How does animation work?

A simple theory known as persistence of vision offers an explanation. The Greek astronomer Ptolemy discovered this principle back in 130 AD. If images are flashed before the eye at a speed of at least ten frames per second, the brain thinks it is seeing a single moving image. The number of Frames Per Second (or FPS) directly correlates to how smooth the movement appears. If the frame rate is too slow, the motion will look awkward and jerky. If the frame rate is too high, the motion will blur.

Animation techniques

2D cel animation

Also known as traditional animation, 2D animation involves the creation of a high volume of separate drawings that define a sequence. These drawings are then traced with ink onto transparent celluloid sheets called cel, which are scanned and painted using a special application software. These cels are layered on each other to create a sequence. The sequence is later edited to synchronise the audio and video content. This technique is widely used in creating characters for animations and cartoon programmes.
Did you know that a full-length feature film produced using cel animation often requires a million or more drawings to complete?


3D CGI animation

This technique makes extensive use of animation software programmes. 3D objects are constructed using curves or 2D geometric figures. Software programmes are used to modify the texture, light and colour of the object surface. Virtual cameras are used to zoom, focus, illuminate and resize the 3D objects. Important frames are developed to regulate the flow of intermediate frames. This technique is commonly used to create animation for television programmes, movies and online and console games.


3D motion capture animation

This process of creating 3D characters is similar to the 3D CGI animation technique; however, the techniques differ with respect to the time when the animation effects are introduced. To produce animation effects, sensors from a computer are attached physically to a human being. These sensors help coordinate the real-time movements of the human actor with the movements of a computerised 3D character. This technique is widely used for low-resolution games, Internet characters, live TV performances and special effects for animated movies.