The process of creating the illusion of movement through sequenced images or 3D renders.
Technical Details
Traditional 2D animation works at 24 fps for feature films, often using "doubles" (12 fps) or "triples" (8 fps). 3D computer animation uses keyframes and interpolation (tweening) between defined poses. Stop-motion requires precise positional changes of 1-5 mm between shots. Motion capture records motion data at 120-240 fps using infrared cameras and reflective markers. Render times vary from minutes (2D) to several hours per frame for photorealistic 3D animation with global illumination and subsurface scattering.
History & Development
In 1906, J. Stuart Blackton created the first animated film using chalk drawings with "Humorous Phases of Funny Faces." Winsor McCay established narrative character animation in 1914 with "Gertie the Dinosaur." Walt Disney introduced synchronized sound in 1928 ("Steamboat Willie") and the first feature-length animated film in 1937 ("Snow White"). Pixar revolutionized fully computer-animated film production in 1995 with "Toy Story." Motion capture achieved mainstream cinema breakthrough through "The Lord of the Rings" (2001-2003) and Gollum.
Practical Application in Film
Stop-motion productions like "Coraline" (2009) require 50-100 animators for 18 months of production time. 3D animated films go through pre-production (storyboard, animatics), production (modeling, rigging, animation), and post-production (lighting, rendering, compositing). "Frozen" (2013) required 600 employees and 70 million render hours. VFX integration combines live-action with CGI elements through match-moving and tracking software. Facial animation uses FACS (Facial Action Coding System) for precise facial muscle simulation.
Comparison & Alternatives
Cel animation on acetate sheets differs fundamentally from digital 2D animation in software like Toon Boom Harmony. 3D animation is divided into polygon-based and NURBS modeling. Performance capture extends motion capture to include facial and finger animation. Real-time animation in game engines allows for live rendering, while pre-rendered animation delivers higher quality with longer production times. Virtual production combines LED volumes with real-time engines for hybrid workflows between animation and live-action.
Current News
AI-powered image-to-video tools like Runway Gen-3, Kling, and Hailuo now enable precise animation of static images into moving sequences. These technologies generate videos from single still frames at resolutions up to 4K, thereby expanding traditional animation methods with new production techniques. The integration of AI processes into film production indicates an increasing convergence of conventional and algorithmic animation techniques.
Current News
International film festivals such as Berlinale, Cannes, and Sundance are increasingly opening up to AI-generated animated films in their short film programs. Berlinale 2026 already presented innovative shorts with experimental animation techniques, while other festivals are developing special categories for technology-based productions. This development reflects the growing influence of AI tools in the animation industry.