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections tested.
- Demo scenes pre-loaded.
- Introduction to Motion Capture (10 minutes)
- Objective: Introduce the concept of motion capture and contextualize its use in performing arts.
- Steps:
- Explain motion capture as a performance recording method.
- Contrast high-end (precision, full-body tracking) vs. low-end (accessibility, simplicity).
- Share examples of both methods used in productions.
Trainer Tip: Keep the comparison practical and highlight use cases where one might be preferable over the other.
- Hands-On Practice – High-End Suit (20 minutes)
- Objective: Let participants explore using a motion capture suit.
- Steps:
- Demonstrate how to put on and calibrate the suit.
- Guide participants through recording simple movement sequences.
- Show real-time capture to animation software (e.g., Unity, Unreal, Blender).
Trainer Tip: Emphasize common troubleshooting steps like recalibrating joints or avoiding magnetic interference.
- Hands-On Practice – Smartphone Mocap (20 minutes)
- Objective: Provide experience with app-based motion capture.
- Steps:
- Demonstrate how to record motion using a smartphone app.
- Have participants try capturing and exporting a short sequence.
- Compare results with high-end suit footage.
Trainer Tip: Encourage exploration and test different lighting conditions, phone positions, and gesture styles.
- Creative Applications & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)
- Objective: Inspire integration into artistic projects and conclude the session.
- Steps:
- Discuss how each method can be adapted into live performance, animation, or interactive installations.
- Share links to tools, platforms, and communities.
- Invite participants to share thoughts or ask final questions.
Post-Training Follow-Up
- Provide access to test footage and files.
- Share resource list (apps, suit vendors, tutorials).
- Encourage peer-sharing of outcomes using motion capture.
Trainer Tip: Suggest participants document their setups and reflect on pros/cons in different contexts.