3D Animation is now everywhere – in commercials, movies, architecture designs and so on. Even 3D tools are being used in modern ways of doing digital marketing. Do you know that 3D animation comes in various techniques and forms also? You will learn about these techniques in detail if you pursue a bachelor’s degree in animation. In the meantime, take a look at this write-up which gives a basic idea of techniques and forms being used under 3D Animation.
Digital 3D
Have you seen Finding Dory from Disney Pixar? It is a classic example of Digital 3D. The latest technique uses software like Maya, LightWave, Houdini, etc. to create CGI and give more realistic looking films than old 3D films. Digital 3D employ polarized lenses with correct light wave passing through it so that you don’t see green or red effects, unlike old 3D.
Stereoscopic 3D
Emerging from stereo photography, these techniques use an image or a clip recorded from two viewpoints from separate cameras. This is done to stimulate the eye distance of the viewer. The filtered lenses help the human brain to fuse two perspectives together, giving an illusion of layers, which feels like the object is coming out of the screen. James Cameron’s Avatar used similar techniques.
CGI Cutout Animation
Having evolved from the old stop-motion technique, CGI cutout Animation is used to move 2D objects, props, paper cutouts or cardboard. Step by step movement is clicked through the camera in the form of an image until the scene finishes. Scanned images or graphics can now easily be given animation today.
Motion Capture
Mo-cap or motion capture is used to record moving objects or people. Facial expressions and movements of the body are digitally animated on video. You can see this technique used in The Hobbit for Gollum.
Computer-generated Stop Motion
Computer-generated stop motion is a combination of old and new techniques. It still makes use of traditional photography fused with Computer Generated Imagery and VFX technology. Box trolls from Laika Studio is a perfect example
