[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
We’d like to thank Christopher Pettoni at NYFA for all his work behind the scenes (including camera work) that made this video possible. We’d also like to thank NYFA and Craig Caton-Largent for presenting us with this opportunity and opening up their classroom for us. And of course we’d like to thank the wonderful NYFA students who brought this video to life.
Featured in this video:
Craig Caton-Largent – Instructor at New York Film Academy
Nazym Dabyrtay – motion capture technical
Anel Belgibayeva – motion capture actress
Justin Robinson – radical supervisor
Diana Anpilohova – radical actress
Margarita Beglaryan – motion capture tech
Uma Poonguzhaali – tech
Fei Wan – tech
Craig Caton-Largent, Visual effects artist and current Chair of 3D Animation & VFX at New York Film Academy (NYFA) Los Angeles: We have planned two demonstrations for you today.
One is we’re going to use these magnetic suits. These magnetic suits are about 8 years old now. The technology from 8 years ago is not what it is today and that’s part of the reason we want to do this demonstration today is to show you these old suits and how they worked and stuff.
Then we’re going to show you a brand new system that doesn’t use anything, it just uses a webcam and also an online interface.
The difference in quality is night and day from the last eight years. We’re going to demonstrate both of these systems for you. That’s today’s lesson.
Anel has graciously decided to be our lovely subject today for motion capture. Let’s go ahead and get you into the suit…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).
About Craig:
With over 40 years in the film industry, Craig Caton-Largent is a legendary visual effects artist and the current Chair of 3D Animation & VFX at New York Film Academy (NYFA) Los Angeles. He has worked on over 100 films, creating some of Hollywood’s most iconic creatures, including the Slimer ghost in Ghostbusters (1984), the penguins in Batman Returns (1992), and the raptors in Jurassic Park (1993). Craig has collaborated with top directors like Tim Burton, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron, earning six Academy Award nominations for Best Visual Effects. A pioneer in digital effects, Craig co-founded Digital Domain and developed groundbreaking VFX software like Animservo, used by top studios and theme parks. As the Chair of the Visual Effects and Animation Department at NYFA, Craig is dedicated to helping his students develop animation and storytelling skills that will lead to success in the industry. Craig is also a sought-after speaker on motion capture technology at film festivals and universities worldwide.
CONNECT WITH CRAIG CATON-LARGENT
About New York Film Academy:
Founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) provides an accessible, hands-on education in filmmaking, media, and the performing arts. With a mission to make the film industry more accessible to all, NYFA empowers students from diverse backgrounds to tell powerful stories through a project-based, immersive curriculum. Students work closely with industry professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and real-world experience while building creative, technical, and collaborative skills. NYFA’s global community includes students from over 160 countries, fostering a network of passionate storytellers. From day one, students dive into creating projects that refine their craft and prepare them for successful careers. With a focus on practical experience and individualized support, NYFA equips students with the tools and confidence to excel in the competitive world of filmmaking and the arts.
CONNECT WITH NYFA
Nyfa.edu/location/nyfa-los-angeles
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