MOOV

MOOV was a Québec-based motion capture studio launched by Squeeze Studio Animation in March 2017. Also publicly known as MOOV Studio, it operated as an internal division rather than an independently incorporated company. Its creation expanded Squeeze’s character animation capabilities from stylized keyframe work into realistic performance capture for video games and films.

The studio combined recorded performances with animation production, supporting work from initial capture through preparation of animation for use in a project. Its capabilities encompassed body, facial and finger capture, stunt recording, motion tracking, data cleaning and retargeting. Real-time game engine integration connected captured performances with downstream production workflows.

Performance and character animation

MOOV’s offering addressed both in-game animation and cinematic sequences. Work included animation blocking, polishing and finaling, alongside enhancement of cinematics and cutscenes. This connected performance recording with the additional animation work needed to develop finished character movement.

A documented project is Journey to the Savage Planet, the 2020 game from Typhoon Studios. MOOV provided motion capture and character animation services for the title, whose production diary featured the studio’s contribution to its comedic character performances.

Integration into Squeeze

On May 20, 2021, Squeeze announced that its motion capture division, formerly known as MOOV Studio, had become fully integrated into the Squeeze brand. The standalone MOOV brand and website were retired, while its motion capture operations continued within Squeeze’s animation services.

Squeeze subsequently joined Cinesite’s production network following Cinesite’s acquisition of a majority stake in August 2022. MOOV’s history therefore represents the development of Squeeze’s dedicated motion capture offering, rather than the history or complete production portfolio of its parent studio.