“Computer Graphics in the Production of FernGully: The Last Rainforest” by Kroyer, Pompian, Schindler and Wright

  • ©Bill Kroyer, Mark Pompian, Brian Schindler, and Steve Wright

Conference:


Type:


Entry Number: 40

Title:

    Computer Graphics in the Production of FernGully: The Last Rainforest

Course Organizer(s):



Presenter(s)/Author(s):



Abstract:


    Intermediate
    Basic understanding of both traditional animation production processes and terminology and computer graphics terminology would be useful.

    Who Should Attend
    Computer graphics software designers, technical directors, systems engineers, art directors, animators, producers, directors, illustrators, and students.

    Objectives
    Attendees learn philosophical and practical issues of exploiting new technology without compromising artistic concepts. The course illustrates the problems and potential of using computer graphics in productions that have been the exclusive domain of hand-drawn processes. Speakers discuss wire-frame animation, plotter art, integrating hand-drawn art with 3D environments, computerized colorization of 2D art, and digital compositing and filming.

    Description
    The course illustrates extensive and innovative applications of computer graphics in FernGully, The Last Rain Forest, a $22 million animated feature film. It utilizes extensive computer technology to produce a “traditional” animated film. The unbreakable rule of production was to keep computers invisible within the design style. Computers were used to build plants, animals, machinery, forest environments, and characters; to animate characters, props, and camera moves; to create special effects impossible to do by traditional methods; to colorize 2D imagery; and to digitally composite elements for effects never seen in a cartoon film.


Contents/Schedule PDF:



Contributed By:


    Mary Whitton

Location:


    Charles Babbage Institute Archives, University of Minnesota

Overview Page: