Limited animation
Overview
Limited animation is a method of increasing production and decreasing costs of animation by using fewer drawings than traditional animation. Most projects require a team of animators to create enough frames for an animation, but limited animation uses fewer frames, thereby reducing the cost and time required to create the animation.
History
The concept of limited animation began in the early 20th century as a cost-saving measure. The process was pioneered by the United Productions of America (UPA), which sought to reduce the costs associated with fully animated films. The UPA found that by using fewer drawings and relying more on story, voice acting, and music, they could produce entertaining films with a fraction of the budget of a typical Disney film.
Techniques
Limited animation techniques include the use of repeated cycles, such as walk cycles, where a small number of drawings are repeated to give the illusion of movement. Another common technique is the use of static background images with moving characters or objects in the foreground. This reduces the number of drawings required and allows for more focus on the characters or objects in the scene.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The primary advantage of limited animation is its cost-effectiveness. By using fewer drawings, the production time and costs are significantly reduced. This allows for more animation projects to be produced with a smaller budget. However, the quality of limited animation can be lower than that of full animation. The movements can be less fluid and the overall visual appeal can be less engaging.
Impact on the Animation Industry
Limited animation has had a significant impact on the animation industry. It has allowed for the production of more animation projects with smaller budgets, which has led to a greater diversity of animation styles and stories. It has also led to the development of new animation techniques and styles, such as the UPA's stylized and abstract approach to animation.