Disney animator draws characters in virtual reality through HTC Vive

Disney veteran animator Glen Keane shows how he creates virtual characters in a video sponsored by "The Future Of Storytelling" event in New York.

Glen Keane, the animator behind Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin is bringing life to characters in 3D through HTC Vive. The demo is part of "The Future of Storytelling", an annual event in New York City, The Verge reported.

According to its Vimeo account, it is a one-day summit where top media practitioners and technologists exchange ideas in creating narratives in the future by means of technology.

The invitation-only event was inaugurated in 2012. This year, attendees include the ex U.S. Vice President Al Gore, HTC Vive CCO Phil Chen, author Margaret Atwood and CIA/NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, Mashable reported.

In the video, Keane is using Vive's gyro sensor, laser position sensor and accelerometer. He shows how to use the Tilt Brush; a tool bought by Google from Skillman & Hackett. The paint app is designed for 3D brush strokes.

"By putting tools in your hand that can create in virtual reality, I can put goggles on and I just step into the paper and now I'm drawing in it," Keane described his approach in the demo. The animator also shared his thoughts about the new process. "When I draw in virtual reality I draw all the characters real life size."

Concurrently, he said practitioners are finding ways to use technology in creating characters. And the virtual reality will make it easier for them to put life on their works. "That doorway to the imagination is open a little wider. The edges of the paper are no longer there. This is not a flat drawing - this is sculptural drawing."

At this time, rendering 3D subjects using 2D inputs makes it difficult for artists in the animation industry. Certainly, the VR option could shape 3D objects directly in no time. This would reduce cost and saves time in the film production.