Computer Animation

Computer Animation

What is it?

Computer animation is the act of using computer programs to make high-quality motion footage of effects or characters that would be too expensive or inconvenient to produce in real life.

How is IT involved?

IT is an integral part of computer animation, the software required to model characters, and scenes is highly specialized, and very demanding on computers, so oftentimes entire rooms filled with computers, called clusters, or render farms, are required to process a single image in a reasonable time.  An intimate knowledge of both software and hardware is very useful to a Computer Animator.

Where can I see it?

Computer animation is a large part of our media-rich society.  You can find it in huge, blockbuster movies, and in website mascots, as well as in commercials, and in video games, and finding it is as easy as turning on your TV.  Many cartoons, and big-budget TV shows use computer animation to show flashy explosions or characters that act in a way that real life cannot imitate. 

Computer Animators work with programs such as Renderman, Softimage XSI and Maya to create these images, and then to make them animate in an engaging way.

How can I be a part of it?

Computer Animation is a fun and diverse field, which will appeal to those with an interest in art, cinematography, mathematics, and engineering. 

What else might I like?

Computer Animation is very closely related to Art Direction, and oftentimes, art directors will also be active in the animation department of their job, since movement and construction are key to an Art Director's artistic vision.  Also closely linked is Software Programming, due to the nature of animation and the proximity in which animators work with programmers.

Where can I find out more?

Wikipedia:  Computer Animation

Sheridan Computer animation works database:  Examples of Computer Animation projects from students of Canada's premier animation college

Pixar Studios:  How We do it:  A quick demonstration from the most famous computer animation studio of all time