Abstract
Animation has enabled the ability to tell stories through personal characters with intentions and varying personalities, allowing the creator to take complete control of their alternate universe (Besen & Hallett, 2008).
However, the issue is not just understanding the fundamental principles of character animation but expanding the approach within digital software to extend one’s boundaries (Furniss, 1998). Applying an animation technique known as rotoscoping to trace realistic live-action footage can limit the creative potential of 2D animation (Luz, 2010). However, rotoscoping with 3D elements could form a different outcome and boost artistic decision-making.
This research will be conducted by creating an animation trailer implementing 2D characters in computer-generated environments (CG). The combined use of practice-led and action theoria methodologies is used to explore various visual tests for analysis and reflection. The animation trailer will be achieved using pre-visualisation (previs) to explore ideas and conceptual thinking, mind mapping to link and investigate keywords throughout the research process, and pencil tests/thumbnails for 2D animation assistance.
The significance of this project will explore the efficiencies and considerations of applying a 3D rotoscoping element to live-action, motion capture and keyframe animation as a basis for creating 2D character animation.
This thesis focuses on hybrid animation, combining 2D and 3D art styles (O’Hailey. 2010) and what this hybrid form can achieve by tracing over different types of media. This explorative research will be experimented with rotoscoping 2D animation over 3D variables to understand successful drawing potential.
