3-D Animation

• Animators design images and then add meshing to create the illusion of three dimensions in space, using special software. The objects are then unwrapped from the meshes so that they can be colored and then re-wrapped around their meshes. The motion is created with special applications that automatically generate the data which simulates object movement. It can be done using a process called stop motion, as in claymation projects such as "Wallace and Gromit" games.
  
  

Rotoscoping

• In the rotoscoping process, the animator creates his film using live-action footage. The animator creates a layer on top of the live-action footage. On this layer, he traces the objects he wants to use, one frame at a time. When completed, the animator has fully illustrated footage, with the appearance of motion since it was traced over a live motion picture. The new footage can be used as a standalone or included in other film types.
  
  

The Real Look

• The authentic look of animation is determined by the detail used in illustrating the objects. Animators achieve 3-D movement using key-framing, stop motion or other methods to move objects. All that was once done by hand and on paper can now be achieved on computers today. Both processes can achieve lifelike motion. Rotoscoping starts with live-action motion, providing the animator with maximum authenticity that he can obscure as desired.
  
  

Animation Uses

• Animation is used for business as well as entertainment purposes. It is used to illustrate concepts that can be explained better visually instead of being described verbally. Some places animation is used include Web sites, commercials, corporate videos and commercial virtual demonstrations. Animated films can overlap rotoscope and 3-D processes, which means you can have a rotoscope background of a city scene and add 3-D animated automobiles to the foreground.
  
  

Things to Consider

• Creating animated films takes time, depending on film length and image details. Even though it is done mostly on computers, there is a lot of work that goes into using 3-D animation processes. Another possibility for creating animation is to use software that automates some of the steps in the 3-D animation process. The quality is not the same as with professional animation, but it may help you accomplish your goal.