A motion-capture performer strays too far from the axis of reality, in this visceral mind-bender for Ed Sheehan by Ryan Staake.Dancer Courtney Scarr treats us to a show-stopping routine in a MoCap studio, and on screen, her movements carry through to a shimmering, shifting CG universe. Travelling between these fantasies and the reality of the studio, Scarr assumes different identities - including 3D avatars of Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper. But when it’s time for her to hang up her bodysuit and call it a day, she finds it hard to leave this oscillating fantasy behind…The video is a remarkable achievement for Moving Picture Company, who were tasked with turning round the entire project in just three and a half weeks. MPC is obviously a global leader in VFX, but this required all kinds of ingenious improvisation to make it happen. For example, when Sheeran was not available for a photogrammetry, Dominic Alderson created his 3D avatar from his Madame Tussauds waxwork. More of this iintricate process is revealed in a Behind the Scenes video. While this is a masterclass in visual effects, a mention should go to Scarr and her choreographer Erin Murray. The confident swagger of their dance routine anchors this video in reality, and holds the audience's hand through the rapid shifts and glitches of this digital fantasia.
Ned Botwood - 30th June 2019