Introduction
Bringing an athlete to life digitally isn’t just about capturing their face—it’s about capturing their presence, their style, and the spark that makes them unique. At One of One, we combine the best of AI and Hollywood-level visual effects to create photorealistic digital twins that feel as real as the athletes themselves.
In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes and show you how technology and creativity come together to build digital twins that are authentic, rights-cleared, and ready to make an impact.
Section 1: Where It All Starts—Data Capture and Analysis
Every digital twin begins with a deep dive into the athlete’s likeness, movements, and personality. The goal is to create a virtual version that feels authentic, not just a stiff, computer-generated copy.
It all starts with collecting high-quality reference material. At One of One, we work with athletes in cutting-edge capture studios designed to record every detail with precision. These studios use the latest technology to capture facial expressions, body movements, and subtle gestures that make each athlete unique. Sometimes, motion capture is used to capture the way an athlete moves in real life—just like how the FIFA video game series uses motion capture to bring players’ skills and movements to life.
This data gives us the foundation we need to create a digital twin that doesn’t just look right but feels right too. It’s the first step in a process that blends technology with artistry to bring athletes to life on screen.
Section 2: Building the Digital Twin—AI Pipelines and 3D Modeling
Once the athlete’s data has been captured, the real magic begins. This is where advanced AI pipelines and skilled 3D artists work together to build the digital twin from the ground up.
At One of One, we use AI models trained on real-world data to analyse every detail of the athlete’s appearance, from their facial structure to the way they move. This technology helps us create a realistic base model that looks like the athlete, but we don’t stop there.
Our team of 3D artists takes this model and fine-tunes it, adding textures, details, and subtle expressions that bring the digital twin to life. The goal is to make sure that every muscle movement and every facial expression feels authentic. This combination of AI and artistic skill is what sets a photorealistic digital twin apart from a standard 3D model.
This process isn’t just about creating something that looks good on screen. It’s about making sure the digital twin is ready for real-world use—whether that’s in a commercial, on social media, or as part of an interactive fan experience.
Section 3: Bringing It All Together—Animation and Personality
Once the base model is built, it’s time to bring it to life. This is where animation and personality come in—adding the final touches that make the digital twin feel real and relatable.
At One of One, we use a combination of performance capture and hand-crafted animation to make sure every movement feels authentic. By studying how the athlete talks, smiles, and even reacts in real life, our team can add personality to the digital twin that goes beyond just how they look.
For example, the way an athlete celebrates a goal or reacts to a win can become part of the digital twin’s personality, making it instantly recognisable to fans. This attention to detail is what makes the difference between a digital twin that feels like a real extension of the athlete and one that feels flat and lifeless.
Our goal is to make sure every digital twin we create not only looks like the athlete but moves and feels like them too—so that every campaign or fan experience feels authentic and engaging.
Section 4: Why It Matters—Trust, Consistency, and Fan Connection
Creating a digital twin isn’t just about building a 3D model. It’s about capturing the athlete’s presence in a way that feels genuine. This matters because, at the end of the day, fans can tell the difference between something that feels real and something that doesn’t.
When brands invest in a high-quality digital twin, they’re making a commitment to authenticity. It shows that they respect the athlete’s brand and care about giving fans a consistent experience, whether it’s on social media, in an ad campaign, or in an interactive app.
Trust is at the heart of every successful campaign. When fans see a digital twin that captures the real spirit of their favorite athlete, they’re more likely to connect with the content—and with the brand behind it. At One of One, we make sure that every digital twin we create reflects the athlete’s true personality, so brands can build lasting connections with fans and avoid the awkwardness of a generic or off-brand experience.
Conclusion
Bringing an athlete’s digital twin to life takes a blend of technology, creativity, and a deep respect for the athlete’s brand. From capturing high-quality data in advanced studios to refining every detail with AI and 3D artistry, the process is about creating a virtual presence that fans can connect with.
At One of One, we’re proud to help brands harness this technology in a way that feels authentic and engaging. By focusing on quality, consistency, and trust, we’re making it easier than ever to build marketing campaigns that truly stand out.
If you’re ready to explore how digital twins can bring your campaigns to life, we’d love to show you what’s possible.
Contact us today to start the conversation.