Rotoscoping

Rotoscoping

• It is an animation technique in which animators create frame-by-frame images to create realistic action. First, an animator projects a live-action film image onto a pane of glass and follows the image.

• The projector is called a rotoscope and was developed by the Polish-American animator Max Fleischer. The device was eventually replaced by computers, but the process is still referred to as rotoscopes.

• In the visual effects industry, rotoscopes are useful for creating matte for elements on live-action panels so that the elements can be assembled against different backgrounds. If for practical and economic reasons it is not displayed in front of a green or blue screen, a rotoscope is used instead.

• Chroma buttons are also used because they are faster, require less work and last longer. They can also be used to create special effects such as motion capture.

What do Rotoscope Artists do?

• The part of the image that is sought for cutting is called matte, and the Roto artist cuts the object from the film image so that the required parts of that image can be used, a process known as rotoscoping. The "Roto" artist has to draw manually and cut out objects from film images for rotoscoping to work.

• The "Roto Artist" has to work in a live-action frame in which the computer-generated image of the film image (the "rotoscope") overlaps and interacts with the live image. When the camera moves, the photographer must follow the relevant areas in the shot so that the CG can be precisely combined with live-action. When the live-action camera does not move in a frame, it is covered by the rotoscope.

• In addition to rotoscoping, the "Roto Artist" helps to prepare the material for compositing. They are typically employed in VFX studios, but can also be freelancers and work in a variety of roles.

What are the skills required?

• Roto artists must have a keen eye and patience to complete this meticulous and repetitive work.

• Knowledge of the latest programs, like Shake, Nuke, Digital Fusion, and other software

• Drawing and painting skills

• A steady hand, a keen eye for detail

• Patience

Eligibility

(All streams) Although this is an entry-level position, becoming a rotoscope artist requires a high level of training and experience. The most common degree are in fine art, drawing, animation, or graphic design.

Data not available

What is the Scope for Rotoscope Artist in India?

• The Rotoscope Artist is an entry-level position in most studios, and you can earn between Rs 1500 to Rs 5000 per hour depending on your experience with the project and the studio. Continuous work in the studio is possible, but you should expect to be hired only on a project basis.

• You should also be willing to learn new software, it seems, and be willing to work on commercials and products that may not be as romantic or challenging as you hoped.

• The position of the rotoscope artist often leads to a variety of different types of work, such as commercials, commercials for products and advertising.

• While advertising for investment banking companies is not the goal of most artists, it can be a good way to get a foot in the door.

• In the region's production houses and creative boutiques, there are opportunities for rotary artists who combine live-action and computer graphics.

How much do they make?

The average salary is Rs 14,296/mth.

Who are the Top Recruiters?

• Volexlabmultimedia

• Triangleberry

• Rotoscoping Studio

• Dextfx Studios

• Trace VFX

• Conrad Olson

• Rotomaker

• VFX PICK

Top Colleges

• Pixelloid Studios

• National Institute of Film and Fine Arts, Kolkata

• St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata

• Maya Institute of Advanced Cinematic (MAAC)

• Toonz Academy, Thiruvananthapuram

• Zee Institute of Creative Art (ZICA), Bangalore

• Rotomaker Academy

• Arena Animation

• MAAC

What are the books and study materials available?

• The Visual Effects Producer (Understanding the Art and Business of VFX)

• Digital Lighting and Rendering

• The Visual Effects Arsenal (VFX Solutions for the Independent Filmmaker)

• Digital Compositing for Film and Video

• The Art and Science of Digital Compositing

• Industrial Light & Magic (Into the Digital Realm)

• The VES Handbook of Visual Effects ( Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures)

Interesting Facts

Max Fleischer is commonly known as the father of Rotoscoping. He invented this animation technique in 1915.