Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 13, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
No sooner had the new James Bond film “Quantum of Solace” opened in cinemas than the accompanying computer game, in which James Bond experiences exciting adventures, appeared in stores. Thanks to the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg in Ludwigsburg, the virtual faces in the game look more realistic than before. Activision Blizzard, the world’s largest game publisher, used open-source software developed in the Film Academy’s research department.
The technology was created by the Film Academy’s Animation Institute as part of the “Artificial Actors” research project funded by the Baden-Württemberg state foundation. It enables computer characters to express genuine emotions through their virtual faces. The system is based on a database containing various facial expressions and the resulting movements of real people.
According to the Film Academy, the open-source software is unique worldwide. Any internet user can download and develop it free of charge. Filippo Costanzo, Head of Research and Development at Activision Blizzard in California, did just that and used it for the new James Bond computer game: “These tools allowed us to make our production pipelines more efficient and significantly reduce the time required to create believable animated actors.”
The Animation Institute’s research team of artists and engineers, led by Head of Research and Development Volker Helzle, received the Filmförderung Innovation Award in 2006 for its work on the “Artificial Actors” project. The Animation Institute is part of the international avant-garde in 3D animation. Its graduates have worked on productions including Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and The Polar Express.
Further Links:
- Download the free software
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