AVID:Distinguishing Animation Techniques

Distinguishing Animation Techniques

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This page serves as a guide to distinguishing animation techniques.

Camera-controlled

The animation was used by cameras for zoom-in/zoom-out, or going to various sides.

Computer animation

Scanimate

A form of early/analog computer animation prevalent in the late 1960s-1980s. It utilized a system of analog computers and video tape recorders to create and manipulate animated graphics, providing a unique and distinctive look to graphics from this period.

Video feedback

A process when a video camera captures its own output and displays it in real-time, creating a recursive loop of images or video. This can lead to an infinite regression of images, often characterized by repeating patterns and distortions.

Chyron effects

The process of electronically generating dynamic text and graphics overlays that appear on television screens, typically used for displaying news headlines, sports scores, or other real-time information. This effect is also used during end-credits scrolls

CGI

Also known as computer generated imagery, this technique refers to the use of 3D computer graphics. It involves the creation, manipulation, and rendering of digital images, often with the goal of simulating fantastical or realistic worlds.

Flash Animation

A form of 2D animation that is created digitally via Adobe Animate (formerly Flash Professional, hence the name) or similar programs. This technique is predominantly used in web cartoons and modern 2D animated cartoons.

Live-action

The technique was used for filming real life.

Model work

It refers to the use of physical miniature models to create realistic and detailed settings, objects, or characters. It involves constructing and manipulating these models to achieve visual effects and simulate larger-scale environments or complex scenes.

Practical effects

They are special effects done physically without relying on CGI. They involve the use of lights, props, models, pyrotechnics, and other practical elements to achieve realistic and practical results on set.

Traditional animation

Cel animation

Hand-drawn animation where each frame is drawn on celluloids.

Backlit animation

This process involves illuminating light or other translucent materials from behind. It often utilizes lightboxes or LED panels to showcase colorful designs or graphics, enhancing their brightness and highlighting their details. Oxberry animation cameras were often used for this technique.

Rotoscoping

A technique using animated frames traced over existing footage, thus creating realistic animation.

Oil paint/pastel animation

This is a technique consisting of creating animated sequences by painting directly onto individual frames using oil paints. Each frame is meticulously hand-painted, capturing slight variations in color and texture, resulting in a style reminiscent of traditional oil paintings.

Vision mixer/production switcher

Grass Valley 300 production switcher effects

This technique offers a range of effects, usually including transitions such as dissolves, wipes, and shrinking or expanding shapes. It also provides keying capabilities, allowing users to overlay graphics or video onto the main video feed. Additionally, it offers effects like color correction, picture-in-picture, and split-screen.

Stop-motion

A technique which involves physically manipulating objects or models and capturing individual frames. The objects are moved incrementally between frames, creating the illusion of movement when played back.