Technology and the emergence of performance capture

This chapter explores the milestone of performance capture technology in actor training, focusing on Andy Serkis’s groundbreaking work in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It discusses how Serkis’s full-bodied approach to the character of Gollum redefined the relationship between actor and digital avatar, legitimising virtual performance as a significant art form. The chapter examines the broader implications of this milestone for actor training, performance practices across media, and the expanding opportunities presented by digital and extended reality technologies. Finally, it considers the future of actor training in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, emphasising the importance of adaptability and technical proficiency alongside traditional skills.