Computer Animation Production System

Computer Animation Production System (CAPS)

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Other names
Original author(s)
Developer(s)	The Walt Disney Company, Pixar
Initial release	1988
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Written in
Middleware
Engine

The Computer Animation Production System (CAPS) was a digital ink and paint and animation production system used in animated feature films, primarily by The Walt Disney Company. CAPS was developed by Disney in collaboration with Pixar during the late 1980s. The system revolutionized the animation industry by providing artists and filmmakers with the ability to create higher-quality animation with digital assistance.

Development and History

CAPS was developed to address the limitations of traditional animation techniques, which were labor-intensive and time-consuming. The development of CAPS began in the mid-1980s when Disney partnered with the then-fledgling company, Pixar, which was a division of Lucasfilm at the time. The collaboration aimed to enhance the production quality and efficiency of animated films.

The system was first used in a production environment for the 1989 Disney animated film The Little Mermaid, where it was used to create a few scenes involving complex effects that would have been difficult to achieve with traditional methods. Its first full-scale deployment was on the 1990 film The Rescuers Down Under, making it the first feature film to be entirely created using digital ink and paint technology.

Technology

CAPS was based on proprietary software running on state-of-the-art hardware. The system allowed for digital scanning of hand-drawn animations. Artists could then paint these drawings digitally, and the system would composite the layers of animation together into final scenes, automatically generating the necessary inbetweens.

This technology not only sped up the production process but also allowed for the creation of more complex camera movements, such as 3D rotations and zooms, which were difficult to achieve with traditional cel animation. CAPS also supported a higher color palette than was traditionally available in cel animation, allowing for richer, more vibrant images.

Impact

The introduction of CAPS marked a significant shift in the animation industry. It allowed for greater creative freedom and reduced the costs associated with the physical production of films. The system contributed to the success of many Disney animated films during the 1990s, including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. These films showcased the capabilities of CAPS, particularly in scenes that involved intricate effects and depth, such as the ballroom scene in Beauty and the Beast.

Legacy

Although CAPS was eventually phased out in favor of more advanced technologies and software, its development was a pivotal moment in animation history. It paved the way for the widespread adoption of digital techniques in animation studios worldwide. Today, the principles and technologies developed for CAPS continue to influence modern animation and visual effects software.

See Also

• Traditional animation
• Digital ink and paint
• Pixar Image Computer
• History of animation