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Animation for holograms
Digital characters built for live moments
Holographic work asks for more than a convincing image. It needs movement that holds attention, facial detail that reads from a distance, and a workflow that suits the realities of live delivery. Mimic Productions develops 3D animation for holograms with that full context in mind, combining body animation, facial animation, motion capture clean-up and real-time performance support. For hologram productions, the animation is part of a wider character pipeline. We can shape a digital human from captured reference, refine performance into polished movement, and prepare facial work for live stages, exhibitions or immersive storytelling. That may mean a recreated person, a new digital ambassador, or a performance built to appear believable inside a holographic environment. The goal is always the same: animation that feels intentional, readable and ready for the venue, screen or installation it will meet. Mimic also works with real-time facial animation for projects that need immediate performance capture. In a hologram setting, that can support live events, digital projections and interactive presentations where timing matters as much as realism. We guide clients through the technical setup, the development pipeline and on-site execution, while keeping the scope grounded in what the production and display setup can actually support. Because holograms rely on audience perception, small details matter.
Production challenges
What hologram productions need from animation
These are the most common pressure points when a holographic character has to feel convincing in front of a live audience.
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Readable performance
Holograms are often viewed in busy environments, so the animation must communicate quickly. Facial expression, posture and timing need to be clear enough to read at a distance without losing nuance.
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Believable identity
If the audience is meeting a person or persona through a hologram, the work has to preserve recognisable traits and emotional continuity. That applies to face replacement, digital doubles and invented characters alike.
02
Live technical fit
A hologram setup has practical constraints around capture, playback and venue delivery. The animation workflow has to match the performance format, whether the character is pre-rendered, real-time or partially interactive.
What your team gets
What this brings to the production
01
Clearer stage presence
Animated movement is shaped to read well in live and immersive settings.
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Stronger facial detail
Facial performance is refined to keep expression and identity present.
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Flexible delivery
Work can support pre-rendered, real-time or hybrid hologram pipelines.
04
Production-ready handoff
We consider setup, execution and the needs of the final venue.
Capabilities and deliverables
Animation capabilities we apply
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- Body animation for human and creature movement. Review timing, weight and readability in the intended scene.
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- Facial animation for subtle expression and timing. Identify the expressions and close-up detail required by the performance.
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- Motion capture clean-up for polished performance. Plan the session around action references and performance requirements.
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- Keyframe animation for handcrafted detail. Agree the visual target, review stages and final output requirements.
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- Real-time facial animation for live use. Identify the expressions and close-up detail required by the performance.
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- Digital face replacement and character performance. Identify the expressions and close-up detail required by the performance.
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- Facial rigging support for believable movement. Review proportions, range of movement and the animation handoff.
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- Workflow guidance for hologram delivery. Confirm the receiving pipeline, file requirements and review responsibilities.
Production approach
Built around the character, not just the image
Holograms work best when the audience senses a person behind the projection. That is why our animation approach starts with performance and identity, then moves into the practical demands of delivery. We combine body animation, facial animation, mocap clean-up and real-time tools to shape digital humans that can perform in live entertainment, exhibitions and immersive storytelling.
For some projects, that means refining a captured performance so the movements feel natural and production-ready. For others, it means creating a hand-built animation approach where the character needs a specific rhythm, style or emotional tone. If the hologram is part of a live event, we can also help align the animation with real-time facial capture and on-site execution. We do not treat hologram animation as a standalone asset. It is designed to sit inside the wider experience and support the way the audience will actually encounter it.
Share a storyboard or action list, character references and the intended duration of each sequence. Establish review stages for blocking, timing and final polish so changes can be discussed while the movement is still straightforward to adjust. For holographic presentation, share the display format, viewing distance and staging constraints before defining the character’s framing.
Explore our 3D Animation services and Holograms production.
Related production services: Character Rigging for Holograms · 3D Rendering for Holograms · 3D Animation for Immersive Events.
How we work
How a hologram animation project moves forward
01
Define the use case
We begin with the display format, audience distance and whether the character needs to be live, pre-rendered or hybrid.
02
Build the performance plan
Reference, capture data and artistic direction are gathered so the animation can support identity, expression and stage behaviour.
03
Animate and refine
Body work, facial movement and any mocap clean-up are developed into a character performance that suits the experience.
04
Prepare delivery
We align the final animation with the technical and practical needs of the hologram setup for handoff or on-site use.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Can you create animation for both pre-rendered and live holograms?
Yes. Mimic Productions offers 3D animation and real-time facial animation, so the workflow can be adapted to pre-rendered pieces, live performances or hybrid installations. The right approach depends on how the hologram will be shown and what the venue setup can support.
Do you provide the hologram hardware or projection system?
No. Our role is character and animation production, including digital humans, facial work and real-time performance support. We do not supply hologram projection hardware, so the final display system needs to be handled as part of the wider event or installation setup.
Can you recreate a real person for a holographic appearance?
Mimic can work with reference material, capture data and character workflows to create believable digital humans and face replacement work. The scope depends on available material, the intended use and the level of likeness required. We focus on animation and character production rather than legal or rights clearance.
Is the animation suitable for museums and exhibitions?
Yes. The holograms source specifically references museums, exhibitions and brand experiences as contexts for digital humans. Animation can be shaped to guide visitors, present information or support storytelling, but it still needs to be designed around the actual display and interaction format.
Do you handle facial performance detail?
Yes. Facial animation is a core part of the service, including subtle expression, facial mocap clean-up and digital face replacement. That matters in holographic work because viewers often judge realism through the face first, even when the image itself is only part of a larger stage experience.
What should a client prepare before starting?
Helpful inputs usually include reference imagery, video, notes on the character’s role and a clear view of the delivery format. If the hologram is live or interactive, technical constraints and venue information are also important. That allows us to shape animation that is practical as well as visually convincing.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
If you are building a holographic performance, exhibition piece or digital ambassador, Mimic Productions can help shape the animation and facial performance around the final experience. Start with the format, and we will help define the character workflow from there.