 One of our most effective ways, so far, of using two characters in the same scene is the show we developed for Mede, which includes VirtuaLibby, Digital Dan and a 3D TV set, which has interchangeable graphics.
Using the technology this way, either of our two "anchor characters" can hold interviews with real people as well as with other characters, without the need for the things one might typically find in a newsroom, such as lighting, cameras, technical staff, stage managers and so forth. The other beneficial thing is that everything is ready to go as soon as the computers are started and the network link is established - all in about a minute. And when another character comes to join the set, it is a simple and quick change.
We can work with any combination of characters and backdrops -
In general, still photo or graphic backgrounds work better than video backgrounds, because we have seen some frame-rate problems when syncing the two systems together. The technique is pretty simple - the output of the first computer serves as the background for the second character, which is overlaid into the scene. That also means that we can run a Powerpoint presentation or software demonstration in the scene behind a character.
 The video output then comes out as VGA, DVI or S-Video, depending on what we want to use and the production situation. In some cases, for recording, we might want to simply use an S-Video connection to make a story for the web, or in other cases, we are putting our signal up on a large LCD screen at a tradeshow.
The live experience is very eye-catching and fun - It looks like the only thing a little more incredible than speaking with a virtual character in real time, is speaking with two at once. Audiences are truly caught off guard and have a good laugh when they begin to realize what is happening. Here's a look at a live tradeshow appearance for Mede, with "Flo" and "Chester." Click the picture to start the video.
Booking a two character show is just as easy -
Since two systems and two performers are required for this type of show, the fee is about twice the charge as a single character show, depending on other requirements. The space for the control booth grows to about 5-foot by 8-foot, and that is just about the only difference between projects involving one character and the more interesting two-character show.
 Call Gary Jesch today for more information about this - 888-766-6677.
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