Resident Evil 5′s Chris Redfield discusses motion capture work
THE NEXT LEVEL
When gamers playing “Resident Evil 5″ see character Chris Redfield crouch, run or punch, it’s Reuben Langdon who provided the template for those movements.
Langdon is the co-founder, producer and action director for Just Cause Productions, a motion capture company for video games and films. Recently, Langdon used motion capture in his performance of Chris Redfield in “Resident Evil.” In addition, Langdon is providing motion capture for the anticipated film “Avatar” from director James Cameron.
To be a “mo-cap” performer, Langdon says a good physical command of one’s body is a must.
“Mo-cap is fast paced, there is no need to wait for camera and lighting set ups,” Langdon said in a recent interview with The Oklahoman. “Some days I’ve played five different characters, ranging from a drunk homeless guy to space monsters.”
Since many games involve fighting and martial arts, it helps to have martial arts, weapons, and tactical training.
Langdon said motion-capture has evolved quite a bit since he started 11 years ago.
“Back in the day we used a magnetic capture system that had us attached to wires,” he said. “It was bulky and limited our movement. In the new systems like the one used in ‘Resident Evil 5,’ there were optical motion cameras, which allows us to be free and work with a much larger space.”
These optical motion cameras mean actors don’t have to worry about getting caught in wires. Also, the cameras are able to capture more subtle movements, meaning mo-cap actors don’t have to overact, and can use subtle movements, Langdon said.
Langdon said he heavily researched the Chris Redfield character before performing the role in “Resident Evil 5.” He tried to match his performance to Redfield’s established look.
“Since he is an already established character, there is a lot of info out there on him,” Langdon said. “Because he is built differently than me … I have to remind myself how it would feel to move around with biceps like those or basically 20 pounds heaver than what I am.”
Langdon said non-disclosure agreements prevent him from saying much about the work he’s done on “Avatar,” but notes that he thinks the movie will be “awesome.”
“It will be a ground breaking film,” Langdon said. “James Cameron has poured his life and soul into this project.”
– by Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
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