The Stuart and Norma Leslie Churchill Fellowship to innovate 3D motion capture methods for dance with leading UK animation studios and research centres

Luke’s report outlines his experiences through the award of the 2018 Stuart and Norma Leslie Churchill Fellowship to innovate 3D motion capture methods for dance with leading UK animation studios and research centres. Experiencing the world leading practices used by the UK motion capture studios provided unparalleled insight into the state-of-the-art processes used in the film and gaming industries. Insights into the development of the leading dance research emanating from the UK, their strategies and progress has provided me with a valuable exemplar to develop the dance research program at Edith Cowan University. Through the integration of these best practice experiences Luke hopes to grow a collaborative, imaginative space for dance research that is both contributing to and collaborating with the Australian dance community through research and artistic outcomes. Fellowship highlights • First hand experience of Vicon and Audiomotion, world leading companies in both the manufacture and use of motion capture systems. • Insights into the development and work of leading dance research centres in the UK conducting both creative and dance medicine and science research. • Translation of how the use of motion capture in the large UK film and gaming industries as well as support for dance health and wellbeing may be translated in an Australian context. Conclusions and recommendations: I identified four themes throughout the fellowship which represent guiding principles for achieving the fellowship aims on my return to Australia; 1) create and inspiring place for people to identify and associate with, 2) bring together and work with people who have focus and passion with an underlying drive for excellence, 3) work within the challenges and opportunities afforded by industry and 4) create, recognise and leverage opportunity.