3D Animation and Effects Terminology

Design brief

• A document that outlines the marketing strategy for a product.

• A summary of the vision or concept for a product design, including the scope, timeline, and budget.

• A detailed technical specification for manufacturing a product.

• A report on the market research conducted for a product.

Rendering

• The process of generating a final 2D image or animation from the 3D model.

• The technique of creating 3D models from 2D images.

• The method of compressing images for faster loading.

• The process of editing video footage for final production.

Color correction

• The process of making the color and lighting consistent throughout the entire shot, scene and film.

• A technique used to enhance the brightness and contrast of an image.

• The method of adjusting the focus and sharpness of a video.

• A way to add special effects and filters to a film.

Modeling

• The process of creating a 3D mesh of a character, prop or scene element, using a 3D modeling program.

• The technique of painting textures on a 3D model to enhance its appearance.

• The method of animating a character by defining its movements frame by frame.

• The practice of designing a character's backstory and personality traits.

Compositing

• The process of combining images or image sequences from various sources into a single, finished clip or image.

• A technique used to enhance the color and brightness of an image.

• A method for creating 3D models from 2D images.

• The act of editing audio tracks to synchronize with video.

Texturing

• The process of adding realistic materials to a 3D mesh.

• The technique of creating 3D models from 2D images.

• The method of lighting a 3D scene for better visibility.

• The practice of animating characters in a 3D environment.

Production

• The step in the pipeline where the actual 3D assets, and other elements of the film, product, or game, are produced.

• The phase where the script is written and finalized.

• The process of marketing and distributing the final product.

• The stage where the concept art and storyboards are created.

Rigging

• The process of adding bones and other animation controls to a 3D mesh that enable it to be more easily animated.

• A technique used to create textures for 3D models.

• The method of lighting a 3D scene to enhance realism.

• A way to optimize 3D models for faster rendering.

Layout

• The process of designing the world or environment in which the animated characters will move.

• A technique for animating characters in a scene.

• The method of creating sound effects for animations.

• The style of drawing characters in animation.

2D FX

• Effects that are digitally added to look as though they are part of the natural effect of the camera, such as lens flare and bloom.

• A type of animation that involves three-dimensional objects.

• Visual effects created using physical props and practical effects.

• A technique used to enhance audio in film production.