Animation

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Prof. Stampfer's Stroboscopische Scheibe No. X

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Fantasmagorie (Cohl)

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Quirino Cristiani con una figura

Animation is the process of designing, drawing, making layouts, and preparation of photographic sequences which are integrated into the multimedia and gaming products. Animation involves the exploitation and management of still images to generate the illusion of movement. A person who creates animations is called an animator. Animators use various computer technologies to capture the still images and then to animate these in sequence. Traditional animation was done by hand-drawing or painting successive frames of an object, each slightly different than the preceding frame, but today's animation often involves 3D modeling and computer-generated imagery (CGI).

History

The history of animation started long before the development of cinematography. Humans have probably attempted to depict motion as far back as the paleolithic period. Shadow play and the magic lantern offered popular shows with moving images as the result of manipulation by hand and/or some minor mechanics. A series of photographs of a running horse, captured in 1878 by Eadweard Muybridge, is often cited as the earliest form of animation. The invention of the praxinoscope by Émile Reynaud, followed by his creation of the Theatre Optique, could be seen as the first true animation device, capable of projecting a series of images onto a screen.

In the early 20th century, the cinema became a popular entertainment medium, and animation started to gain ground as a form of storytelling. The first animated film, "Humorous Phases of Funny Faces" by J. Stuart Blackton in 1906, was created using chalkboard drawings and stop-motion. The first animated feature film was "El Apóstol" (1917) by Quirino Cristiani, which was a political satire and is now lost to history.

Techniques

Animation can be divided into several types, including traditional animation, stop-motion animation, and computer animation.

Traditional Animation

Traditional animation, also known as cel animation, involves the creation of hand-drawn frames. Each frame represents a phase of movement in the animation sequence. Once compiled, these frames create the illusion of movement.

Stop-Motion Animation

Stop-motion animation uses physical objects instead of drawings. The objects are moved in small increments and photographed at each step. When the photographs are played in sequence, they create the illusion of movement. Claymation, using clay figures, is a popular form of stop-motion animation.

Computer Animation

Computer animation can be divided into 2D animation and 3D animation. 2D animation, similar to traditional hand-drawn animation, creates movement in a two-dimensional space. 3D animation involves creating characters and environments in a three-dimensional space, giving depth and a more realistic view.

Industry

The animation industry has grown significantly, especially with the advent of computer technology. It plays a crucial role in various fields, including movies, television, video games, and advertising. Studios like Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and DreamWorks Animation have been at the forefront of this growth, producing films that have achieved both critical and commercial success worldwide.

Future of Animation

The future of animation holds vast possibilities with the continuous advancements in technology. Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to play a significant role in the evolution of animation, offering more immersive and interactive experiences.

Animation Resources
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