Principal performance capture for Avatar: The Way Of Water and its immediate sequel took place over a period of 130 days during 2017 and 2018 in Los Angeles.
James Flatters, the actor behind the motion-capture technology, had an extraordinary experience. "It was extremely fun," he says, "it was like doing theatre all day but there are up to 25 cameras around you." He highlights the bespoke nature of Cameron's technology, which allowed him to immerse himself fully in the role.
As he worked alongside co-stars Britain Dalton, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver, Flatters praises the commitment of his fellow actors. "As long as the other actor is committed, you're instantly there. You just need one moment of eye contact," he says.
Born in South London, Flatters has always had a passion for acting. "There's a playfulness in all kids and I liked that as a child, feeding into fantasy," he recalls. He began his career in theatre before transitioning to TV projects such as CBBC's So Awkward, ITV's Liar, Channel 4's Close To Me, and the Dutch Second World War film The Forgotten Battle on Netflix.
In addition to his work on Avatar, Flatters has also shot Paul Feig's The School For Good And Evil, based on the popular series of Soman Chainani books, where he played the role of prince Tedros. "I thought I was being hilarious but it could come across he was the butt of the jokes," he says with a laugh.
This summer, Flatters will be shooting the dark drama Black Dog, a script he co-wrote with director George Jaques, about two men who embark on a road trip to Scotland to escape their troubles in London, and along the way, their demons are revealed.
Flatters already has another feature screenplay in the bag, plus a TV series he has co-written, showcasing his versatility as a writer and actor.
