FDMX gets the regions games tutors tooled up for tomorrow’s skills

Motion-Capture is a means by which human movement is fed into a computer and applied to 3D CGI models. We’re all familiar with Gollum in Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and more currently, Beowulf. ‘Mo-Cap’ is becoming an important part of Animation and Games production.

As with any relatively new technology, it’s expensive, and hard to get access to. At FDMX we thought it was high time that our games and animation courses in the region got access to this technology, so we’ve teamed up with Anglia Ruskin University to purchase a Motion Capture system for them!

‘Mo-cap’ is just one part of an ongoing FDMX scheme to encourage games and animation academics to interact and share knowledge. Our Cambridge coordinator, Saint John Walker, has been at the helm of the programme and believes that cooperation is the way forward;
“Although on one level, different institutions are competing with each other for students, there is still a lot to be gained from sharing information and resources, and it helps all the region’s Games and Animation courses compete better nationally”

To this end, FDMX set up a one day Mo-Cap workshop with Animazoo (www.animazoo.com) the makers of the Gypsy Gyro IGS-190 suit, and invited Games tutors from across the region.  The workshop was attended by tutors from Anglia Ruskin University, University of Hertfordshire, University Campus Suffolk and South-East Essex College.

The IGS-190 features nineteen tiny inertial sensors or gyros attached to a flexible lycra suit, which was worn by a film student volunteer. During the workshop, the attendees learnt how to set the suit’s sensors, operate the software, and apply the data to 3D models. Tutors proficient in its use will be able to take it to use it on their courses in the New Year.

FDMX looks forward to seeing the results!