Epiphanic Resolution: The Effect of Video Compression on the
Believability of Computer-Generated Characters
Abstract
This article examines the effects of video compression on the believable
integration of computer-generated (CG) characters among live-action film
elements. Compression is requisite for the delivery of moving-image
content to a variety of end-user applications. The most common standards
for compressing consumer-targeted video content provide separate pros
and cons depending on the type of footage and the degree of compression
required. This research investigates to what extent the type and degree
of compression impacts how well virtual actors (vactors) appear to
coexist within profilmic scenes. By extension, what visual results
linked to compression have the greatest impact on compromising a
vactor’s believable integration within a shot? Analyses of two feature
films and two web-based promotional films at various compression
strengths provide data that suggests compression is more detrimental to
the believability of CG versus profilmic characters. Additionally, as
compression strength increases, CG characters become more graphically
abstracted – negatively impacting the quality of their visual
integration – whereas profilmic actors remain recognisably human and
plausibly integrated. This research provides novel insights regarding
the relationship between the finished video product as delivered by a
film company versus how it may be perceived when viewed at different
formats by audiences.