Content Creation Workflow in 2D Animation
Computing resources have allowed the usage of (CGI or CG), which is a form of animation that allows artists to draw three-dimensional (3D) images. The process of creation of three-dimensional (3D) animation content is similar to that used in the creation of computer games.
Computing technology has enabled artists to produce two-dimensional (2D) images much faster, by automating repetitive manual processes such as outline, ink and paint. Technology is playing a key role on animation content production by exponentially increasing the productivity of workers.
Traditional animation has advantages such as the scope for expressive, where every action of the animator is communicated in a hand drawing as well as the scope to use a variety of compositional and drawing devices. Also, the background and other artwork can be easily made in a variety of traditional painting media such as colored pencil, water-colour or pen and ink. The key disadvantages of traditional hand-done animation are its linear nature, labor intensiveness, and the limitations of the camera to go into screen depths.
Traditional animation process flow for feature films starts with the preparation, editing and revision of the script. This is followed by the storyboarding of the script. Major parts of the story development happens as the storyboards are rearranged, redrawn and redone. Activities such as visual look of the movie, designing the graphic language, color palette, Key facts
▪ On an average, a studio takes about four years to complete a CGI film
▪ A typical 3D animation workflow involves activities such as art design and storyboarding, sound design, 3D modeling, texturing and shading, animation rigging, particles and FX, animation motion, lighting and rendering, compositing and video editing
▪ The 2D animation workflow for feature-length films consists steps such as scripting, storyboarding, art, production are flexibility, non-linearity
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Once the storyboard is finalized, the sketches are photographed on an animation stand and played back as a story reel. The story reel times each image from the storyboard to the time that the shot or action will take to consists of frame/frames viewed from the same camera and always ends on a cut. The dialogue recording for the film by the voice actors is carried out at this stage. In many cases, videos of the voice actors are taken during recording, and are used as visual reference for the animators. The purpose behind this is to understand facial expressions, mannerisms etc. In the next step, the dialogue is edited to create the complete dialogue track for the entire movie. Sounds or music, which needs the animator to animate are also edited onto the track in parallel.
The animators then work on the character drawings and schematics needed to draw and animate their character/s by animating the shots assigned to them. The output from the character animators is given to effects animators to incorporate visual effects such as smoke, explosions, water, fire etc. On completion of all the animation for the sequence, the drawings are sent to Ink and Paint. On completion of painting and painted effects have been executed, the shot is filmed on an animation stand. This process is repeated for every frame of every shot for the entire movie.
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During this stage, corrections such as editing, color adjustments as well as music is also generated at this step. Multiple multiple sounds, voice and music tracks are mixed. The audio and film is then mastered, duplicated and distributed for theatrical release.
The animation production process for animated TV series involves the following stages:
Conceptualization
Pre-production
Production
Postproduction
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FIGURE 17: 2D ANIMATION PRODUCTION WORKFLOW
Conceptualization Pre-Production Production Post-Production
Story Concept
Screenplay Storyboard Voice Recording
Story reels Layout
Background Paint Visual
Effects
Ink and Paint
Clean-up Compositing
Sound Effects
Editing Sound Mixing Music
Special Effects
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CONCEPTUALIZATION
Conceptualization stage is about bringing an idea to the screen and starts with an early stage script. This idea as well as the script is then worked on in detail. The script, the conceptual framework as well as the characters are used to generate the detailed production plan involving resources, roles, logistics, schedules etc. Schedules, which need to be worked out include shooting, asset development, and integration. At the end of the planning stage the director finalises the scenes of the artwork. In cases, where the work is contracted out to external studio/s the originator needs to share the script, characters, scripts etc. with the contractor studio/s.
PRE-PRODUCTION
Pre-production involves getting the idea and script fleshed out in models, storyboards and finally, story reels. Thousands of drawings and concept art are done in the pre-production phase, to finalise on the ―prototype‖ of the feature film. For animated features, pre-production may be more elaborate and iterative. In the case of 3D animation process the content development process starts with laying out the various aspects that ensues in production:
modeling, rigging, surfaces (consisting of textures and colors), and various tests of animation and other software systems.
PRODUCTION
Production processes involves filming and logging equipment, programmable heads, motion tracking systems, etc. The production phase
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and paint. In the case of 3D activities include modeling, layout, rigging,