1. A method of presenting avatars with a multimedia program, the method comprising: generating animation input data indicative of a viewer watching the multimedia program; generating an avatar corresponding to the viewer based at least in part on the animation input data; displaying the avatar in a virtual environment that includes further avatars corresponding to further viewers; subtracting background data in the animation input data to create viewer data that does not indicate a viewing area around the viewer; responsive to detecting the viewer entering the viewing area, simulating the avatar entering the virtual environment; and responsive to detecting the viewer leaving the viewing area, simulating the avatar leaving the virtual environment.