Session 2: Production -1
Objective
• Name the activities in the production stage KEYWORDS
• Explain Layout stage & Line Test Dope sheet
• Describe the responsibilities of Layout Artist
Layout Artist Background Artist
Background Artist Key Frame Animators
Key Frame Animators In between Animators
In between Animators Digital Ink and Paint Artist
Digital Ink and Paint Artist Clean-up Artists
Clean-up Artists Scanner Operator
Scanner Operator
Production
After the storyboard has been approved, the project enters the production phase.
Some major activities that are undertaken during the production phase are the layout, modelling,
texturing, lighting, rigging, and animation.
Animation production is a very coordinated process where different teams of artists work together
while utilizing optimum resources and achieving the initial goal in the time available.
The production phase is often the longest and busiest phase of the animation project.
During this stage the Director approves camera moves, depth of field and the composition of the
models making up the set and set dressing.
It is then the responsibility of the Modelling department to deliver these approved set, prop and
character models in the final layout stages.
A 2D production pipeline starts with workbook and goes all the way through final checking,
composting and film output, while the 3D production process emphasizes the design, modelling
and rigging and animation stages.
Layout
A layout is a visual map. It instructs the various artists on a scene where the
characters are to be positioned and how they are to move. The timing of the scene
and individual character movements will be indicated on the “dopesheet”.
A dopesheet looks a little like a spreadsheet with rows and columns but its purpose is
to provide instructions concerning the time duration of individual character
movements, scenes, camera moves and audio details. It ensures that each and every
person working on a production is working to the same basic instructions
Layout Artist set the stage for each scene of animation. The Layout Artist
produces the 3D version of what storyboard artists had previously drawn on paper.
Each layout is a vital piece of reference for all those involved in the production
process.
The layout determines lighting and camera angles as well as where characters and
props are placed in the scene according to their start positions.
The Layout Artist will often work closely with the Director and other specialists
such as a Scene Planner and Special Effects Supervisor to work out the scene
layout.
While the Layout Artist is responsible for composing the shot and delivering
rough animation to the animators as a guide, the Background Artist creates
scene settings.
A background is essentially a static setting upon which the animation takes
place in the foreground.
Background images can be very simple and drawn in a similar flat style to the
characters.
The Key Frame Animators draw the images that determine the beginning of a
movement and the end of movement.
The In between Animators draw the images or frames in-between the key
frames to complete the movements prescribed by the Key Frame Animator.
The process of colouring of animation frames is carried out by Digital Ink and
Paint Artist using specialist ink and paint software. Clean-up Artists are
responsible for re-drawing the Key Frame and Inbetween Animators drawings
which are normally of a rough line quality.
The Scanner Operator is responsible for scanning drawings prepared
by the Clean-up Artist.
Ink and Paint is the process of colouring the drawn frames is used to
transfer drawings over to cels which are then hand painted.
In the digital age the term is often referred to as Digital Ink and Paint
as the process now involves scanning the finished drawings into a
computer where they can be coloured using a software package.
The scanned cels can be coloured in or 'inked' using simple tools
such as the 'Paint Bucket', a tool which is common to many software
packages. It is also possible to touch up the scanned line drawings
using tools such as the Paintbrush.
Line Test
A Line Test is a process used to check hand drawn frames prior to them being
used for final artwork.
Frames are captured either via a video camera, frame by frame or by scanning
them into a computer.
The resulting sequence allows the animator to assess how well the sequence is
flowing.
If the result is unsatisfactory then the animator can simply re-draw, add or
delete frames and then create another line test.