3D animation uses three-dimensional images that adhere to natural physics, creating a realistic effect. Types include stop motion, claymation, CGI, and motion capture. CGI is also used in non-animated films. Animators build virtual skeletons and models for computer-generated 3D animation, while motion capture uses live action. The goal is to create photorealistic 3D animated films. Famous examples include Shrek, Finding Nemo, and Wall-E.
Animation is the process of rendering images in rapid succession so that they give the impression of continuous motion. In 3D animation, the images used are three-dimensional. They can be shown from all possible directions, are made to adhere to the laws of natural physics and therefore appear extremely real to viewers.
There are many different types of three-dimensional animation. Some of the main ones are stop motion animation, claymation, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and motion capture animation. These animations are made using hand-crafted and computer-generated puppets, objects, backgrounds, and special effects.
In stop motion animation, 3D characters and their backgrounds are drawn by hand. First the animator creates a suit of armor or skeleton using metal and then models the objects on it using clay, plastic or rubber. Different materials such as wood, cloth, hair gel, toothpaste and cotton wool can be used to create finer details.
The handmade items are arranged in a scene and a photograph is taken. Then the objects are moved slightly and photographed again. After photographing the objects each time their position changes, the animator uses the frames to create the 3D animation.
Claymation is stop motion animation using clay models. The clay is worked on an aluminum wire frame and shaped with fingers and clay tools. To prevent the sculpted figures from being deformed during handling, a quick-hardening clay is used. Once it has dried, the figures are painted as required.
The use of computers has, in many ways, revolutionized three-dimensional animation. Animators no longer have to draw, sculpt or color everything by hand. By moving to digital media, the entire 3D animation process can be done faster, less cluttered, and more cost-effective.
So much so that CGI is also used in non-animated films. Computer graphics create scenes that would otherwise have been very expensive or difficult to produce. Some scenes would even be impossible to create without computer-generated imagery.
In computer-generated 3D animation, the animator builds virtual skeletons and models 3D figures on them. Then the digital models are rigged and can be manipulated as required for animation. The animator must take care to get all the physical movements and details so that the 3D animation looks real.
Motion capture animation goes further and uses live action. Here, an actor is equipped with sensory devices that track the movement and positioning of the actor’s joints. The actor then goes through the motions in place of an already designed character that needs to be animated.
Sensory devices record the resulting movements and stream the video recording into a computer. The computer now uses these inputs to give the character movement. This brings the motion capture animation very similar to the movements seen in real life.
Some famous animated movies are Shrek, Finding Nemo and Wall-E. 3D animated films are becoming more and more inclined towards realism. The next step is to use computer graphics to create a fully photorealistic 3D animated film.
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