Synthespians™

Synthespians™ are artificial actors, typically used in computer-generated imagery (CGI) for films, television shows, video games, and other forms of media. They are created using a combination of computer graphics, motion capture, and other digital techniques.

History[edit | edit source]

The term "Synthespian" was coined by Jeff Kleiser and Diana Walczak in the 1980s. They used it to describe the digital actors they created for their company, Kleiser-Walczak Construction Co. The first Synthespian, known as Dozo, was created in 1988 for the film "The Abyss."

Creation[edit | edit source]

Creating a Synthespian involves several steps. First, the character's physical appearance is designed using computer graphics software. This can include everything from their facial features to their clothing. Next, the character's movements are captured using motion capture technology. This involves recording the movements of a human actor, and then applying those movements to the digital character. Finally, the character's voice and facial expressions are added. This can be done using a variety of techniques, including voice acting and facial motion capture.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Synthespians are used in a variety of media. They are perhaps most commonly seen in films, where they can be used to create characters that would be impossible to portray using traditional acting techniques. For example, the character of Gollum in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was created using a Synthespian.

Synthespians are also used in video games, where they can help to create more realistic and immersive experiences for players. In addition, they are used in virtual reality experiences, and in some cases, they can even be used in live performances.

Future[edit | edit source]

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that the use of Synthespians will become even more widespread. Advances in artificial intelligence could potentially allow for Synthespians that are capable of improvising their own dialogue and actions, creating a more dynamic and realistic experience for audiences.