Video Game Actors Advocate for Transparency in Motion Capture Work

Professional casting director Jessica Jefferies, who has experience as a motion capture performer, is speaking out about the lack of transparency in the industry when it comes to booking actors for certain types of scenes. In a recent interview with the BBC, Jefferies shared her concerns about being called for motion capture shoots without any prior information about the content, only to discover that the work involved explicit and graphic scenes.

“We’d get an email or a call from a studio saying we need you on these days for a shoot,” she explained. “That was all the information we’d get.”

Jefferies recounted a disturbing experience where she arrived at a shoot and was informed that she would be filming a graphic rape scene, which could be viewed by players for an extended period. She emphasized the gratuitous nature of such scenes and the impact it has on actors, even when wearing motion capture suits that conceal nudity.

Another actor, who chose to remain anonymous, echoed Jefferies’ sentiments and highlighted the lack of disclosure and support for actors in such situations. She recalled a particular instance where she was only informed about the explicit nature of a scene upon arriving for work, which involved a full-on sex scene being recorded with the entire team watching her perform.

The actors are calling for better communication and transparency in the industry, especially considering the sensitive nature of the work and the emotional toll it can take on performers.

Industry Response and Initiatives

The UK’s games industry trade body, Ukie, did not provide a response to the BBC’s inquiries regarding the issue. However, the British Actors Union, Equity, has established guidelines to promote a supportive environment for all stakeholders in the UK video game sector.

Some game developers, like Larian Studios behind Baldur’s Gate 3, have taken steps to ensure the safety and well-being of actors during intense scenes. Larian hired intimacy coordinators to work with the actors and create a comfortable atmosphere for filming romantic and sensitive moments.

Actor Devora Wilde, known for her role as githyanki warrior Lae’zel in Baldur’s Gate 3, expressed her approval of Larian’s decision to prioritize the actors’ well-being during production.