But his creative aspirations extended beyond photography—toward the immersive worlds of video games and cinematic storytelling.

As a lifelong fan of narrative-driven games like Fahrenheit, Deus Ex, and Max Payne, Ilya was captivated by their ability to merge storytelling with interactive experiences. This passion eventually led him to experiment with 3D. Initially exploring Cinema 4D, he soon discovered Unreal Engine and was instantly hooked. The real-time capabilities of Unreal Engine allowed him to replicate the experience of being on a physical film set, seamlessly blending his directorial instincts with digital creation.

“At first, I combined everything I had learned from photography, art direction, and directing with 3D tools, creating my own stories and working in advertising,” Ilya recalls. “A bit later, I led a CGI studio as a creative director, and eventually, I moved to Germany to work with Mondlicht Studios.”

Crafting Worlds Through Motion Capture

Today, Ilya works across various creative disciplines. As a director and art director, he collaborates with studios to bring Unreal Engine projects to life. He also co-founded his own studio, Ninja Lama Bros., where he and his partner create game trailers, consult on storytelling strategies, and assist film productions with pre-visualization.

One of the defining traits of Ilya’s work is his ability to combine high-stakes action with humor. He believes that stunning visuals alone aren’t enough, strong storytelling is what truly captivates an audience. His background in photography, where budgets were often tight, taught him how to achieve ambitious creative visions with smart, cost-effective solutions. This problem-solving approach carried over into his work in 3D, where he constantly seeks innovative ways to deliver high-quality results without unnecessary complexity.

The Move AI Game-Changer

Achieving realism in character animation has always been a challenge in 3D, but Ilya found a breakthrough with Move AI. In the past, he relied on pre-made animation packs, but they lacked the flexibility needed for precise storytelling. His solution was to record rough video sketches himself, mimicking the way traditional animators use reference footage. However, with tools like Move Pro (multi-camera mocap) and Move One (single-camera mocap), he can now capture performances with an unprecedented level of detail, authenticity and convenience.

“The biggest advantage of Move AI for me is the presence of micro-movements,” Ilya explains. “They make characters feel incredibly lifelike.” 

Beyond the technical capabilities, what excites him most about Move AI is its accessibility. Just as Unreal Engine democratized filmmaking in 3D, Move AI has made high-quality motion capture more attainable than ever before. The ability to sync performances instantly through the iOS application has significantly streamlined his workflow, allowing him to focus more on directing and storytelling rather than technical hurdles.

The Future of 3D and AI in Filmmaking

When discussing industry trends, Ilya emphasizes the rapid evolution of AI-driven tools. He sees motion capture becoming even more accessible, while AI-powered facial animation continues to improve at an astonishing pace. More than ever, creators are being freed from technical constraints, allowing them to focus on storytelling rather than production bottlenecks.

However, he believes that amidst all these advancements, the most crucial element remains originality. “Trends change fast, but the best approach is to stay true to yourself. Be the Author. Do what you truly enjoy, even if no one else appreciates it yet.”

What’s Next for Ilya Nodiya?

Ilya’s next big goal is to direct a full-fledged cinematic story using Move AI. He envisions a series of short clips that will eventually come together as a cohesive short film, chronicling the adventures of a character named Bob. This project is his opportunity to push the boundaries of motion capture storytelling while refining his directorial vision.

For those eager to follow his work, Ilya is most active on Instagram and LinkedIn, with plans to expand his presence on YouTube. His journey from photography to 3D storytelling is a testament to the power of creative evolution—embracing new tools and technologies while staying rooted in the art of storytelling.

Follow Ilya’s Work:
🔗 Instagram
🔗 Behance
🔗 Website

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Are You the Next Creator in Our Spotlight?

We’re always on the lookout for inspiring creators using Move AI to push the boundaries of motion capture and storytelling. If you’re interested in sharing your journey, showcasing your work, and being featured in our Creator Stories series, we’d love to hear from you!

Drop us an email or reach out through our website to get started. Let’s shine a spotlight on your creativity!

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