The team behind the Avatar movies have spoken out about over claims the flicks are animation. They insist they don’t use shortcuts because they want to make scenes as impressive as possible
The technology used to make the Avatar movies is out of this world.
Its creators refuse to take the easy option and use state-of-the-art AI or animation like many of their rivals do these days. Instead, it’s all done using a method known as performance capture.
Actors are filmed performing scenes by hi-tech cameras. Their every move is then translated onto a digital character.
It’s expensive and time consuming. But it means the characters you see on the big screen are far more believable than if they were created using AI or animation.
Everyone involved in the iconic franchise is convinced the extra effort is well worth it.
Producers Jamie Landau says: “In the past, there has been a misconception that these films are animated, which they are definitely not!
“Everything from the most intimate dramatic moments to our biggest stunts and underwater movement is all done for real.”
Director James Cameron added: “Avatar movies are not made by computers. Avatar films are made by an incredibly talented team of people – especially our actors – who physically perform every scene.
“Every expression, every movement, every emotional beat comes from their real performances. And once we have that captured, our artists work tirelessly to bring those characters – and the entire world – to life.”
Sam Worthington knows all too well what goes into making an Avatar flick.
The Hollywood hunk has played Jake Sully since the first instalment in 2009.
It’s been the biggest challenge of his career and taken years of hard work.
He explains: “You are basically wearing a suit and a mask of dots, and they are captured by hundreds of infrared cameras.
“So, anything that you do, anything that you say, anything that you feel, anywhere you look, how you are, it’s translated using those dots into the system.
“Now, whether it’s us or a stunt guy jumping into the water or flying on a creature or crying when their son dies, it is all us, and it is all true.”
After the original film in 2009, Avatar returned with second instalment The Way of Water in 2022. Now, three years on, the third flick Fire and Ash will hit cinemas on Friday.
Fans can expect it to look even more impressive.
“The more the technology has improved, the more subtle we can do our performances,” says Sam.
“So even me just standing there, breathing and thinking, that is going to translate through the system, and there’s not one thing that is added to my performance.”
