Performance Capture
In a world that’s rapidly changing, tradition may be excused or forgotten. That’s why we use advanced but accessible technology to help us document, preserve, and share. This serves not only as a record but also as a learning resource for everyone, indigenous and non-indigenous alike.
But we don’t stop at physical artifacts — we also capture traditional dance and movement. Using motion capture technology similar to what’s used in movies and video games, we record performances that can be studied and enjoyed for generations to come. We believe that culture is living and moving, and we want to maintain that.
Live Event in Sarnia, ON
WHEN: Captured May 15, 2023
WHERE: Great Lakes Secondary School in the main auditorium
WHO: Talon Whiteye, a world champion Ojibwe traditional dancer. He is from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, near Sarnia, ON.
Our team captured Talon’s performance LIVE. Behind him was a projected avatar of the founder of Aamjiwnaang, Young Gull, a celebrated Ojibwe war chief (circa 1705).
Bringing Young Gull to Screen
It required a collaboration of researchers and artists to conceptualize Young Gull (b. 1640).
We chose to conceptualize him near the end of his years as War Chief (1680-1712).
Phase 1: Visualization
– Research on traditional attire/wardrobe
– Research on documented descendants
Researchers: Meghan Merkus, Ryan Lindsay
Historian: David Plain
Phase 2: Conceptualization
Artist: Meghan Merkus
Phase 3: Character Design / 3D Rendering
Artist: Corey Johnson, character designer for The Last of Us and Uncharted video games.
Corey created the neck-down and head dress for 3D Young Gull, and rigged the model.
Phase 4: Unreal Engine
Danilo Buendia worked with our Métis high school student Logan Lambert to import our 3D Young Gull into Unreal Engine and synch our motion capture systems.
Phase 5: Metahuman
Artist: Ryan Lindsay