A. GETTING STARTED

@ctor creation is not yet supported on the Macintosh, but you can still explore the BigStage.com web site.  Full Macintosh support is expected in the coming months.

1. What exactly is the Big Stage Media Player?

The Big Stage Media Player is a proprietary software made with a patented Big Stage technology. It combines 2D images and still photos with 3D models through a layering technique, which in turns creates a living and moving avatar of you. The Big Stage Media Payer lets you see the construction and full functionality of your avatar, and lets you control it, put it into content and share it as a Flash video or as a JPEG image.

2. Can I use a media player currently installed on my computer?

You can share your videos and view them in a Flash video player installed on your computer.

3. How do I install the Big Stage Media Player?

When you create your Big Stage account, a “Download Player” link will appear in the window. Click on the link and follow the instructions. If you bypass the link and want to download the player at a later time, click on the “Download Player” link at the bottom right of the website.

4. What do I do if the Big Stage Media Player crashes?

If the Big Stage Media Player crashes, close the browser and make sure your video drivers are up to date. If the problem persists, please send your machine specs and description of problem to support@bigstage.com. If possible, please describe the steps that led to the crash and copy/paste the contents of your error log file in the email.

5. How do I uninstall the Big Stage Media Player?

To uninstall the Big Stage Media Player, click the START Menu in windows, and navigate to uninstaller link in All Programs -> Big Stage-> Uninstall Big Stage Player for Firefox (or Uninstall Big Stage Player for Internet Explorer).

1. What is an @ctor?

An @ctor is a digital avatar that is constructed from photos as a 3D model using the Big Stage proprietary technology. It is a digital representation of you that can be animated and uploaded into content including movies, music videos, etc.

2. How do I create my @ctor?

You can create your @ctor by properly uploading three photos. Please watch the tutorial for instructions on this process.

3. How long will it take to create my @ctor?

Once you upload your photos correctly, it should only take 30 to 50 seconds to create your @ctor.

1. How do I take photos to create my @ctor?

Please watch our tutorial to see how to take and upload the photos properly.

2. Are there minimum camera requirements?

Yes, you must have a digital camera with at least 2 mega pixels. To avoid missing important details that are needed to create your life-like 3D avatar, make sure your camera is on the highest quality setting.

3. Can I use a cell phone camera?

No, photos taken on your cell phone are not adequate quality. Do not attempt to upload cell phone photos to create your avatar. Please only use photos taken on a digital camera.

4. Can I use the built-in camera on my computer?

No, photos taken with the camera built in to your computer will not be clear enough to create your avatar. Please only use photos taken on a digital camera.

5. How do I get ready to take my photos?

First, watch the tutorial in its entirety prior to taking your photos and follow the instructions accurately. Then, grab your digital camera and turn it on. (Ideally you will have someone else taking the photos, but taking them yourself will work, too.) Remove glasses and hats, and make sure your face is clear from hair blocking any of your features. Next, look straight into the camera (12 o’clock) and remain without expression. (As hard as it is, do not smile!) Make sure we can see your entire face, do not cut off the bottom of your chin or top of your head. Hold the camera very still and make sure your flash is turned on. Also, hold the camera in landscape position rather than rotating it like you’re taking a portrait. Then, take your first photo. Turn your face ever so slightly (12:15) and take a second photo. Turn your face ever so slightly again (12:30) and take one last photo.

6. Does facial hair, facial piercings or tattoos interfere with the 3-D avatar creation?

Stubble, moustaches and goatees should show up accurately on your avatar. A full beard may not work as well. Facial piercings may or may not be visible or rendered correctly on your avatar, depending on their size.

7. How do I upload my photos from my camera to my computer?

Consult your camera user guide for information on how to upload your photographs to your computer.

8. Can I upload my photos straight from my camera to my computer?

No, you must save your photographs to your computer first, and make sure they’re in the proper format before uploading them to Big Stage.

9. Is there a format the pictures have to be saved in?

Yes, your photos must be saved as jpgs and cannot exceed 5mb. Also, make sure you upload them in the correct order. (i.e. Center, Right/Left middle, Right/Left wide, or reverse.) Naming the photos when you save them may help you stay organized.

1. How do I style my @ctor?

You can stylize your @ctor through My Stage. Once you create your @ctor and have entered My Stage, you will be able to choose from a wide range of accessories and expressions for you @ctor. Simply click on the accessories and/or expressions tabs and browse the accessories and expressions. Then click on the ones you like to apply them to your @ctor. Make sure you hit save once you’ve chosen expressions and/or accessories you’re happy with.

2. Once I stylize my @ctor and save it, can I go back and change it later?

Yes. @ctors can be saved and modified at any time. Be sure hit “Save” after each modification.

3. Can I create my own accessories for my @ctor?

Not at this time, but Big Stage is an innovative company coming up with new ideas to improve your @ctor everyday. Check back soon, we anticipate this being a possibility shortly.

4. Can I put a unique smile or other expression on my @ctor?

You can choose any of the expressions available on My Stage, but you cannot upload your own smile or expression at this time.

5. How do I put my @ctor into photos and videos?

When you’re on My Stage, you’ll notice many thumbnails under the “Photos” and “Videos” tabs on your screen. Each thumbnail is a piece of content available for your @ctor to star in. Simply browse the thumbnails and click on the ones you’re interested in. Once you click on the thumbnail, you’ll be redirected to a page for that particular photo or video. At this point, you have two options to put your @ctor into the content. 1. Click on “Get into this video” which will add your @ctor to the content immediately. 2. Add the video or photo to your “Content Bin” and keep browsing. You can then visit your Content Bin and add your @ctor to the photo or video at a later time.

6. Can I put my @ctor in my own content that I upload?

You cannot upload your own content at this time. But check back in the near future as we anticipate this being an option shortly.

7. Do I need to create a different @ctor for each video?

Nope, you can use the same @ctor for as many videos or photos you wish to create.

8. What about voice? Can my @ctor speak or sing?

Yes, your @ctor can speak and/or sing by using the original voices heard in the content. However, you cannot upload your own voice for your @ctor at this time. But check back on this soon. Big Stage is an innovative company coming up with new ideas to improve your @ctor everyday.

9. Can I create more than one @ctor?

Yes, you can create as many @ctors within an account that you wish. But with each @ctor you create, you need to upload a new set of photos and information.

10. Can anyone else use my @ctor?

At this time, only you can use your @ctor(s). However, in the future you will be able to share your @ctor with friends, as well as set privacy controls or restrict sharing.

11. Can I use someone else’s @ctor?

At this time, you can only use the @ctor(s) you created under your account. However, in the future you will be able to use your friends’ @ctor(s) as privacy controls and sharing will be an option.

12. How do I browse other @ctors?

Very soon, you will be able to browse other @ctors. At this time, you can browse photos and videos created by other users, which include other @ctors. For security purposes, video/photo titles and Stage Names are the only information that will be visible to the public.

13. Can I create a full body on my @ctor?

Not at this time, but Big Stage is an innovative company coming up with new ideas to improve your @ctor everyday. Check back soon, we anticipate this being a possibility shortly.

14. Can I download my @ctor to my desktop?

No, your @ctor is only available for use through the Big Stage website.

15. Can my @ctor interact with other @ctors?

Not at this time, but Big Stage is an innovative company coming up with new ideas to improve your @ctor everyday. Check back soon, we anticipate this being a possibility shortly.

16. How do I invite friends with @ctors to be in my videos?

At this time, only you can star in your photo or video. But check back on this option, as Big Stage anticipates it being a possibility soon.

17. How do I delete my @ctor?

There are two ways to delete your @ctor. You can either click the “delete” button on My Stage and you @ctor will be deleted, or when you close your account, your @ctor will be deleted.

1. What is My Stage?

“My Stage” is a place that allows you to have complete creative expression in personalizing your @ctor and what it does. On My Stage, you can create your @ctor and stylize it through accessories and expressions, as well as play with it by putting it in photo and video content.

2. How do I use My Stage?

My Stage is a pretty self explanatory. You’ll do a lot of browsing and perhaps trial and error with all the options available on My Stage. Please consult the questions under the “What can I do with my @ctor” section of this FAQ for a detailed response.

3. Can I create an @ctor without using My Stage?

Yes. Creating your @ctor is part of the sign up process with creating your Big Stage account. But in order to stylize your @ctor, put it into content or save it as a video, you must use the patented technology on My Stage.