Smoother animation ≠ Better animation [read description]
Entertainment
Introduction
In recent years, the advent of AI technology has allowed for the interpolation of animations, effectively increasing their frames per second (FPS) and creating an illusion of smoother, lifelike movement. While at first glance, this might seem like a significant advancement for animators and animation fans alike, there’s a deeper issue at play. As a dedicated animator, the rise of AI-generated smooth animations feels like a slap in the face to the art and craft of traditional animation.
The Basics of Frame Rates
Standard animation runs at 24 frames per second (FPS). Although this may sound like a lot, animators don’t always create a new drawing for each frame. Instead, they often use techniques like "animating on twos," where a drawing is held for two frames to maintain a visually appealing flow while saving time. This practice exemplifies the artistry behind animation, allowing animators to create a sense of rhythm and clarity.
Unfortunately, AI interpolation takes existing content and generates new frames to smooth out the motion. However, this method does not respect the artistic intent behind animation. It sacrifices the essence and nuanced timing that skilled animators craft with careful consideration of principles such as timing, easing, and exaggeration. The result can be a lifeless and unnatural animation that lacks the artistic flair of fully hand-drawn sequences.
The Flaws of AI Interpolation
AI-generated frames often render movements in a monotonous and uniform way, producing the same timing for each transition. This method overlooks essential animation principles. For instance, a character's approachable energy may come from easing into and out of movements, creating a realistic depiction of weight and momentum.
When animators choose to work at lower FPS, they do so intentionally to create a unique aesthetic experience. When a computer interpolates the frames, however, they end up alternating jarringly between different FPS, undermining the original work's intention. The artistry that comes from skilled in-between animators is replaced by a sterile, robotic process lacking depth and connection.
Artistic Intent and the Role of Animators
Animation is often compared to a beautifully crafted artwork, where every frame can stand alone as a breathtaking illustration. The strength of 2D animation is its clarity and expressiveness, which can easily be muddied by AI interpolation. This raises the question: why do many creators willingly distort their work by feeding it through a neural network?
While AI technology does have its merits in specific contexts, such as enhancing live sports or creating slow-motion footage, its application to the fine art of animation is often misguided. True artistry lies in the human touch, where animators inject personality and intention into each movement.
Software like Kakani provides a more productive use of interpolation by allowing animators to maintain control and tweak the outcome as they see fit. Unlike AI processing, which tends to strip away nuanced decision-making, these tools help speed up the process while preserving artistic integrity.
Conclusion: A Call to Recognize Artistic Value
The quest for smoother animations through AI interpolation has resulted in widespread use of a method that many animators believe undermines the very core of animation as an art form. While personal preference for smoother visuals is valid, those preferences shouldn't come at the expense of the craft and the intent behind the work. The automation of animation may have its place, but it will not replace dedicated, talented animators anytime soon.
Keywords
- Animation
- AI interpolation
- Frame rate
- Artistic intent
- Timing
- Easing
- In-between animation
- Traditional animation
- Kakani
FAQ
Q: What is the standard frame rate for traditional animation?
A: The standard frame rate for traditional animation is 24 frames per second (FPS).
Q: What is AI interpolation in animation?
A: AI interpolation is a technique where artificial intelligence generates additional frames between existing frames in an animation to create the illusion of smoother motion.
Q: Why do some animators prefer lower frame rates?
A: Lower frame rates can enhance unique aesthetic styles and artistic intent, allowing for more varied expressions and character movement dynamics.
Q: How does AI interpolation affect the quality of animation?
A: AI interpolation can lead to lifeless and uniform motion, disregarding the nuances and artistic decisions that animators intentionally implement, ultimately harming the quality of the animation.
Q: Are there tools that help animators while preserving their intent?
A: Yes, tools like Kakani allow animators to utilize interpolation while maintaining control over the animations and ensuring artistic intent is preserved.