Animation Glossary

Basic Animation Process*

Animation

Creating 2D and 3D objects with motion.

Script

In animation script the dialogue is second to the action which captures the imagination.

Storyboard

A series of images that portray the actions described from the written script.

Soundtrack

Music and voice are recorded after script and storyboard is completed.

Track Breakdown

The editor breaks down the sound by documenting the precise position of each sound in relations to the film frames.

Designs

The director selects designers to create all the main characters described in the script. When the interpretations are approved, model sheets are created showing all angles of the characters. There are also designs of the scenery created.

Leica Reel

A film storyboard which projects the synchronization with the final soundtrack.

Line Tests

Animation drawings produced on paper and filmed to precise timing as indicated on the bar sheet.

Cleanup

Cleanup artists cleanup the animation drawings to make sure that there is a consistant look.

Trace and Paint

Transfering the drawings to acetate or thin sheet of celluloid - a cel - and paint the colors of the original design.

Backgrounds

Background artists create the backgrounds in front and behind the character that doesn't move.

Checking

A checker checks each cel to make sure that it is correctly drawn, traced, painted, and prepared for the camerman for final filming.

Final Shoot

The final shoot is the final stage of the actual filming procedure related to the artwork.

* "The Animator's Workbook" by Tony White