Cel

Cel

A cel used in traditional animation A cel is a transparent sheet of celluloid used in traditional animation. It is an essential component in the animation process, allowing animators to create the illusion of movement by layering different cels on top of each other.

History

The use of cels in animation dates back to the early 1900s when hand-drawn animation became popular. Before the invention of cels, animators had to redraw each frame on paper, resulting in a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The introduction of cels revolutionized the industry by allowing animators to reuse background elements and focus on animating only the moving parts.

Production Process

To create a cel, animators start by drawing the background on a separate sheet of paper. Then, they trace the moving elements of the scene onto a transparent cel using ink or paint. The cel is then placed on top of the background, and the entire setup is photographed or scanned to create a single frame of animation. This process is repeated for each frame, resulting in a sequence of cels that, when played in rapid succession, create the illusion of movement.

Advantages of Cels

The use of cels in animation offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows for efficient production as animators can reuse background elements and focus on animating only the necessary parts. This saves time and resources, making the animation process more cost-effective. Additionally, cels provide a consistent and uniform look to the animation, as each cel is created using the same materials and techniques.

Modern Usage

With the advent of digital animation techniques, the use of traditional cels has significantly decreased. However, cels still hold a special place in the hearts of many animation enthusiasts and collectors. They are often seen as valuable pieces of art and are sought after by collectors worldwide.

See Also

• Animation
• Celluloid
• Traditional Animation