3D Animation

OBJECTIVE Sequence the steps for producing a 3D animation

HISTORY OF 3D ANIMATION 1970s 3D Animation The evolution of the craft since that time is staggering. Pixar's first short film, Luxo Jr., deals with animated simple shapes and backgrounds. Evoman attempts the much harder task of human faces and hair. Look at the expressiveness of the characters' faces. Notice the nuanced lighting in the frame as well. But there was a time when Luxo Jr. was considered state of the art. John Whitney also amazed people in 1975 with his computer graphics. It is not strictly 3D, but we think it's interesting to see just how quickly the computer animation industry has evolved.

HISTORY OF 3D ANIMATION Stop-Motion Animation We could go back further in history to a time before computers. 3D animation is essentially the modern version of stop-motion animation. The concept behind the two styles of animations is the same. However, you create stop-motion animations in real space and 3D animation in digital space. Here is a look at the popular stop-motion animated series.

PRODUCTION PIPELINE Let's have a look at the basic production pipeline of a modern 3D animation. You'll gain a greater appreciation for this digital art when you understand the process a little better. Just like stop motion or claymation, the digital 3D animator begins with a model (the character or characters in the piece). Models are created using programs such as Maya, 3D Studio Max, ZBrush or others. The concept is similar to a sculptor working with clay. The modeler manipulates wire-frames to create the object, character, or creature. Here is a look at what a modeler's computer might look like when working on a model. This work in progress shows the software Lightwave. As you can see, modeling is a very complicated process. A high level of computer knowledge, artistic ability, and even some math skills are required to excel in this work.

Rigging Once the model is complete, you rig the model. Rigging means to create the skeleton, joints, and anything else that might move on the character. Once this step is complete, convert the model to a solid 3D modeling. Test the movement. The detail of the rig is directly connected to the believability and complexity of the model's movement.

Wire Frame Here is a look at a wire-frame model look at a rig. These demo reels show good student models and rigs in motion. College students and studios create demo reels to show prospective clients what they can do.

Creating an Environment Once the model is created and rigged, you need to create an environment or a world in which to place the character: Creating these environments is a 3D artist's dedicated job An environment in 3D animation terms is truly a digital space Here is a look at some 3D environments: This is a very simple one. Here is a more complicated 3D environment: You cannot understand the entire 3D process in one or two lessons, but you have now seen the general outline of work required to create some of these animations.

Behind the Scenes of an Animated Film Did you ever watch Pixar film, The Incredibles? Did you watch the movie all the way through to the end credits? Hundreds of people worked on this film; more than your average Hollywood live-action feature. Creating a feature length 3D animation is an incredibly complex undertaking. It is useful to see just how many moving parts there are in a project of this magnitude. Animators spend innumerable hours in front of a computer screen trying to get a scene right but the love they have for their work really shines through in these clips. In addition, it is worth noting the high level of teamwork and camaraderie these animators display. It is hard to find people who love to go to work as much as animators do.

PROJECT: 3D ANIMATION Analyze the use of 3D animation in film and in the workplace. It’s time for you to write another short essay. This time you have the option to write about any ONE of these topics. Choose the one that is most interesting to you. Write a minimum of 500 words (don’t worry, that’s a lot shorter than it sounds). Perform internet research outside of these lessons to help you come to your conclusions. OPTION 1: Do you believe that the use of 3D animation has grown in feature films over the last few years? If so, do you think the trend will continue? What are the forces driving this trend? OPTION 2: Imagine yourself working for a 3D animation studio (Pixar for example). What job do you think you’d like to have to contribute to the production? Why? OPTION 3: Perhaps you have your own topic that you’d like to discuss. If so, proceed with your own topic (provided it has to do with 3D animation).