History

• Until about 15 years ago, animations were hand-drawn. Computers now do all of the work but the quality is still based on human creativity and professionalism. With the advent of this technology, companies specializing in computer animation are based all across the country. From the extensive use of realistic computer-generated animals in "Jurassic Park" in 1993 to the first full-length completely computer-animated feature film, "Toy Story," in 1995, the technology has increasingly found applications in a variety of media, not just film. The most well-known animation company in Florida, Disney, expanded their animation department in 1998 with a new 200,000-square-foot building to house the 400 or so animation employees. This was the first major computer animation business development in Florida. Disney has since closed its animation studio in Orlando, but the path was established for other animation entrepreneurs in the Sunshine State.
  
  

Types

• Television commercials and instructional videos rely on computer animation for a broad variety of applications. Some of the computer animation companies currently operating in Florida are Legacy Animation and Project Firefly, started by former Disney animators, Liquid Digital, IDFX Post, Florida FX, Tri-Dimensional Animation, and Rio Vista Media. These companies and more like them provide animation for feature films, television, Internet and video. Florida also offers several schools that specialize in computer animation, like Full Sail University in Winter Park or Digital Media Arts College in Boca Raton. You can also find courses available online to begin your computer animation instruction.
  
  

Function

• Computer graphics allow animators to bring objects to life in three dimensions. The resulting virtual object can be manipulated and rendered with realistic 3D or 2D detail. Florida animation companies offer animation and 3D renderings for architects, advertising agencies, and developers. Flash website animation for any type of business is another service of computer animation companies in Florida and across the country.
  
  

Prevalence

• Florida hosts around 70 companies that offer computer animation production services or computer animation equipment. Companies who specialize in computer animation are listed in several online databases like Production Hub and Kelly Services.
  
  

Effects

• Many major animation companies outsource their projects to smaller animation production companies in order to reduce their overhead costs. In addition to films and television, small companies like Florida's Digital Elixir and Ed Ethridge Productions offer web design, video production, online advertising, and educational design services. The capabilities of computer programs like Final Cut Pro, After Effects Motion Graphics, and Cinema 4D allow small companies to thrive in this field.