How did they film The Polar Express?

The Polar Express was the first feature-length film to be entirely created using motion capture technology. This revolutionary technique allowed the animators to create a highly realistic 3D world without having to draw each frame. The result was a unique and stunning visual style, unlike anything seen before.
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Was Polar Express filmed with real people?

It stars Tom Hanks (in multiple roles), Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett, and Eddie Deezen. The film depicts human characters using live action and motion capture computer animation, with production sequences for the latter taking place from June 2003 to May 2004.
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Did actors act for Polar Express?

The Polar Express features a talented cast of voice actors and motion capture performers, like Tom Hanks and Daryl Sabara. Hero Boy, played by Daryl Sabara, is the main character who embarks on a quest to the North Pole. Eddie Deezen plays Know-It-All, the nerdy child who is a memorable character throughout the film.
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How much did Tom Hanks get paid for Polar Express?

You won't believe how much Hanks made for his Polar Express roles (he voiced seven characters, to be exact). According to the Los Angeles Times, the actor and producer made a $40 million salary plus 20% of the first-dollar gross, which adds up to an estimated $100 million total.
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How did Tom Hanks play the boy in Polar Express?

Like most human characters, Hero Boy's animation was done through motion-capture, mostly provided by Tom Hanks with additional motion-capture done by Josh Hutcherson. However, some keyframe animation was done to perfect his movements.
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THE POLAR EXPRESS | Behind The Scenes with Tom Hanks

Did Tom Hanks do all the CGI in Polar Express?

Since the character is a kid, Tom Hanks couldn't do all the motion capture work by himself. Josh Hutcherson, who was a child at the time, did the motion capture work that Tom Hanks couldn't.
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Did Tom Hanks voice the kid in Polar Express?

Tom Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor who did the voice and motion-capture for the Conductor, the Hobo, Santa Claus, and Hero Boy's father, the motion-capture for Hero Boy, and the voice for Hero Boy as an adult in the 2004 film, The Polar Express.
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How many voices does Tom Hanks play Polar Express?

Summary. Tom Hanks plays seven roles in The Polar Express, including the main character Hero Boy and the punctual Conductor. Hanks provided motion capture and facial expressions for Hero Boy, while the voice was provided by Spy Kid's Daryl Sabara.
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Is Polar Express 2 coming out?

The Polar Express 2 is confirmed as in development, but it's still in the early stages and may not get made. The original film was a technological innovation but initially had mixed reviews and was an expensive flop.
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What 6 characters did Tom Hanks play in Polar Express?

The Polar Express (2004) - Tom Hanks as Hero Boy, Father, Conductor, Hobo, Scrooge, Santa Claus - IMDb.
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Who does the hobo represent in Polar Express?

The hobo's identity is never revealed in the movie, leaving it open to interpretation as to who he is and what his true purpose is. Some fans have speculated that he is a representation of Santa Claus, while others think he may be a guardian angel sent to look after the children on their journey.
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Who is the guy on top of The Polar Express supposed to be?

The Hobo (King) is a recurring character in The Polar Express film. He is a ghost/spirit of a man who lives on top of the Polar Express and rides it whenever he feels like it for free. He does believe in Santa Claus and Christmas, but often acts goofy about it.
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Why was Polar Express controversial?

The animation in The Polar Express has been criticized as creepy, with the characters feeling unsettling and off-putting to many viewers. The movie evokes a nostalgic feeling of Christmas, with its focus on the importance of belief and the magic of the holiday season.
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What town is Polar Express based on?

The book is set partially in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the author's home town, and was inspired in part by Van Allsburg's memories of visiting the Herpolsheimer's and Wurzburg's department stores as a child.
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How much did Tom Hanks get paid for Forrest Gump?

Tom made $40 million for starring in the film after negotiating a specific clause in his contract, that saw him take home earnings based on a portion of box office receipts rather than a flat fee for his acting role.
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Will Tom Hanks be in The Polar Express 2?

Summary. The Polar Express 2 is Tom Hanks' first opportunity to return for a legacy sequel in his almost 50-year career. Tom Hanks has not previously participated in legacy sequels, despite his involvement in successful franchises like Toy Story.
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Is the Hobo in Polar Express dead?

But, the Hobo didn't have a ghost to save him, and he died on the job. Now the Hobo haunts the area he spent most of his life in, the Polar Express, helping kids and workers on there, but he still misses his time as Santa.
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Is the Hobo Santa in Polar Express?

The Hobo is a supporting character of the 2004 animated film The Polar Express. He is a strange man who lives on top of the Polar Express and rides it whenever he feels like it for free. He does not believe in Santa Claus or Christmas, but his negativity tests Hero Boy's faith.
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Who voices the annoying kid in Polar Express?

Know-It-All Kid (KIA)

He appears to be a little entitled and learns a valuable lesson about patience and humility during his visit to the North Pole. But who plays the annoying kid in Polar Express? He is one of the characters not played by Tom Hanks! Instead, he is voiced by the actor Eddie Deezen.
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Why was there two voice actors for The Polar Express?

Why are there two actors for each of the major children's parts? The film was done in all Digital Capture so they had one actor/actress who acted out a character for the Digital Capture and then one actor/actress who voiced the character.
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Who did Santa's voice in Polar Express?

And of course, Hanks also voices Santa, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts by reminding the Hero Boy to always believe.
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What year does The Polar Express take place?

The year on the magazine is 1956. Warner Bros. Although there isn't a ton of information concerning exactly when the film takes place, the Hero Boy has a copy of a Saturday Evening Post magazine from December 29, 1956. Since the film takes place on Christmas Eve, it's safe to say that it's at least set in 1957.
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How old is the boy from Polar Express?

A doubting 8-year-old boy is whisked to the North Pole on a magical train for a meeting with Santa in this dazzling animated Christmas fable. Meanwhile, the boy's crisis in faith turns into a wondrous journey of self-discovery.
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What to wear on Polar Express?

Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas just like passengers from book and film. Passengers may spend time on an unheated platform as they board and disembark from the train, so appropriate winter attire is also recommended.
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