Mova (camera system)

Mova Contour is a multi-camera high resolution facial capture system originally developed by former Apple Computer engineer Steve Perlman.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/31/technology/31motion.html?_r=0|title=Camera System Creates Sophisticated 3-D Effects|newspaper=The New York Times|date=31 July 2006 |accessdate=2015-12-05 |last1=Markoff |first1=John }} It records surfaces (specifically of actors' faces) digitally, by using fluorescent makeup and stereo triangulation, allowing for very detailed digitization and manipulation. The system captures images which are then used to generate dense per frame surface reconstructions. It then generates a temporally coherent mesh by tracking an invisible random pattern of fluorescent makeup that is applied to the capture surface.

Mova technology was first used in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for building a realistic 3D face model of Brad Pitt. The first film credit that Mova technology received was for its use in The Incredible Hulk to capture Edward Norton's expressions and superimpose them onto the Hulk.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/social/mova-reveals-its-work-capturing-faces-for-the-incredible-hulk-film/ |title=Mova reveals its work capturing faces for The Incredible Hulk film |last1=Takahashi |first1=Dean |date=22 June 2008 |work=VentureBeat |access-date=13 August 2022}} It has subsequently been used in over 15 feature films and games.{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/movar-contourr-facial-capture-system-recognized-with-academy-awardr-1984911.htm |title=MOVA(R) Contour(R) Facial Capture System Recognized With Academy Award |website=Marketwired.com |date=2015-01-21 |accessdate=2015-12-05}} However, in recent years it attracted controversy due to a series of lawsuits filed by Perlman over its use in motion pictures such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Beauty and the Beast.{{cite web |last1=Wodecki |first1=Ben |title=Hollywood juggernauts face motion-capture lawsuit |url=http://www.ipprotheinternet.com/ipprotheinternetnews/article.php?article_id=6006 |website=IPPro The internet}}{{cite web |last1=Iovino |first1=Nicholas |title=Disney & Studios Can't Dodge Claims Over Stolen Technology |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/disney-studios-cant-dodge-claims-over-stolen-technology/ |website=Courthouse News Service |accessdate=July 14, 2018}}