1. Introduction to Animation
TGJ 2OI
Communications Technology
Bluevale Collegiate

2. Introduction to Animation
There are 2 main categories of animation:
CLASSICAL ANIMATION
&
COMPUTER ANIMATION (CGI)

3. Introduction to Animation
CLASSICAL ANIMATION:
Created using a series of hand-produced drawings or paintings, called FRAMES or CELLS
Sound is usually recorded first, and then animations are produced to fit voices
Background artwork is created separately from foreground drawings (background does not move)
Tends to be very costly to produce and is extremely time-consuming
Disney films, such as The Lion King and Snow White, feature some of the finest examples of classical animation

4. Introduction to Animation
CLASSICAL ANIMATION:
To produce smooth movement, an animator must produce between 18 and 24 frames (drawings) for every second of film (Disney uses 24 FPS)
The more frames per second (FPS), the smoother the movement.
Our eyes can perceive separate drawings at less than 18 FPS – animation looks choppy
An average feature length animated movie will feature millions of separate drawings

5. Introduction to Animation
CLASSICAL ANIMATION:
When creating drawings, animators will use KEY FRAMES to indicate important points in movement
Artists then produce In-Betweens (or tweening) – drawings between key frames to give appearance of smooth movement
After cells are produced, they are photographed or filmed in sequence (with background) to create final film.

6. Introduction to Animation
CLASSICAL ANIMATION:
Begin with sketches of your characters, etc. from a variety of angles
Produce a storyboard and/or script that describes the action
To animate, begin with 1 drawing and then trace features, making subtle changes in each new drawing to simulate movement
The subtler the changes, the smoother or slower the movement

7. Introduction to Animation
COMPUTER ANIMATION:
Much quicker and cheaper than classical animation
Still requires a great amount of skill and work
Create objects on computer and then manipulate them to produce illusion of movement
Enables artists to create 2D or 3D animation
Computer creates “in-between” images between key frames (saves plenty of time) – called TWEENING!
Featured in Shrek, Over the Hedge, Toy Story, etc.
Also used in movies – The Matrix, Jurassic Park, etc.

8. Introduction to Animation
COMPUTER ANIMATION: Production Process
Object creation - “ Building your geometry”
Adding Materials - “ Adding colour”
Animation - “ Controlling movement”
Adding lighting - “ Making it look 3d”
Camera work - “Photographing the scenes”
Rendering - “Printing a final copy”. Often as an AVI or MOV file.

9. Introduction to Animation
And now…
Some Cool Samples 