Book Signing and Q&A LA July 2025
Mocap Vaults: Community, Creativity, and the Future of Entertainment
by Pascal Langdale
One of the greatest strengths of the Mocap Vaults is our global team of teachers, all of whom have extensive, real-world experience in the game and motion capture industries. When multiple experts come together, students get unparalleled insight into the current state of the industry, with fresh lessons, opportunities, and challenges right off the set.
A Gathering of Minds
Initially, our idea was to have a simple book signing for “Performing for Motion Capture - A Practitioners' Guide,” a book I co-authored with Mocap Vaults veteran John Dower. But the event quickly grew to include a Q&A session, and then expanded even further to include Jarrel Hall, Marc Morriseau, Darren Bailey, Richard Dorton, and myself. The knowledge in the room was immense, covering everything from mocap acting and stunts to the Unreal Engine, game writing, improvisation, and even AI updates.
A Family of Creators
Beyond the impressive list of skills, the event was a powerful reminder of the Mocap Vaults community. It truly felt like a family of creative people and actors, many of whom are also experts in other fields, such as cinematography, sound design, and game development.
AI was a major topic of discussion, and it's clear that it has created some anxiety and demoralization within the broader industry. Katherine Grant-Suttie, a long-time Mocap Vaults alumni, asked a powerful question about how actors and other creatives can create their own projects in such a complex landscape. We all understand the feeling of being overwhelmed when you think about bringing your own captured project to life. There are so many steps and skills involved that it can feel impossible to even start.
A New Era of Creation
I firmly believe that the rise of AI and the increasing accessibility of capture technology and software are ushering in a new phase for entertainment. The key to navigating this new world isn't about working alone; it's about community. In the room that day, I saw several small groups of people with complementary skills who could easily team up on a project.
When someone asked, "Yes, but what's the end goal?" I had a simple answer. The most valuable skill you can develop is to focus on what's in your control. Ask yourself: What are the smallest steps I can take regularly to get to the first base?
I like to think of progress along a “Rhum Line” a direct line that sailors use to cross a sphere. This means that the heading is more important than the final destination itself, and the occasional zig-zag and bad weather detours always return to the rhum line.
Start small. Maybe your goal is to find out if you can work well with a small team and identify the skills you’re missing? Maybe there’s a grant you can apply for to create a "Minimal Viable Product."?
A minimal viable product of what, you ask?
My bet? Live animated experiences. I believe this is where the future of new entertainment lies, and it's poised for significant growth. If you get in on the ground floor now, a decade from now you'll be the one answering questions at the next big Q&A.
Opening video of assembled alumni celebrating the start of the Q&A