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

Troy says the performance capture team at developer MachineGames convinced him to change his mind, but there was one more person he had to win over.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2024

These “Apes” movies feature no fuzzy costumes or heavy prosthetics, and instead are feats of computer generated performance capture technology.

From New York Times • May 10, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

"They basically do research on anything based on performance capture of humans, creating digital faces," said Li, a former research lead at Disney-owned Industrial Light & Magic.

From Reuters • Aug. 8, 2023