Case Studies

The Suicide Squad - Warner Bros.

Actor Capture’s work on The Suicide Squad extended beyond on-set performance capture into a robust previsualization (previz) pipeline that helped shape the film long before final production and VFX execution.

Actor Capture collaborated closely with the filmmakers to create a digital double cast of 3D characters for previs. Using Reallusion Character Creator and Headshot, the team rapidly generated accurate character representations, which were then animated and refined in MotionBuilder and visualized in real time using Unreal Engine. This pipeline allowed creative decisions to be explored interactively, with immediate feedback on performance, camera, and staging.

Motion capture for previs was accomplished using Xsens Link suits, achieving a major technical milestone by tracking 12 performers simultaneously—a record for the technology at that time. This enabled full ensemble performances to be captured together, preserving natural timing and interaction. In total, 16 scenes were recorded with both body and facial motion, then visualized directly in Unreal Engine to create performance-driven previs sequences.

Most importantly, this previsualization process was crucial for aligning production and VFX ahead of the real shoot. By giving directors, cinematographers, stunt teams, and visual effects artists a shared visual blueprint, previs allowed complex scenes to be planned, tested, and refined early. Technical challenges were identified in advance, creative intent was clearly communicated, and every department arrived on set prepared—ensuring the final shots captured exactly what was needed to bring the film’s digital characters and action to life.