Los Angeles - Motion-capture performer Terry Notary trained the stars and stuntmen playing primates in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, opening on Friday.
And he says he can teach almost anyone how to be an ape. Just follow these simple steps to discover your simian side:
(A scene in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Twentieth Century Fox)
2. Drop your intention into your gut. Apes have a "grounded, economic, circular gut-driven drive," he says, with a center of gravity lower than a human being's. Think of the gut as the engine and inspiration of movement, and lock it into your hips and legs.
3. To walk on all fours like an ape, Notary uses short, crutch-like tools he calls "arm extensions" in each hand. He begins in a position not unlike a yoga downward dog, but with his shoulders raised higher by the foot-long extenders. The quadruped walk involves alternating and angling arms and feet with each step, a process that becomes more natural with practice.
4. Howl, swing and play.
Watch the trailer here: