Making Computer Generated Characters

Computer-generated, or cg, characters are made by very intricate processes. One such process of making cg characters is to use Motion Capture or MoCap technology. Motion capture is primarily used for making three-dimensional models and animated characters (“CG Actors,” 2002). The motion capture process is somewhat complex. First, before anyone does anything with the computers, a writer draws up the storyboards so the animator will know exactly what scenes and shots need to be created. Then, the actor or artist will go to the motion capture studio to play out the scene. Most of the

With more and more people getting accustomed to seeing digital characters, human actors are starting to become concerned about their job security. The Screen Actors Guild is speaking out against synthetic actors. The SAG is trying to protect the jobs of the hundreds of thespians that are members of the guild. Strikes may be in the near future if many more movies with cg leads are produced. Harrington (2002) and Ananova (2002) stated that when asked his opinion on cg actors, Tom Hanks said, “I am very troubled by it. But it’s coming down, man. And I’m not sure what actors can do about it,” (1,1). Even the public does not want to see all cg human actors. Kehr (2002) said that, Final Fantasy was considered a flop. Sales overall were less than expected. Even with all the controversy over cg characters, they do have some benefits. Ananova (2002) explained that, digital characters could do stunts that would be too dangerous for regular stunt performers. Canemaker (2002) acknowledged that, by using cg characters, three people had jobs as opposed to one actor. The digital character employs a digital animator, an actor to wear the motion capture suit, and an actor to supply the voice for the cg character. By cutting out live actors, a net gain of two more jobs is achieved. Plus, cg characters are easier to work with. Digital characters will not strike, they will not walk out over salary disputes, and they do not complain about being hungry, tired, or the working conditions. Additionally, Lite (1999) stated that it was more cost efficient to digitally generate thousands of extras for big battle scenes or scenes requiring massive amounts of people. The savings of using a computer over hiring extras to work a day would definitely prove the effectiveness of cg technology. However, Harrington (2002) and Ananova (2002) acknowledged that director Steven Spielberg put down fears of cg characters taking human jobs by saying, “It’s a non-issue,” (1,1). Harrington (2002) and Ananova (2002) also said, even director George Lucas tried to ease actors’ minds about cg characters by commenting, “I believe that I have used more digital characters than anyone else, but I don’t think I would ever use the computer to create a human character. It just doesn’t work. You need actors to do that,” (1,1). The Screen Actors Guild, an actor’s union, will fight the cg character takeover as long as studios continue to produce cg humans. Canemaker (2002) stated that technology was being developed that would allow animators to re-create deceased actors digitally and put them back on television. Kehr (2002) stated that, this raised moral debates and a digital version of the argument over cloning. In California, a law was passed stating that the images of stars would be the property of the f

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