3D Graphics and Animation

3D graphics and animation are computer-aided graphics that use a three-dimensional presentation of information and data fed into the software of a computer. This data is saved on the computer for the intention of calculation and rendering a 3D scene or model. The use of 3-dimensional modeling can be applied in many areas such as films, TV commercials, gaming or architecture.

The project undergoes a series of processes from conceptualising, planning, layout, modeling and finally, rendering. There is always a team effort required in the 3D animation business comprising of personnel such as creative directors, art directors, graphic designers, model designers, colourists, animators, production managers, scanners and sound engineers among others. These professionals bring with them sound technical skills and understanding of digital geometry through to being able to visualise and create photo-realistic imagery.

3D graphics and animation usually has three stages of production; firstly, it’s the planning and modeling stage; secondly, the animation and layout stage, followed by the final stage of rendering. At each stage of the production, there are key personnel who are experts in that area, however, often their roles may overlap.

Apple Macs are famously used in the creative industry and three-dimensional animation is no exception. Apple’s Power Macs have the reliability, stability and shear power to effectively create and render large graphic files and sometimes provide a real-time interface in conjunction with the software being used. There are many professional 3D software packages in the market, some of which are 3Ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini and Lightwave 3D. Maya is probably the most commonly used 3D software in the film and television industry simply because of its extendability and robustness.

Pixar Animation Studios is at the forefront of this field and over its many years in business has produced blockbuster feature film hits such as Ratatouille, Finding Nemo, Toy Story and also has several short films in its portfolio. Pixar is also the creator of an industry standard professional rendering software called RenderMan. This software was specifically generated to speed up complex geometrics and offer cutting-edge effects which is now being used in many studios around the world in 3D graphics and animation.