Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

This chapter discusses general issues related to animation, including perception, the technological history of hand-drawn animation, a survey of animation production, and a brief snapshot of the ever-evolving history of computer animation. These provide a broad perspective of the art and craft that is animation. Computer graphics and animation have created a revolution in visual effects. Initially, animation and computer graphics could be seen only on big screens of cinemas, but now they can be seen in computer games and even in schools and colleges for education purposes. Advances are still being made, and new effects are finding a receptive audience. Yet, there is more potential to be realized as players in the entertainment industry demand their own special look and desire a competitive edge. Computer animation has come a long way since the days of Ivan Sutherland and the University of Utah. Viewed as another step in the development of animation, the use of digital technology is indeed both a big and an important step in the history of animation. With the advent of low-cost computing and desktop video, animation is now within reach of more people than ever. It remains to be seen how the limits of the technology will be pushed as new and interesting ways to create moving images are explored.