Feature Film Production Using 3D Computer Animation

Storyboards A series of sketches that can be used as a guide for making a film. ~4,ooo

One The sketches on the storyboard show the action and the dialogue.

Two The dialogue and music are recorded. Exposure sheets specify the number of frames needed for each word of dialogue.

Three Layout artists determine how the characters will look and act.

Four Background artists draw everything except the characters.

Five Animators draw the characters. Artists trace the animators drawings onto clear plastic sheets called cels.

Six Painters apply the colors to the back of each cel.

Seven The cels are placed in order. They are then photographed frame by frame over the background scene. A sound track is added.

Modeling The use of computer software to create 3D computer models of characters, props, and sets.

The process begins with primitives such as balls, cubes, cylinders, and cones.

Animation The 3D models are animated by drawing key frames.

A key frame shows a beginning or ending point in an action sequence. The computer generates the “in-between” frames needed to simulate motion.

Shading Adds color and texture to objects.

Lighting Used to “light up” the scene in each frame.

Rendering Combines computer information from the modeling, animation, shading, and lighting steps to create the final images.

FUTURE

Characters will be more lifelike. Help medical researchers add to their understanding of how the human body performs during various activities. Used by engineers to study the strength of materials and the performance of simulated products.