Computer Animation Brings 3-D Characters to Life
Computer animation has become a cornerstone of the family movie market, displacing the 2-D cartoons that used to occupy the popcorn-munching munchkins' minds (and their parents' wallets). How big is the animation industry? For 2005, animated movie-maker DreamWorks reported earnings of $104.6 million. Disney's Pixar recorded earnings of $152.9 million. But just what does it take to be a success in such a magical marketplace?
Computer Animation Programming and Movie-Making
If computer animation fits your fancy, here's a primer on how companies like Pixar and Dreamworks create an animated film.- 1. Development and creating a storyline/script. Everything goes back to having an interesting idea. Before any animation or conceptualization can begin, people have to come up with a story. Simple hand sketches are made for the story and then digitally photographed. "Scratch" voices (voices used as stand-ins before the casted actors are recorded) are also recorded and added to the story reel. The reel is kind of like a flip book that gives everyone a taste of the story.
- 2. Pre-production, storyboards, and addressing technical challenges. Layout and modeling of 3-D characters in computer animation programs comes in about here. Modelers build 3-D wire frame sculptures called armatures on the computer, and then the basic surfaces (skin color, texture, etc.) are added to these new characters life.
- 3. Production and making the film. Characters are animated and synchronized with actors' voices. Effects and lighting are also added in this stage. Effects include everything from how water moves to subtle hair movements on characters.
- 4. Post-production. The final score, sound effects, and color checking come in here. This is the final step before the computer animation movie is released.
Computer Animation Online Degree Program
Getting into computer animation involves having an artistic flair, an amazing attention to detail, and comfort with computer animation programs. Some general programs and languages that Dreamworks looks for are Mel, Hscript, c-shell, C++, Perl, and Python. An online degree program in graphic art, animation, or other artistic majors will give you a solid foundation for a computer animation career. An online degree program lets you learn from home and continue another career if need be.With an online or campus degree in computer animation, you may help tell the next great tall tale and bring smiles to families everywhere.
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About the Author
James Tolles admits that he has seen Shrek and Toy Story and really likes the cute characters. He is also a freelance writer.
