Act-One
Act-One is an AI-powered character animation tool by Runway that transforms simple video performances into expressive 3D character animations using just a single camera, eliminating the need for complex motion capture equipment.
Core Features of Act-One
Act-One revolutionizes character animation by transforming simple video inputs into expressive 3D character performances, eliminating the need for complex motion capture equipment.
High-Fidelity Performance Capture
Accurately captures subtle facial expressions, eye movements, micro-expressions, and speech rhythms from live performances, translating them into dynamic character animations with exceptional detail.
Simplified Animation Workflow
Eliminates the need for expensive motion capture equipment or manual facial rigging. Create professional-quality animations using just a single camera and AI technology.
Versatile Character Transformation
Transform actor performances into virtual characters of various styles, proportions, and artistic directions - from realistic to stylized, human to fantasy creatures.
Multi-Character Scene Creation
Enable a single performer to portray multiple characters in complex dialogue scenes, perfect for creating rich interactive narratives and dynamic conversations.
How to Use Act-One
Follow these simple steps to transform your video performance into stunning character animations using Act-One's AI-powered technology.
1
Prepare Your Performance Video
Record a video of yourself or an actor performing the desired actions and expressions. Use a smartphone or camera in a well-lit environment. Ensure the face is clearly visible and the performance is expressive.
2
Upload Your Video
Select your performance video file and upload it to Act-One. The system supports common video formats (MP4, MOV, AVI). Video should be clear with visible facial features.
3
Choose or Create Target Character
Select from pre-made character models or upload your own 3D character design. Act-One works with various character styles - realistic, stylized, fantasy, or cartoon.
4
Generate Animation
Click generate and let Act-One's AI analyze your performance and apply it to the target character. The system will process facial expressions, eye movements, and speech synchronization.
5
Review and Download
Preview your generated character animation. If satisfied, download the result in your preferred format for use in your projects. You can also refine by uploading different performances.
Helpful Tips
- •For best results, keep your performance video between 10-60 seconds
- •Use a neutral background to help the AI focus on facial features
- •Record at 30fps or higher for smoother animation results
- •Test with short clips first to understand how your performance translates
- •Multiple takes are encouraged - experiment with different emotional intensities
Act-One is integrated with Runway's Gen-3 Alpha model, providing state-of-the-art AI-powered character animation. No special equipment or technical expertise required - just your creativity and a camera.
Act-One Use Cases
Discover how Act-One empowers creators across industries to produce professional character animations with unprecedented ease and flexibility.
Film & Animation Production
Rapidly prototype character performances, create previz animations, or produce final character sequences for films, shorts, and animated series without expensive motion capture studios.
Content Creation & Social Media
Create engaging character-based content for YouTube, TikTok, or streaming platforms. Bring virtual influencers, mascots, or original characters to life with your own performances.
Game Development
Generate cinematic cutscenes, dialogue sequences, and character performances for indie games and AAA titles, dramatically reducing animation production time and costs.
Virtual Production & Storytelling
Develop immersive narrative experiences, interactive stories, or virtual reality content with dynamic, emotionally resonant character performances.
Educational Content
Create animated educational videos with expressive character teachers or historical figure recreations that engage students and enhance learning experiences.
Marketing & Advertising
Produce character-driven advertisements, brand mascot content, or product demonstrations with professional animation quality at a fraction of traditional costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about using Act-One for character animation
What video formats does Act-One support?
Act-One supports common video formats including MP4, MOV, and AVI. For best results, use HD quality (1080p or higher) video with clear facial visibility.
Do I need motion capture equipment to use Act-One?
No! That's the beauty of Act-One. You only need a standard camera or smartphone to record performances. The AI handles all the complex motion capture and facial animation automatically.
Can I use Act-One with my own custom 3D characters?
Yes! Act-One works with custom character models. You can import your own 3D characters and apply captured performances to them, regardless of style or proportions.
How long does it take to generate a character animation?
Processing time varies based on video length and complexity, typically ranging from a few minutes to 15-20 minutes for longer sequences. You'll be notified when your animation is ready.
Can one person perform multiple characters in a scene?
Absolutely! Act-One supports multi-character creation where a single performer can record different performances and apply them to multiple characters, perfect for dialogue scenes.
What is the ideal video length for input?
While Act-One can handle various lengths, 10-60 seconds per performance is ideal. For longer scenes, consider breaking them into shorter, manageable segments.
Does Act-One capture body movements or just facial expressions?
Act-One primarily focuses on facial performance, including eye movements, expressions, and speech synchronization. Body animation can be added separately or through other Runway tools.
Can I edit or refine the generated animation?
Yes! You can export the animation to standard 3D animation software for further refinement, or generate multiple versions with different performances and combine the best results.
Ready to Bring Your Characters to Life?
Transform your performances into stunning character animations with Act-One. No motion capture studio required - just your creativity and vision. Start creating professional-quality character animations today.
Join thousands of creators, animators, and storytellers using Act-One to revolutionize character animation. From indie creators to professional studios, Act-One makes high-quality character performance accessible to everyone.
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