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.
Video Input Guide
Learn how to capture the best performance video for Act-One to generate stunning character animations
Key Elements for Quality Input
Clear Facial Visibility
Ensure the performer's face is well-lit and clearly visible throughout the recording. Avoid shadows, backlighting, or obstructions.
Expressive Performance
Encourage natural, expressive acting with clear emotions. The more nuanced the performance, the better the resulting animation.
Stable Camera Position
Keep the camera steady and maintain consistent framing. The focus should remain on the performer's face and upper body.
Audio Quality
Include clear audio to capture speech rhythms, timing, and vocal performance, which enhances the overall animation quality.
Professional Tips
Exaggerate Slightly
Slightly exaggerate facial expressions and movements for better capture, especially for stylized characters or animated productions.
Test Different Angles
While frontal view works best, slight angles can add dimension. Experiment with 15-30 degree angles for dynamic results.
Use Reference Characters
Have a clear idea of your target character style before recording. This helps performers match the desired energy and movement style.
Input Quality Comparison
"Poor lighting, unstable camera, minimal facial expression, background noise"
"Even lighting, stable framing, expressive performance, clear audio, well-defined facial features"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about using Act-One for character animation
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.