Investigate the Star Wars Outlaws' motion capture puppet of character Nix
In the latest addition to the Star Wars universe, Star Wars Outlaws, a unique character named Nix stands out. Unlike traditional characters, Nix is played by a puppet named Camille Loiselle-D'Aragon.
Nix is a one-of-a-kind merqaal creature that assists the player character Kay Vess in the game. The puppet, made of felt and cloth, features tendrils around the head that serve as a stand-in for Nix's gills. These tendrils offer an eyeline and physical reactions to the actress's performance, providing a tangible element for Camille Loiselle-D'Aragon to interact with during her scenes.
The creative director of Star Wars Outlaws, González, found the puppet for Nix invaluable during production. He explained that the use of a simple puppet can bring interpersonal elements back into a scene during motion capture technology-based productions. Actors in such productions often have to interact with non-existent characters or objects, which can be challenging. However, the presence of a physical puppet like Nix helps bridge this gap.
Camille Loiselle-D'Aragon and the Nix puppet make for a notable acting team in Star Wars Outlaws. Their performances can be seen in various scenes across the galaxy, with Nix joining Kay Vess for meals at street vendors. The actress often improvises with her costar during performances, adding a layer of authenticity to the interactions between the characters.
While specific details about the filming process with Nix are scarce, it's common for characters like Nix, which are often CGI or animatronic, to be created and integrated into scenes post-production. Actors might interact with props or placeholders during filming, and then the CGI elements are added later.
Despite the lack of detailed information, fans have been eagerly sharing fan-made models and fanart of Nix. The development of Star Wars Outlaws was also influenced by Swedish pride in craftsmanship, according to the creative director.
Nix, with its googly eyes and four legs, joins the ranks of many notable puppets created for the Star Wars series. Its presence not only adds a unique element to the game but also brings back the essence of live-action performances in a motion capture technology-based production.
Nix, with its unique physical presence, is a blend of traditional puppetry and modern technology, adding a touch of artificial-intelligence to the Star Wars universe. Actors in the production, like Camille Loiselle-D'Aragon, interact with Nix's gadget-like tendrils, showcasing how technology and puppetry can complement each other in innovative ways.
