12th January 2026
A superhero-style film shoot with Sandbox Action Design shows how Xsens Link supports creative freedom, fast iteration, and high-quality motion capture.
Big action sequences depend on timing, physical performance, and camera design. For film teams working across previs, production, and postvis, motion capture has become a creative tool, not just a technical one.
That was the focus of a recent motion capture shoot in Los Angeles, where Sandbox Action Design used the next-generation Xsens Link suit to capture superhero-style action for film workflows.
The session highlights how modern inertial motion capture fits directly into real film production pipelines.
One capture across previs, production, and postvis
Sandbox Action Design uses Xsens motion capture throughout the entire filmmaking process. From early previs to final postvis, captured performances remain usable, adaptable, and consistent.
Using Xsens, the team can design camera movement directly in 3D space. Directors can sit alongside the action designers, explore shots virtually, and reshoot sequences instantly without resetting physical cameras or environments.
This workflow allows teams to test ideas quickly, refine timing, and make creative decisions while the performance is still fresh.
Xsens motion capture in use on a film set.
Directing action through walk-and-talk workflows
Before capture begins, performer safety and clarity are the priority. The Sandbox team starts with injury checks and warm-ups, then guides performers through walk-and-talk direction.
Action beats are broken down step by step. Directors walk through the movement, performers mirror it, and sequences are divided into sections. This makes complex choreography easier to capture while preserving performance quality.
During these walkthroughs, the team identifies natural cut points. Reaction moments, impacts, and recoveries can be captured separately, giving editors and animators more flexibility later in the process.
As the team explains, those decisions only become clear once the performer brings the movement to life.
Performance that feels natural in the suit
Performers Minji Chang and Jonny Cruz describe how wearing the Xsens suit affects posture and presence. The suit encourages strong physical alignment and confidence, which supports superhero-style movement without restricting performance.
Comfort plays a critical role here. When performers can focus on acting instead of equipment, the resulting motion feels more natural and expressive.
That performance-first approach is central to how Xsens designs its technology.
Capturing performance with Xsens motion capture.
Built for demanding film environments
Xsens product manager Anthony Romero explains the design philosophy behind the next-generation Xsens Link.
The focus is on efficiency, comfort, and data quality, while reducing stress during demanding shoots. One key factor is magnetic immunity, which allows teams to capture reliably in complex film environments without worrying about interference from metal structures or equipment.
With the Xsens HD Reprocessing Engine, captured motion data delivers accuracy comparable to optical systems, without the need for cameras, markers, or fixed capture volumes.
This gives film teams the freedom to capture anywhere while maintaining the level of precision required for high-end production.
Motion capture that supports storytelling
For Sandbox Action Design, motion capture is not about technology for its own sake. It is about staying flexible, collaborating closely with directors, and telling better stories.
Xsens motion capture has become a core part of their pipeline because it supports all stages of production, integrates smoothly with existing tools, and delivers reliable results in real-world conditions.
The next-generation Xsens Link builds on that foundation, offering a suit designed for professionals who need freedom, accuracy, and speed, without compromise.
Xsens motion capture integrated into film production.
Discover how the next-generation Xsens Link helps film teams capture cinematic action anywhere, with precision, comfort, and confidence.
Explore Xsens motion capture for entertainment and see how it fits into your production pipeline.
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