As the supervisor of the motion edit team I am in charge of making sure that the actor's intention during capture are faithfully represented once we have translated their motions to the characters that they are playing. My challenge is that we've got some phenomenal young actors who were or are in the middle of their growth spurts. In addition to that, the characters they play don't have the same proportions as the kids. So we have to deal with making their motions work for the action that they are doing. It can be something as simple as a hug. If we don't pay close attention they can look like they are giving each other a tentative awkward hug as opposed to a deep embrace. The most exciting thing about working on the sequels is the technology and innovation. In particular, motion capture underwater with realtime feedback. So we're seeing the actors swimming underwater as their character. Using watercraft and simulating the actors riding acrobatic creatures underwater.
Q&A
First job in film?
I started as a motion editor on The Polar Express.
Favorite memory from the first Avatar?
Being on any James Cameron project is always tough and challenging because he's not satisfied with what's already been done. He's always looking to push the technology to tell the story. And you've got to be able to adapt to the requests and find ways to make it work.
Most memorable thing from seeing Avatar in theatres?
I watched it with my parents and brothers and sisters and what I still clearly remember the most is loud applause and cheering of the audience once the film was done. I was at our local theater and have watched many films there and Avatar was the only one I can clearly remember the audience cheering and clapping at the end of a film. But when it comes to the film the small glimpse of the feeling of flying with the 3D glasses on was a special moment.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
After writing it off cause I was too cool and wanted to play basketball instead, I've found myself recently trying to learn how to play the piano and make music again.
