Digital actors are character created using computer animation and CGI. They look like real actors, they walk like real actors, they talk like real actors. Through advances in technology digital actors are making their way to Hollywood, getting roles in movies such as Avatar and TRON: Legacy.
Animated young Jeff Bridges as Clu (on the left) and Kevin Flynn (on the right) in TRON: Legacy
1. Is this acting or is this animation?
I believe it is both. Behind every CG character is a team of dozens, if not hundreds, of people as well as real actors the director works with. The facial expressions and actions done by the digital actor was acted out by a real one. Some digital character do take the mold of real actors. For TRON, Jeff Bridges had to wear a helmet with four tiny cameras pointed at his face when he was acting out scenes for Clu. Dots in his face were used as reference points for the computer.
2. Do you think that animated character should be eligible for acting awards?
The actors playing these characters should be eligible as well as animated characters themselves. Characters that do not use the full capabilities of an actor, I feel these characters shouldn't be eligible for acting awards. Animated characters that put an actor's physical acting and their voice into relative use deserve to have their hard work recognized and thus should be eligible for an acting award. Acting awards go to actors that deliver outstanding performances while working within the film industry. An actor whose acting was used for an animated character that delivered an outstanding performance should be recognized through eligibility for acting awards.
3. Do you think that human actors will ever become obsolete? Why or why not?
I don't think human actors will ever become obsolete because they are an integral part of Hollywood. We as an audience connect with actors that we can get familiarized and connect with. It is much easier to do this with human actors. It is easier to relate to humans than digital actors and makes a film or show much more realistic. Even with technology improving, actors must still play a role in the filming process as digital actors are not able to portray emotions that only humans can. Behind every digital actor is a human being, voicing it, or being used as templates.
Hi Darlin :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with all your answers, but not 100% on #1. I don't exactly think that it is animation since the actors are the ones who are acting as the characters, and the actors get edited for the film. But you do make a good point when you said the facial expressions and actions are acted through the actors. You have a lot of evidence and reason that go along with your opinions. Good Job! :D
I definitely agree with you on #1 that it is both considering acting and animation. I mean, they are considered actors but have been incorporated graphically to modify the film into that ones we see today. I also agree that human actors will never become obsolete. Who could ever get tired of watching other humans bring characters to life? :S
ReplyDeleteNice answers, Darlin! I agree that it's both acting and animation - like a hybrid! And TRON with Jeff Bridges was a perfect example. I also agree with you on the important point that human actors bring a feeling of connection and familiarity to the audience.
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