“So I change stuff during performance captures and whatnot, but on top of that, I want the actors, like Elle for example, to be a part of the creative process by participating as a creator.”
On Elle Fanning’s shoot for Death Stranding 2, Kojima said he cannot reveal much but that they used a new technology, so the scanning process was somewhat difficult; he added that Elle had fun with it and he is truly grateful. There was wardrobe, hair and makeup, and they built up the image of her character together because he wanted to use all of Elle’s talent and charm to create a character unlike any other. Kojima described his method in action: even when he has the character fully assembled and the script finished, he incorporates observations he makes of Elle, and he changed the script based on Elle’s gestures and movements off-camera during the scanning sessions, a process he thinks differs somewhat from how films are shot. Beyond that, he said he changes things during performance captures and wants actors, Elle for example, to participate in the creative process as creators. He also told the newcomer that the work is not easy but he tries to make it fun, and reassured her he is not James Cameron and will not put her underwater to film her.
“I can't reveal much right now, but we've been using a new technology this time around, so I think the scanning process was a bit difficult. But Elle had fun with it […] We had her wear some costumes and did hair and makeup too. We built up the image of her character together. […] For example, I changed up the script based off Elle's gestures and movements off-camera at the scanning sessions. […] And I'm not James Cameron, so don't worry, I'm not going to put you under water and film that.”