What is Rotoscoping?
Rotoscoping animation is a technique that uses animation drawn over live-action footage. The rotoscope was invented by animator Max Fleischer in 1915, although the technique was inspired by much older optical toys such as the zoopraxiscope. One of the first and most internationally commercial animated feature films to use rotoscoping was Disney’s Snow White (1933).
Whether the goal is to completely cover the live-action video with an opaque layer of paint or to be used as visual effects superimposed on film, rotoscoping animation is an opportunity to create a short and fun project.
Required materials:
Smartphone with camera and FlipaClip app installed
Objective:
The objective of this exercise is to use the rotoscoping animation technique to create a short sequence and explore the relationship between real images and cartoons.
To understand how movement can be analysed, interpreted and transformed into animation. By drawing directly on each image in the video, participants experience a process similar to that used by professional animators and realise how small changes between images create the illusion of movement.
This exercise also aims to stimulate creativity and visual experimentation, encouraging participants to add effects, transform objects or highlight movements through drawing.
How to do it
Step 1 – Plan the video
Planning the video before filming it is crucial. Imagine and plan a simple, quick action that is easy to understand. Also choose whether you want the video to be horizontal or vertical.
Examples:
– A sequence of funny facial expressions
– A small dance move
– Someone jumping
– An object that transforms or gains ‘magical’ effects
The simpler the movement, the easier it will be to animate.
Step 2 – Film the video
Create a simple setting, if necessary, and use your smartphone camera to film. We recommend that you start by recording a short video of up to about 5 seconds.
Tip: One idea for editing the video before the animation itself is to make the video black and white – the colourful drawings you insert will stand out more against a grey background.
Step 3 – Create a new project in the FlipaClip app
– Open the FlipaClip app;
– Tap the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the screen to create a new projectM;
– Name the project;
– Choose the project format: YouTube (1080p) for horizontal videos or TikTok (1080p) for vertical videos;
– Choose the animation speed: 12 FPS (frames per second) is sufficient for smooth animation. (Higher FPS = more drawings, lower FPS = less fluid animation)
Once the project base is complete:
– Click on the three vertical dots (:) in the upper right corner of the screen;
– Select ‘add video’;
– Choose the previously filmed video;
The application will automatically separate the video into several images (frames) that will serve as the basis for the visual effects – animation – to be drawn.
– Open the layers menu.
– Create a new layer on top of the video.
– This is the layer where the drawings will be made.
Step 4 – Draw the animation
– In the first frame, draw over the video.
– Move on to the next frame.
– Continue drawing, following the movement. You can see where the drawing ended up in the next frame, so you can continue the animation logically.
For example, you can:
– outline a character
– create movement effects
– trace over an element
– add effects (fire, magic, light, etc.)
– transform objects into something different
The video serves as a reference for the drawing.
Now you have complete freedom.
Step 5 – View the result and export the animation
Use the ‘play’ button to view the animation.
You can make adjustments whenever necessary, such as deleting lines, changing drawings, or adding new effects.
When the animation is complete:
– Click on the ‘share’ button
– Choose the ‘gif’ format
– Click on the ‘make film’ button and save the file.
Some tips to keep in mind
– Working in pairs or small groups of 3 students helps to better manage the equipment and makes the activity more dynamic.
– Make simple and quick drawings/animations instead of detailed drawings that take longer to create.
– Leaving some images with fewer drawings is perfectly acceptable; focus on the most important movements and animations – you can then take the time to add more details;
– Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – you can always use the ‘undo’ button;
– Trust the process, the result will be worth it!
Share with us
Send us photos or videos of the exercise you did to info.fananimation@gmail.com.
