Towards a Conceptual Framework for Abstracted Animation Derived from Motion Captured Movements

Abstract

Outside the realm of feature films, smaller creative collectives and individual animators are exploring the creative applications of motion capture data to develop compelling and unique abstract animated short films. However, despite an increasing number of examples, there has been little detailed documentation of this practice and the processes involved in this format of animation production. More specifically, there has been little analysis of the key considerations and issues that might confront practitioners when integrating motion capture movement data into their abstract animation practice. As such, a more developed understanding of approaches to incorporating motion capture technologies into the field of abstract animation is called for. This study emerges at the intersection of two key areas of knowledge: abstract animation and computational generative art. The outcomes of this study contribute to building a better understanding of abstract animation practice by exploring and documenting possible strategies and approaches for generating elements that compose abstract animated short films from captured dance movements. This article reveals a possible framework for this type of practice and outlines five key considerations: capture of human movement, retention of human form and movement, influence of the simulation, influence of the virtual environment and visual connection to practice, which should be taken into account by practitioners who use motion capture in the production of abstract animated short films.