In animation, the notion of "keyframe" is considered fundamental both in traditional techniques and in contemporary practice. Anyone interested in creating animated content or video editing should understand the relevance and basic concepts behind this key term.
What are Keyframes in Animation?
To begin with, it's important to have a clear definition of what a keyframe is. A keyframe is a frame that defines the starting point and/or the endpoint of any smooth transition. This term applies to both a drawing in animation and a specific frame in a movie or video. In any visual production, whether animated or live-action, a scene is broken down into individual frames, and keyframes represent the most crucial frames that set the conditions for the others and mark the variations that will occur during transitions.
Characteristics of Keyframes
- They are important individual frames within a scene.
- They are used in both animation and live productions.
- They establish a starting point and a stopping point for a transition.
Origins of Keyframes
Although today the term "keyframes" is often associated with video editing, its origins lie in the realm of animation, long before digital editing existed. For those familiar with keyframes in editing, understanding their function in animation can be more accessible.
Definition of Keyframes in Animation
In traditional animation, each frame is hand-drawn. Given the demanding nature and time required for this technique, films are generally made by a group of artists collaborating. An efficient technique to optimize both time and quality consists of having lead animators draw the most significant frames and leaving the in-between or transitional frames, known as "in-betweens," to junior animators. The important frames drawn by these assigned animators are known as keyframes. Although a single artist may be responsible for an entire scene, it is common practice to start by drawing the keyframes and then adding the in-betweens.
Keyframes in the Modern Era
Although animated films are no longer completely hand-drawn as in the past, the use of keyframes remains strong in computer animation. The relevance of keyframes has not diminished, although the methods of creation have evolved.
Keyframes in Video Editing
Today, keyframes are not exclusive to animation. With the advent of non-linear editing software and video editing applications, they have become an integral part of the editing process. The definition remains: a frame that designates the start and end of a transition. However, their application has changed significantly. In the context of video editing, keyframes can define motion parameters, adjust transitions between clips, or control temporal modifications in effects applied to a video. The advantage of modern tools is that editing software can automatically fill in the in-betweens, saving time and effort for the editor.
Conclusions
Keyframes are an essential part of animation and video editing, providing the necessary framework to ensure smooth and coherent transitions. Understanding their definition, origin, and contemporary application is crucial for anyone interested in creating animated content or in video editing.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the fascinating world of animation, it is recommended to explore related topics, such as cel animation, a technique also widely used throughout the history of animation.
If you’re interested in continuing to learn about the art and technique of animation, feel free to read more on my blog.
