Project STAR · 星光恋语社 · Otome game

Character Performance Design

From a supplied script to character performance.

Project STAR game artwork showing two characters in conversation

Project overview

I specified the shots and performance assets for the art and programming teams, then edited a demonstration with existing game assets and supplementary AI-assisted motions. The sequence was subsequently implemented using production CG assets.

Demonstration

From confrontation to reassurance

I coordinated camera transitions with changes in expression, specifying how each movement settles before the next line.

I edited this reference video for the art and programming teams to illustrate the performance plan.

01 / Assets

A reusable performance library

The resource sheet separates actions from expressions; the shot document combines them with scene-specific instructions.

ID	Performance	Direction
`1_action_agree`	Nod	Nod gently, blinking as the head lowers.
`1_action_invite`	Invite	Face the camera, extend one hand, then lower it.
`1_emotion_pain`	Pain	Lower the head to the left, tighten the brows and remove eye highlights.
`1_emotion_smile`	Smile	Restore the eye highlights and lift the mouth corners as the eyes narrow.
`2_action_clean`	Brush sleeve	Look down, brush the sleeve, then look towards the camera and lower the hand.
`2_emotion_wronged`	Hurt	Widen the eyes slightly, lower their outer corners and pout.

02 / Staging

From scene entry to character response

The sequence moves from the chamber reveal into a close confrontation, then returns to the standing portrait before a reassuring touch. A separate sleeve gesture introduces the second character’s manner.

**CG1 · Confrontation**A close two-shot contains the arm movement as the restraint is removed.

**Portrait**The standing portrait resumes after CG1 and its sound cues end.

**CG2 · Reassurance**A closer view isolates the softening brow and eyelids during the touch.

**Character 2**A downward glance and sleeve gesture establish a more composed manner.

03 / Timing

Timing the exchange

Camera and sound cues follow the dialogue, with pauses that allow each gesture to settle.

Shot	Staging	Sound
03–04	Reveal the chamber with a 0.5-second shake. Pan right towards the covered cross; suspended dust settles.	Door opening and a resonant bell.
05–07	Introduce the pained portrait. Raise the eyes towards the camera as mist gathers inward.	Breathing grows stronger with the chains.
12	Follow the hand for two seconds as it removes the restraint, then tighten the two-shot.	Friction and chains; `bgm_02` fades in after the second sentence.
18–23	Remove CG1 after the text and return to the idle portrait.	Fade the chains first, then end `bgm_02`.
28–29	Soften the expression over three seconds in CG2. Close the eyes during the touch and reopen them as the hand leaves.	A low, slightly hoarse delivery; `bgm_03` fades in.

Source: my original performance planning sheets.