An Insight Into Computer Game Performance Capture (Pcap)

Last week I sat in on a Performance Capture session (PCap) recording both the dialogue and movement of the actors (Motion Capture, AKA MoCap) for an upcoming computer game. At the moment I can't reveal too much about the game itself, or the companies involved in the development of the game, but watch this space! I found the day fascinating, both seeing the recording of the sound, and involvement of the audio guys with the director and script supervisor, and watching the way the actors' moments are visually recorded and translated onto the VFX guys' screens. I always think it is important to know where your source audio comes from when editing dialogue, to fully appreciate the problems they may face during recording like  velcro movement, unexpected shouting/change in dynamics, room reverb and headset movement (their facial expressions are captured by a camera attached to their heads, directly infront of their face). Plus it helps knowing the production sound guys'  process when needed to trouble shoot in post production. It was great to meet the audio team and I look forward to working with them. ​