ANIMATION – TV – Film
Still images that can be combined together to produce the illusion of moving images. Drawings or models are filmed or videoed frame by frame. Cartoon or ‘cel’ animation involves drawing separate images onto transparent sheets or cells. A character appears to move as each cell progresses the action to a small degree. Between twelve and twenty five drawings are required for every second of screen time. When projected at the normal speed the viewer sees continuous movement. The process has taken on a new lease of life in movies (see The Lord of the Rings, or Shrek ) with COMPUTER GENERATED ANIMATION (CGA) where 3D images are created on computer and the animation process is digitised. Computer generated images can be combined with LIFE ACTION to produce incredible effects. All but the most simple animation is expensive to produce and very labour intensive. For a TV series costs of £9000 a minute are not unusual, but animation is very popular globally as it can be easily dubbed into other languages. Just think of the world wide success of The Simpsons . Animation is used in many areas e.g. COMMERCIALs, computer games, music promos, children’s programmes, MULTIMEDIA, comedy and feature films. See STOP FRAME ANIMATION
