computer animation
Pixar's visual medium
Computer animation is the art and technique of creating moving images using computer software rather than hand-drawing each frame.
It encompasses both two-dimensional animation and three-dimensional rendering, used in films, video games, advertisements, and simulations.
Pixar revolutionized computer animation with Toy Story.
The field ranges from simple motion graphics to photorealistic digital characters.
Interlocking open weave
- polygonsClosed plane figures
- verticesCorner points of shapes
- wireframeEdge-only geometric model
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
sculpting · extrusion · NURBS · normals · keyframing · tweening · morphing · deformation
Digital animation studio
- DreamWorksShrek's production company
- DisneyMajor entertainment conglomerate
- Toy StoryTale about playthings
- ShrekAnimated green ogre
Finding Nemo · Incredibles · Moana · Inside Out · Zootopia · Spider-Verse · Studio Ghibli · Laika
Digital movie imagery
- physics engineSoftware modeling real-world motion
- dynamicsStudy of forces
- explosionsViolent, rapid expansions
- fireCombustion with flames
Rendering via light physics
- shadingDepicting light and darkness
- texture mappingApplying images to 3D surfaces
- lightingArt of illuminating spaces
- rasterizationConverting to pixel grid
shadows · reflections · compositing · anti-aliasing · frame rate · resolution · GPU
Recording physical movement digitally
- suitMatched formal garments
- markersPens with porous tips
- sensorsDevices that detect input
- trackingMonitoring location over time
facial capture · body movement · optical · infrared · biomechanics · kinematics · retargeting · cleanup
Visual development of personas
- storyboardingSequencing shots through drawings
- concept artPreliminary design illustrations
- expressivenessAbility to convey emotion
- timingArt of choosing moments
anticipation · follow-through · staging · appeal · exaggeration · arcs · straight ahead
Ancient Mesoamerican people
- BlenderFree 3D graphics software
- HoudiniFamous escape artist
- After EffectsConsequences following an event
- FlashSudden brief illumination
Non-playable game footage
- spritesTiny supernatural beings
- game engineFramework for building interactive software
- NPCsNon-player characters
- ragdoll physicsFloppy character body simulation
mesh
Interlocking open weave
rigging · sculpting · extrusion · NURBS · normals · keyframing · tweening · morphing · deformation · skinning
Pixar
Digital animation studio
- DreamWorksShrek's production company
- DisneyMajor entertainment conglomerate
- Toy StoryTale about playthings
Shrek · Finding Nemo · Incredibles · Moana · Inside Out · Zootopia · Spider-Verse · Studio Ghibli · Laika · stop-motion
CGI
Digital movie imagery
- physics engineSoftware modeling real-world motion
- dynamicsStudy of forces
- explosionsViolent, rapid expansions
fire · smoke · destruction · environment · compositing
ray tracing
Rendering via light physics
- shadingDepicting light and darkness
- texture mappingApplying images to 3D surfaces
- lightingArt of illuminating spaces
rasterization · shadows · reflections · compositing · anti-aliasing · frame rate · resolution · GPU
mocap
Recording physical movement digitally
tracking · facial capture · body movement · optical · infrared · biomechanics · kinematics · retargeting · cleanup · Andy Serkis
character design
Visual development of personas
- storyboardingSequencing shots through drawings
- concept artPreliminary design illustrations
- expressivenessAbility to convey emotion
timing · anticipation · follow-through · staging · appeal · exaggeration · arcs · straight ahead
Maya
Ancient Mesoamerican people
- BlenderFree 3D graphics software
- HoudiniFamous escape artist
- After EffectsConsequences following an event
cutscenes
Non-playable game footage
- spritesTiny supernatural beings
- game engineFramework for building interactive software
- NPCsNon-player characters
ragdoll physics · walk cycle · state machine · level of detail
- Kids Moviescartoon, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Lion King, Moana
computer animationhand-drawn animation
Motion created through sequential drawings
traditional animation · cel animation · claymation · puppet animation · stop-motion animation
computer animationlive-action
Filmed with real performers
documentary footage · practical effects · cinematography · analog video
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