Animation creates the illusion of movement by showing a series of slightly different images very quickly. Films typically show 24 frames per second, and our brains blend them into smooth motion.

Types of animation

• Traditional (2D hand-drawn): artists draw each frame by hand, as in classic cartoons.
• 2D digital: drawings are created and animated on computers.
• 3D computer animation (CGI): characters are built as digital 3D models and animated in software. Most modern animated feature films use this.
• Stop-motion: real objects such as clay figures or puppets are moved slightly and photographed one frame at a time.
• Motion capture: actors wear suits with sensors, and their movements are transferred to digital characters.

How a 3D animated film is made

1. Story and script: the story is written and refined.
2. Storyboarding: artists draw the film shot by shot, like a comic.
3. Voice recording: actors record dialogue first, so animators can match mouth movements.
4. Design: artists design characters, sets and colours.
5. Modelling: designs are built as 3D models.
6. Rigging: a digital “skeleton” is added so models can move.
7. Animation: animators pose characters frame by frame to create performance.
8. Lighting and texturing: surfaces and lights are added to create mood and realism.
9. Rendering: powerful computers calculate every final frame, which can take hours per frame.
10. Compositing, sound and music complete the film.

Animation in India

India has a fast-growing animation, visual effects and gaming industry, with major studios in cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune working on Indian and international films and series. Popular Indian animated characters and mythological stories have big audiences among children.

Careers in animation

Roles include storyboard artist, 3D modeller, rigger, animator, lighting artist, VFX artist and compositor. Many institutes now offer animation courses.