Keyframes are reference points in animation that control the transition between positions and determine the speed. Traditional and computer animation use keyframes, with hand-drawn animation requiring more work. Keyframes require continuity checks for consistency and can be used for various tasks in computer animation.
A keyframe is a reference point in an animation that provides information about the location, shape, and size of the subject. These frames help animators control the transition from one position to another, and also impose time limits to determine the speed of the animation. Both traditional and computer animation rely on the use of keyframes to outline critical components of an animated sequence, and an animation can include any number of these references, depending on its length.
In a simple example of a keyframe, an animator might want to create a demonstration of a dot moving from one side of the screen to the other. This would require two drawings to show the start and end position of the point. With computer animation, the computer may be able to render to show the point in transition, using parameters set by the animator. More frames can create a smoother transition, while fewer frames and staggered timing can make it jerky.
Hand-drawn animations require animators to draw in each frame between keyframes. This can be a time consuming process. Historically, lead animators focused on producing the keyframes and handed their work to assistants who handled the fill frames and any necessary edits. Traditional animation of this type is rare in most production facilities, although students can experience it as they learn animation techniques and practices. Restoration of animated films may require the insertion of new frames to replace, for example, damaged or missing frames.
Users can control the freeze, the movement within an animation, with the use of a series of keyframes. Each frame shows where people and objects should be placed during the scene and provides data on who and what should be moving. Creating and adjusting each keyframe can be a lot of work and requires continuity checks for consistency. A table, for example, shouldn’t move between keyframes unless the angle changes or a moving table is part of the action. Assistants can examine the frames for inconsistencies and other problems that could cause the animation to look abnormal.
Computer animation offers a number of options that people can use as they develop a keyframe and sequence of animation. This technology can be used for tasks such as filling in the background of a film and making animated people and animals appear consistent with random, natural movements. Post-production companies may specialize in computer-generated textures and effects to add to film, or fully animated pieces for short films, commercials, and feature film productions.
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