Autodesk Media & Entertainment
Just getting started with Flow Studio? These tips and tricks—from filming basics and platform best practices—are here if you need a little extra guidance to get the best results.
1. Dress for AI Mocap Success
Clothing with clear contrast and a good fit can help movement read more clearly. Keeping the performer visible from head to toe simply gives you more to work with when capturing motion.
2. Light It Right for Optimal Mocap
Good lighting is best for accurate motion capture. Think natural light, soft or even lighting—be sure to avoid harsh shadows or backlighting for optimal results.
3. Optimize Resolution and Frame Rate
If your camera allows it, try filming at a higher resolution—footage can always be downscaled during editing. For frame rates, sticking to 24, 25, or 30 FPS works well. And don’t worry—you don’t need any special gear; most smartphones support this.
4. Film Wide for Better Tracking
Starting with a wider shot helps capture full-body movement more clearly, giving you better animation to work with. You can fine-tune the framing later during the edit.
5. Direct Clear Motions with Actors
Clear, intentional movement goes a long way. Encourage performers to keep actions simple and confident, avoiding small or overlapping motions that can muddy the final animation like intertwining fingers, fidgeting hands, or touching hair)
6. Use Props with Purpose
When using props, think of them as supporting elements. Keeping shapes clear and movement unobstructed helps the performer stay visible and ensures motion is captured as cleanly as possible.
7. Keep the Background Clean
A clutter-free background helps isolate the actor’s movements easily. Opt for solid colors or simple environments to minimize distractions and ensure your animations are as clean as possible.
8. Export for Flexibility
When you’re ready to push things a bit further, exporting elements like camera tracks, clean plates or character passes makes it easy to keep editing your work in tools like Maya or Blender, so you can add polish or explore new ideas at your own pace.
Have Tips of Your Own?
Share them with the community! Using Flow Studio in an interesting way or picked up a tip worth passing on? Join the Creator Community to share what you’ve discovered, learn from other creators, and connect with like-minded creatives.
We can’t wait to see what you create in Flow Studio with these tips in your toolkit. Don’t stress—just play around, share your story, and enjoy the process. The best results come when you’re having fun, so go ahead and let your imagination run wild!