Technology merges real-time rendering with asset ingest and character animation tools accessible across the entire production pipeline, from storyboarding to final pass; streaming veteran David Baron joins leadership team as COO.
Mindshow, the real-time CG animation company, has unveiled its virtual production platform alongside the appointment of David Baron as Chief Operating Officer. A founding executive at Hulu, Baron also held leadership roles at Fox Digital Media, Paramount, and Microsoft, bringing decades of media innovation expertise to the job.
“Content distribution hit a historic inflection point when streaming put libraries of content at viewers' fingertips,” said Baron. “Mindshow brings that same accessibility to creation. Brands can now move from concept to delivery in one production cycle, turning characters into multi-platform properties across social, streaming, previsualization, and beyond. For the business of animation, this changes everything.”
Mindshow merges real-time rendering with asset ingest and character animation tools accessible across the entire production pipeline, from storyboarding to final pass. Directors step into virtual studio sets through mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets, including the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest, to instantly utilize a flexible toolkit with full creative control. Key features and capabilities include:
- Advanced Voice Integration: Proprietary lip-sync technology converts pre-recorded audio into stylized animated facial performances and character movements.
- Virtual Studio Cameras: Directors capture unlimited angles with multiple cameras with industry-standard lens settings, enabling iterations for instant control and review.
- Seamless Motion Capture (mocap): Generates real-time character expression leveraging industry-standard mocap suits to rapidly evolving camera tracking solutions like Meta Quest.
- Asset Integration Pipeline: Existing character libraries are easily converted into 3D models that are rigged for performance, maximizing the value of brand assets.
“Every step of animation requires a specialized tool—from assets to previsualization to rendering and review,” said Sharon Bordas, CEO of Mindshow. “This technical fragmentation bottlenecks creativity costing production teams time and money. Mindshow is purpose-built to integrate a growing ecosystem of virtual production capabilities as rapidly as cutting-edge content tools and technology hit the market, making studio-quality animation immediate and intuitive through a single platform.”
“Character authenticity lives in the details—a subtle expression, a defining gesture, a signature movement,” said Carrie LeGrand, Head of Production at Mattel. “From creating innovative swim mechanics for Enchantimals to dynamic racetracks for Hot Wheels, Mindshow's real-time mocap and character animation tools allow us to perfect every performance while maximizing our existing character libraries. This creative precision has been transformative for Mattel, maintaining brand integrity across global studio collaborations.”
Powered by Unity's real-time engine, Mindshow puts enterprise-scale virtual production tools within reach of Unity's global developer community.
“Unity’s real-time 3D platform is designed to be scalable and flexible, giving creators the tools to push boundaries and explore new possibilities,” said Steve Collins, CTO, Unity. “Whether it’s integrating advanced tech or adapting to new workflows, our platform helps developers create captivating and innovative experiences. When partners like Mindshow deliver accessible virtual production tools through an intuitive interface, it demonstrates Unity’s versatility in changing the game for animation, making studio-quality content easier to achieve.”
Mindshow is now available for licensing to select entertainment companies, sports organizations, and consumer brands while continuing to offer its full-service production suite through its Los Angeles-based studio. To learn more, visit the Mindshow website.
Source: Mindshow
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
