Ultraman Anime To Utilize Motion Capture For Animation

The directors of the upcoming Ultraman anime adaptation discuss the animation process for the series.

For the upcoming anime adaptation of Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi’s Ultraman manga, the series will be made using 3D animation. However, co-directors Shinji Aramaki (Batman Ninja) and Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex) have spoken about not stopping there to bring the story to life.

Speaking as guests at AnimeNEXT in Atlantic City, the directors revealed via footage they brought with them that rather than going frame by frame for the shots, motion capture is being utilized for an added layer of realism, much like a video game. Suit actors will have their motions recorded for both dramatic and fight sequences, with voice acting added on top to blend together as the finished product. The motion capture is being done with Motion Builder and the texture additions and smaller motions will be added in a program called Maya.

The plot of the series is a continuation of the story told in the original Tsubaraya Ultraman series, albeit set in a different timeline. The story follows Shinjiro Hayata, son of the original Ultraman host, Shin Hayata, as he discovers the power he inherited from his father, as well as the responsibility of the mantle of “Ultraman” in defending Earth from alien threats.

The manga is being distributed by Viz and is available in stores now. The series, produced by Production I.G. and Sola Digital Arts,  is set to debut in 2019.

Source: Anime News Network