Abstract Introduction Conclusion

Abstract
The film and animation industry has encompassed a broad range of animation techniques from traditional 2D cel, 2D/3D hybrids and CGI (computer generated imagery). 'CGI under review' explores the traditional techniques of 2D cel animation and compares how audiences view a collaborative style of 2D/3D CGI animation in relation to realism and believability. The increasing development of computers and software has enabled animation to be generated entirely by computer. Fundamental to whether CGI remains is audience reaction in terms of realism and believability. The question is “will traditional 2D cel animation techniques remain in the world of 3D CGI”

Introduction
In discussing the assignment question “ The effect of CGI (computer generated
imagery ) on the film and animation industry”; traditional techniques and the role of computers in animation needs to be explored.

The term CGI is a misnomer - the computer doesn't generate the images. That would be like calling traditional animation Pencil-Generated Imagery. No matter what the tool is, it requires an artist to create art.
Lasseter (cited in Mitchell, 2002)

The above statement would seem to suggest that computers are not used to generate CGI images; that animation relies principally on the traditional techniques of drawn animation and model/stop motion animation. This is partly correct but computers are used to develop animation characters through the use of computer generated wire frame models.
However, while CGI has played a role in live action films, the animation industry has seen a greater effect. Mitchell ( 2002 )“Thus, when the first ever Oscar for Best Animated Picture was awarded in 2002, it went, not to Disney, the studio that for sixty-five years has been synonymous with the cartoon feature film, but to a newcomer to animation, Dreamworks SKG, for Shrek (Adamson/Jenson, 2001). Disney themselves submitted Monsters Inc., a CGI cartoon produced by their partner Pixar, rather than their own traditional cartoon, Atlantis: The Lost Empire”.
While CGI is having a major impact on the animation industry, it is helpful to understand how traditional techniques have influenced the world of computer generated graphics.

Question
“Will traditional 2D cel animation techniques remain in the world of 3D CGI”



Conclusion
The conclusion drawn from the findings of the research methodology in answer to the initial question “Will traditional 2D cel animation techniques remain in the world of 3D CGI” is based on two key areas;

The increase in computing power and software innovations.

How the audience views the animation in terms of realism and believability.

Traditional 2D animation declined because advancement in computing power and software innovations enabled animated productions to be realised in shorter timescales owing to the fact that traditional 2D animation is a lengthy process.
When 2D/3D CGI hybrid techniques were merged animation audiences viewed this style of animation with increased realism and believability where human emotion was portrayed by human animated characters. However, with the increase in computing power and software innovations, any animated character would be realistic and believable when embedded with the characteristics of human emotion. This is achieved by the use of software that enables emotion to be portrayed through facial expressions and body language including the movements of fur, clothing and other materials.