Digital 3D capture of an actor's body using photogrammetry or structured light – provides accurate geometry for VFX doubles, digital clothing, and character rigging.
What is a Body Scan?
A Body Scan is the digital 3D capture of a human body for VFX purposes. Various technologies capture shape, texture, and details to create digital doubles, clothing simulations, and character rigs.
Scanning Technologies
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Photogrammetry | Multiple cameras, triangulation |
| Structured Light | Projected pattern, 3D calculation |
| LiDAR | Laser-based distance measurement |
| FARO Scanners | High-precision industrial scanners |
| Consumer Depth Cameras | Budget option, lower quality |
Photogrammetry Setup
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Camera Array | 100–200+ DSLRs |
| Arrangement | Spherical or cylindrical |
| Lighting | Uniform, diffuse |
| Synchronization | Simultaneous triggering |
| Resolution | 24–50 MP per camera |
Captured Data
| Data Type | Usage |
|---|---|
| Geometry | 3D mesh of the body |
| Texture | Skin color, details |
| HDRI | Lighting reference |
| Measurements | For rigging, clothing |
| Expressions | Facial expressions (FACS) |
Scan Types
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| A-Pose Scan | Standard reference pose |
| T-Pose Scan | Optimized for rigging |
| Costume Scan | With film costume |
| Expression Scans | Facial movements |
| Motion Scan | 4D, temporal sequence |
Workflow
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Costume, makeup, hair |
| Calibration | System setup |
| Capture | Scan passes |
| Processing | Generate point cloud |
| Mesh Creation | Build geometry |
| Texturing | Project color maps |
| Cleanup | Correct errors |
Actor Requirements
| Aspect | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Tight-fitting or nude (for tracking) |
| Hair | Tied back or styled |
| Makeup | Neutral or set makeup |
| Stillness | During capture |
| Markers | If necessary for tracking |
Output Formats
| Format | Usage |
|---|---|
| OBJ | Standard geometry |
| FBX | With rigging data |
| Alembic | Animation cache |
| UDIM Textures | High-resolution maps |
Quality Levels
| Level | Resolution | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Hero | Sub-mm accuracy | Close-ups |
| Mid-Level | 1–2mm | Medium shots |
| Background | 5mm+ | Wide shots |
Application Areas
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Double | Stunt replacement |
| De-Aging | Younger version |
| Crowd Duplication | Mass scenes |
| Clothing Sim | Digital costumes |
| Virtual Production | Real-time avatars |
Studios and Services
| Company | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Clear Angle | Film-grade scans |
| 3D Scan Store | Scan service |
| Ten24 | High-end faces |
| Dimensional Imaging | 4D capture |
Costs (approx.)
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic Body Scan | €500–€1,500 |
| Hero-Quality Scan | €2,000–€5,000 |
| Full Expression Set | €5,000–€15,000 |
| Mobile Scan Service | Extra for on-location |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Hair | Specialized grooming capture |
| Reflections | Matte spray, lighting |
| Motion Blur | Faster systems |
| Clothing Wrinkles | Multiple poses |
Today
Body scans are standard in the VFX pipeline. From Marvel superheroes to historical dramas, the technology enables seamless integration of digital doubles and has revolutionized the possibilities of modern filmmaking.
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