Tripod For Recording Live Action Reference

One of the best ways to get live-action reference for a piece of animation is to film yourself acting it out, capture the footage on your phone, and then import the footage onto an image plane in Maya.

The best way to film yourself is by mounting your smartphone on a tripod. 

We're recommending this excellent (and inexpensive) tripod, made by Linkcool, for mounting your phone/camera, while you do the acting and give the performance.

Linkcool Tripod

The Linkcool camera is a great piece of kit; lightweight, easy to use and put away, and at £17 it won't break the bank. You can buy it here at amazon.co.uk.

Why Shoot Live Action

When you shoot live action reference, you will almost always find things you didn't anticipate, little bits of magic that your body will do without you even thinking about it with your conscious brain. Try it out - you'll be amazed by the power of your own acting skills.  

Live Action Reference Resources at Escape Studios

For more resources on how to use live action reference, follow the links below:

• Live Action Tutorials at Vimeo Channel
• Animate a Character Dancing Using Live Action
• Using Live Action Reference to Create Animation
• How to Film Animals for Live Action
• Animate a Character Throwing a Ball Using Live Action Reference
• Endless Reference for Animators
• How do Animators use Live Action to Create Believable Animation?

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects.  

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