Computer Animation Definition

• Computer animation is any digital effect used within a movie. Commonly this refers to animated movies like "Madagascar," but computer animation is also used to fill in the effects for live action movies like "Star Wars" and "I Am Legend."
  
  

Computer Animation Programs

• Computer animation can be created using a number of different programs. Amateurs can use low-end programs like Swish Max, Adobe After Effects and Flash Animation. Professionals use more detailed programs like Maya 3D and Renderman to create stunning visual effects.
  
  

Creating Captures

• Animation can be done with a mouse and software, but capture tools also can create computer animation. For example, in the movie "Monster House," cast members dressed up in specialized animation suits that were captured within the computer. A computer animated character was then overlaid on top of the animation to create the final product.
  
  

Traditional Animation

• Hand drawn animation now uses computers to help create the final product. A computer may be used to add color, place scenes together or fill in the extra key frames necessary to make an animation run smoothly.
  
  

History

• Computer animation took off in the 1980s with films like "Tron." Basic computer effects were created and it took hours to process an animation of something as simple as a tea kettle.