The Rise of Terry Notary: From Circus Performer to Hollywood A-Lister
Do you know Terry Notary? You might know him as the motion capture performer behind some of your favorite CGI characters, or as a movement coach for Hollywood’s biggest stars. But did you know that Terry started his career as a circus performer? It’s true – Terry’s unique blend of physicality and acting talent has taken him from the big top to the silver screen. In this post, we’ll explore the rise of Terry Notary and what makes him one of Hollywood’s most in-demand performers.
From Circus Performer to Film Star
Terry Notary was born in California in 1968. As a child, he was fascinated by movement and spent hours practicing acrobatics and gymnastics. Unsurprisingly, he joined a traveling circus when he was 17, performing as a contortionist and aerialist. While touring Europe with the circus, Terry discovered his passion for theater and began studying acting.
After leaving the circus, Terry moved to Paris and studied under legendary mime Marcel Marceau. It was here that Terry honed his unique style of physical performance, melding traditional mime techniques with acrobatics and modern dance.
In 1998, Terry was discovered by Andy Serkis, who was looking for performers to bring his motion capture characters to life. Terry’s background in circus and physical performance made him the perfect fit for the role of Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. From there, Terry’s career as a motion capture performer took off.
The Art of Motion Capture
Motion capture technology has revolutionized the film industry, allowing filmmakers to create complex CGI characters that move and behave like real humans. But motion capture performances require a unique set of skills – performers must act and move in a way that translates into realistic animation.
Terry Notary is one of the most skilled motion capture performers in the industry. He has brought to life some of the most iconic CGI characters of the past decade, including the villainous ape Caesar in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise and the Hulk in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
But motion capture is just one part of Terry’s career. He is also a skilled movement coach, helping actors like Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o bring physicality to their performances.
The Importance of Physicality in Acting
Acting isn’t just about delivering lines – it’s about physicality, too. How an actor moves and holds themselves on screen can make or break a performance. That’s where Terry Notary comes in.
Terry believes that physicality is crucial to creating an authentic performance. He encourages actors to explore their bodies – how they move, how they hold themselves, what physical habits they have – in order to create a more detailed and nuanced character.
Terry’s work as a movement coach has had a huge impact on Hollywood. He has worked with actors on some of the biggest movies of the past decade, from “Black Panther” to “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
The Future of Motion Capture
Motion capture technology is only getting better, and Terry Notary is at the forefront of its development. He’s always experimenting with new ways to bring physical performance to the screen, whether it’s through motion capture or traditional acting.
But the future of motion capture isn’t just about technology – it’s about the performers who bring these characters to life. Terry’s unique skills have made him one of Hollywood’s most in-demand performers, and his influence on the industry will continue to be felt for years to come.
FAQs
1. Who is Terry Notary?
Terry Notary is a motion capture performer and movement coach. He has brought to life some of Hollywood’s most iconic CGI characters, including Caesar in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise.
2. What is motion capture?
Motion capture is a technology that allows filmmakers to record a performer’s movements and translate them into realistic animation. It’s commonly used in films that feature CGI characters.
3. What other actors has Terry Notary worked with?
Terry has worked with a huge range of actors, from industry legends like Leonardo DiCaprio to up-and-coming stars like Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o.
4. What is physicality in acting?
Physicality refers to an actor’s movement and body language on screen. It can be used to convey a character’s personality, emotions, and motivations.
5. What other films has Terry Notary been in?
In addition to his motion capture work, Terry has appeared in several live-action films, including “Kong: Skull Island” and “The Square.”
6. What is Terry Notary’s background?
Terry began his career as a circus performer, touring with a traveling circus as a contortionist and aerialist. He later studied mime in Paris before transitioning to motion capture and acting.
7. What is Terry Notary’s approach to acting?
Terry believes that physicality is crucial to creating a nuanced and authentic performance. He encourages actors to explore their bodies and movements in order to bring their characters to life.
Conclusion
Terry Notary’s rise from circus performer to Hollywood A-lister is a testament to his unique talent and dedication to his craft. His work as a motion capture performer and movement coach has had a huge impact on the film industry, and his influence on the future of physical performance in acting will continue to be felt for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of CGI characters or traditional acting, Terry Notary is a performer worth watching.