P2. Animation process write up

Dot 2010

Dot is the worlds smallest animation. Dot was created by Aardman animation. It was filmed on a Nokia N8. Dot is a 9mm tall girl. They created 50 replacements, 3 for each pose. They had to make this many because Dot was way to small to bend or move. The animators created 4 seconds a day of animation. To make the Dot figures they used a 3D printer that instead of creating flat ink it creates resign. To do this that had to make 2D drawings of what they wanted, which was scanned through the 3D printer and printed to resign. Once done it is taken of its support resign and attached to some very thin wire. The figures are then painted. To film the animation they had to make their own cell scope to get some depth rather than just seeing what's on the glass. They also made the set move under the camera. Once filmed they edited it in after effects and used a back plate to get rid of the wire. 

Peppa pig 2004-2012

Phil Davis worked at Middlesex University alongside the creators. They wanted a animation course and when the animation course teacher left they took over. They used a computer called the Quantel paint box. They then tested it out themselves and created a couple of  short films, which some aspects were used in Peppa pig for example the hills. They then decided that they wanted to make a kids programme called Peppa Pig, which is a kids animated kids programme. It is also a hand drawn animation and 2D. It started off with a 3 minute script and storyboard which they presented to a broadcaster. At first Peppa looked a lot more like George e.g the size. Then they decided that they wanted a show with a family because they haven't seen many like that. So they drew the family, Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy. George replaced the original Peppa design and they made Peppa bigger and with flowers on her dress which was later changed. 

Process for each episode: 

1. Storyboard and scripts are completed 

2. Animators get the storyboards and make then pictures move and have colour

3. Dialogue is recorded and imported into animation where needed 

4. Episode is watched and they decide whether to edit it or release it how it is. If they want to change it they changed what they want then watch and release if happy. 

South Park 1995- present 

South Park is a young adult American animated show. It was originally created using cut outs but it took ages to create so they decided to use computer animation. South Park is created the same way as any other programme with a script and storyboard. However because it is animated they have to make each part bit by bit. They then record the voices and import it. To get the lips to sync with the dialogue they have to use eye,mouth and eyebrow positions to go with each word. They have over 50 different mouth shapes, this is why the cut outs took ages. The body and surroundings are then animated to go with the body language and script. The jokes and other ideas are all created and thought of during the storyboard process. This is done so they can see if the jokes would fit well with the action in that scene and to decided everyone's facial expression. This makes the process of lip syncing easier because they have a idea of how they would look from the storyboards they created. Once they are happy with the lip syncing and jokes etc they then release it.