Motion-capture to animate Homer in real time

The Simpsons is to air a live session.

Homer Simpson will answer viewers questions live in a three-minute session at the end of the episode to air in the States on May 15.

Producers will use motion-capture technology to animate Dan Castellaneta's words.

And the team will attempt the stunt twice – for both the East and West coast broadcast.

Sitcoms have previously turned to live episode to create 'event' TV, and a live version of the Grease musical proved a hit for Simpsons broadcaster Fox last month.

Executive producer Al Jean told The Wrap that 'I think this is a first for animation' and that there will be some 'interesting' things included to prove the section is live.

Fans can tweet their questions using hashtag #HomerLive between May 1 and May 4, which Jean insisted was to obtain permission to use the tweets, rather than prepare the segment in advance.
 

Published: 17 Feb 2016