3D Animations – Infinite Possibilities
Animation is a broad term that covers many genres and applications. It can be broken down into 2D and 3-D animation. 2D animation is also known as vector animation. Vector animation is a great example of programs like Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Director and Flash movies. However, 3D animation is rendered using polygons from various virtual views.
3D animation is used in a wide range of products, including video games and animated films. 3D animation can be used to create many of the effects in live action films without the need for large scale models or staged stunts. Both types of animation are possible by using either frame-byframe animation or mathematical interpolation. However, the first steps before animating are completely different. Both processes require separate software packages. Flash, Director/Shockwave and Maya 3D are used to create 2D animations. There is very little difference in the essence between computer animation and animation.
The main difference between 2D and 3D animation is the tool used, the effort and cost involved, and the end result. The 2D animation process involves hand-drawing thousands of frames, transferring them onto clear plastic cells and hand-painting them. They are then filmed in sequence against a painted backdrop. It takes a team consisting of storyboard artists, cleaners, painters and directors to create the original concept.
3D Animation is more complicated. 3D Animation relies on highly developed softwares that use tools such as gradient, shaders, and importing to create 3D animation. To create special effects, 3D modelling software such as object compounds and 3D mesh are used. The rendering tools and other key sectors of 3D animation software effectively mimic real-life action through computer animation.
The success of 3D movies such as 101 Dalmations and Lion King along with the success of 3D video games like Half Life and Unreal Tournament have catapulted 3D technology to new heights. With the success of movies such as Mummy, Jurassic Park and Matrix, demand for 3D software exploded. Cash registers rang non-stop. 3D animation software and 3D animators were the most in-demand things around the globe. Indian 3 D developers, who were specialists in indigenous softwares such as Maya 3D, became the focus of animation.
No movie worth its salt today is complete without a few scenes that use 3D animation gogo anime. The 3D animation is responsible for live action, the interpolation between cartoon characters and real-life characters, and spectacular special effects such as exploding worlds, crumbling cities, and erupting volcanic eruptions. The education sector has also benefited from 3D Animation. Discovery ™, a channel that pioneered educational short films about prehistoric eras using exciting 3D techniques, is a good example.
With the incredible achievements in 3D animation, the worlds of education and entertainment have been completely transformed. Animation technologies are shifting from developed countries to developing ones like India due to the low costs of operation and the abundance of skilled talent. Toonz Animations, a Hollywood animation company, has already set up development centers in the Techno Park facilities in Thiruvananthapuram. The centre produces quality cartoons that are aired on premier TV channels at prime time. The Indian developers compete with the best animators in the world to produce unique and innovative 3D animated products.
The abundance of talent in third-world countries such as India and China is taking advantage of 3D Animation’s infinite possibilities.