Motion capture in filmmaking is the process of recording the actions of human actors and using that to create 2D or 3D computer-animated digital characters. Historically, it’s been an extensive process that requires multiple cameras and expensive technology. However, AI tools like Move One now make it possible to carry out motion capture using a single camera on someone’s phone. This year, radio-television-film and advertising senior Grace Feray used the technology to create an immersive experience called Elysian Heights, a Texas Immersive Institute project that transported viewers to a virtual world.

Feray called the new AI technology nothing short of revolutionary, and she’s learning how to use it in her Moody College classes, which she believes will place her ahead of the curve when searching for jobs. “It’s super exciting what I can do and what other people can do with this technology,” she said.

Feray’s experience is just one of the many ways students are using AI across Moody College. In the past year, they’ve created films and images using AI tools, trained machine learning models, learned how to write ChatGPT prompts and used large language models as personal assistants to streamline their work. They’ve explored the importance of building ethical AI systems and delved into important copywriting issues, lawsuits and other concerns related to the rapid growth of AI technologies. Students are learning just how far AI can go, and these skills and knowledge will be crucial as they enter today’s changing workforce.

Moody College faculty also have been doing groundbreaking work in the AI space, researching essential topics such as how machine learning can revolutionize the treatment of communication disorders, what impact virtual influencers have in marketing, and how AI will transform the future of work.

In a year that UT has dubbed the Year of AI, Moody College is not simply answering the call: We’re leading the charge.

Learn more.

Return to the 2023-2024 Digital Impact Report.