THE MAKING OF TOY STORY 1 AND 2
STAGES OF PRODUCTION
Introduction
Computer animation serves as a substitute for the traditional
hand drawn animation, by providing powerful digital graphics. Animators use
software to create different kinds of models which they then manipulate using
more software, which in turn gives audiences the characters that they see
in Toy Story 1 and 2.
Pixar
Animation Studios
Toy Story 1 and 2 were produced by Pixar Animation Studios, the production company behind other computer animated movies such as A Bug's Life and Monsters Inc. Basically, in order to get a film produced at Pixar, there are four stages that one has to go through :
Development
This is where the film is first introduced. A Pixar employee pitches the idea to a development team, who decide if audiences will like the film or not. After they are given the opportunity to have the funding etc. for the film, the team go into creating the storyline.
Creating the Storyline
First, the animators create story boards illustrating the different scenes of the film through hand drawings. This was no easy feat, as they prepared approximately 25, 000 story boards for the film. Also in creating the storyline, Pixar had to create scripts, facial expressions of the characters etc. The artists then go back to the director and pitch their ideas again, before they enter pre-production.
Pre-Production
One of the things that happens in pre-production is that the artists and animators figure out the some of the basics of the film. For example, the actors record their lines so that animators have an idea as to what facial expressions should be given to the characters. Also, sculptures are created of the characters before hand so that the artists may refer to them during production.
Production
This stage is the actual making of the film,
and offers some of the biggest challenges of the entire process. First, the
artists use the storyboards created in pre-production and add to them things
like sets, props etc. The animators also had to animate all of the characters
moves which took approximately 10 man years ! They also create special color
scripts to create effects of lighting.
An example of a wire-frame imagery
The
Animation Process
Wireframe Models and Keyframing
First, storyboards that were used in pre-production are changed into 'wireframe'
three dimensional models using a computer assisted drawing program. Each scene
is then assembled on a digital landscape on the computer. Here, the animators
add the sets, props etc.
that were designed earlier. They also add the computerized lighting to give
the scene a somewhat realistic effect.
The wireframe models that the animators used is an example of one of the main
techniques of computer animation known as keyframing. Keyframing is where
animators draw key frames on the computer that show every ½ second
of the action. The computer then fills in the gaps automatically. The frames
are then printed on to film. Keyframing worked well for this film in particular,
as the joints that are created in the wire frame (known as avars) make it
difficult to create a fluid movement, thus explaining the stiffness of the
toy characters.
Learn More about the Animation Process in Fuller
Detail
The animation process is explained in fuller detail in the section about Pixar's
groundbreaking technology, the RenderFarm.
Shots
The shots are layed out once the wireframe models are drawn.
Here, choreographers lay out shots in terms of story line, facial expressions
etc. They shoot them in multiply versions, and then give them to the animators.
Animation
Here, the animators create movement to the shots set up in
the editorial room previously. They choreograph the movement and facial expressions
in each scene using computer controls and the avars mentioned above. Then,
artists add shading and lighting to create mood and effect in the scene. The
scene is then moved on to the rendering process.
Learn More About Rendering Here
Post-Production
This is where the animators and artists add the finishing touches
to the film. For example, a soundtrack is added to the film, as well as special
effects such as sound effects. Also in post production, the frames are transferred
on to film for distribution.