Shadowmation is a patented animation process (U.S. Patent 6,870,574) created by Mitchell Kriegman. It uses realtime virtual sets and bunraku style team puppetry (some puppets are controlled by up to three puppeteers),[1] thus combining live action animatronic characters with computer generated animation in real time, high definition virtual environments powered by video game engines. The resulting effect combines all the advantages of animatronics, the expressiveness of live performance, and the limitless freedom of computer animation.[2] The end result is a distinctive and compelling immersive visual experience.
Wainscott Studios, NY is the home base for the process.
Examples
Shadowmation is a relatively new technique, but has so far been used in several prominent children's television shows, including Disney's The Book of Pooh, PBS's It's a Big, Big World,[1] and CBC Television and Discovery Kids' Wilbur.[3]The Jim Henson Company's Bear in the Big Blue House and Animal Jam utilized this technique for their opening sequences. The "Revolting Slob" segments on Crashbox also use this technique. This technique was also used in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland for the song, "Take the First Step". Elmo's World used a more advanced version of Shadowmation from 2004 to 2009. An early version of Shadowmation with more primitive CGI graphics was used in the Sesame Street home video, "The Great Numbers Game".
References
- ^ a b Squires, Chase (2 January 2006). "Welcome to a brave new world". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on 21 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
- ^ Baisley, Sarah (27 December 2005). "Shadowmation Technology Launches New Big Big World Series on PBS". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on 21 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
- ^ Hetherington, Janet (29 December 2005). "A Case Study in Pitching Moo: 'Wilbur'". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on 21 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.