Animazoo Launches Gypsy5 Motion Capture Systems

Animazoo UK Ltd, a Brighton based manufacturer of motion capture systems used in film, TV and computer games development, is launching its new models of motion capture suits, the Gypsy5 series. The system of suit-based capture gives animators, game developers and live performers the opportunity to work with motion capture technology by allowing them to capture at home, on stage, or outdoors. Gypsy mechanical systems were used in the making of Stuart Little 3 – Big Photo Adventure, published by Sega, as well as with BBC and Fuji television, amongst others. The Gypsy5's sensors are incorporated into two separate exo-skeleton frames that fit snugly around the human body and record the rotational motion of an actor's bones. By removing the spine units, the new versions are more flexible, allowing a greater range of movements for the actor. New automatic actor-calibration software allows faster and more efficient system set up times; the program lets users drag and drop points over an actor's digital photograph. "Nowadays, consumers know a lot about the technology behind blockbuster films such as King Kong – they know that motion capture was used and marvel at the results," said Animazoo technical director Ali Kord. "By making systems more accessible and affordable, we can bridge the gap between understanding this technology and actually using it! That will be a big step forwards."