performance capture

American  

[per-fawr-muhns kap-cher] / pərˈfɔr məns ˌkæp tʃər /

noun

1. a data collection technique in which the detailed movements and facial expressions of live actors are tracked, recorded, and rendered to create animations, as for computer-generated characters in a motion picture.

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Etymology

Origin of performance capture

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

The facility will also house camera tracking, performance capture and lighting systems, as well as classrooms and labs with computers equipped with real-time 3D design software and digital asset libraries.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

In a video interview, the two men discussed working with performance capture, creating a detailed imaginary world for the characters, and a finding the right balance between human and ape in movement and speech.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

“I’ve wanted to play a performance capture ape since I was a little kid,” Teague said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

Its Medusa performance capture system has been used to reconstruct actors' faces without using traditional motion-capture techniques, and this technology has been used in more than 40 films, including Marvel Entertainment's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

From Reuters • Aug. 8, 2023

Alongside its performance capture technology, the Weta FX team developed a neural network-based facial system to help create the characters in photorealistic quality on screen.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2023