Widely used in both animated and live-action films, 3D computer animation and special effects allow a director's vision to come to life on the big screen. Aside from servicing a movie in computer animation format, animation and special effects are also typically used in live-action projects that need photo-realistic or fantastic images that are either impractical or dangerous to shoot live. Animation techniques tend to become more noticeable in scenes filled with magical or supernatural elements, but even realistic dramas and comedies use them in a less conspicuous fashion.
The actual 3D animation work begins with the building of a character's anatomy, which essentially looks like a stick figure or skeleton. Specific animation variables or "Avars" define the skeletal model's position for each segment. In human and animal characters, this generally corresponds to the actual bones of the body. This skeletal model computes the character's positioning and orientation, which becomes the basis for the character's movements and final look complete with the face, body, hair and costume.
In 3D computer animation, the 3D models primarily utilize a bone/joint animation system. Using a process called "rigging," a number of controllers and handles control the skeleton's movement. This can be done using motion capture, manual keyframing or a combination of the two. Numerous other animation experts work on the various aspects of animation production, including the matte painter, digital painter, texture artist, shading artist, lighting artist and simulation supervisor.
Although there are a number of animation programs used in the industry, some of the most popular ones include Maya, 3ds Max and Blender. Autodesk Maya is a high-end robust tool used in 3D animation. A winner of the Academy Award in 2003 for its significant impact in filmmaking, it provides essential requirements needed to create an animation project including tools for keyframe animation, nonlinear animation and path animation. It also features full render controls to shade, light and make more realistic effects like smoke and hair. 3ds Max is a powerful modeling application for the creation of rich and complex 3D characters and objects. The open source 3D program Blender is another popular option that can be used by any animator for free.