3D Production Pipeline

Pixar production pipeline 

Storyboarding 

In the storyboard they use around 2-15 artist that work on the drawings making the storyboard with detail to show everything that is needed for the scene, this includes the facial expressions of the characters, each movement and also includes voice over’s for the dialog.This stage can take up to 6 months. 

Layouts 

In this stage they use very primitive models as they do not need to concentrate on the detail of the models at this stage.In this stage they are showing where the camera angles are the size and space of the models and the composition.This stage can take about 2 weeks. 

Unlit animation 

This stage is the whole scene of the animation with small amounts of detail in the models this is the stage right before the final stage where they add in all the detail and lighting.This takes about 24 animators to create the scene.This stage can take about 8 weeks.­

Lighting 

In this stage they add in all the lighting onto the models to give them that realistic effects and this is the final stage of the production.This takes about 8 people to work on this and can take about 2-4weeks.            

Walt Disney production pipeline 

Storyboarding 

In this stage they create a storyboard or film script in a series of panels which look like a comic strip. This shows the storyline, characters emotions, action and humour with overall direction of the film. These are quick sketches of each scene, not done in a lot of detail. 

Visual Development 

In this stage visual development artists explore the concepts, which may include character design and environment design. Visual development artists will experiment with the diverse elements of film presentation to manipulate dramatic story moments, plot thrusts, mood, and character conflict and place-time motifs to capture the emotional connection to the story’s theme. 

Modellers 

In this stage the modellers are responsible for creating complex models needed for character animation, prop elements for effects and environmental sets and structures. 

Layout Artists 

In this stage layout artist create the strong sense of place and environments with perspective and composition in the environment modelling. 

Character Technical Directors 

In this stage character technical directors are responsible for constructing 3D character rigs, animation interfaces and establishing muscle, skin and clothing behaviours. 

Character Animation 

In this stage the character animators are responsible for bringing the characters to life. These demonstrate all the complex movements in the models. 

Background/Matte Painters 

In this stage the artists create the final environments for the characters to live in.    

Hair/Cloth Technical Directors  

In this stage the artists work with the model department and animators to create art-directable simulations for the characters hair/fur and clothing in 3D feature animation production.  

Effects Animators 

In this stage they add the forces of nature to the animation, makes the world believable and sets the mood for the story.  

Lighting/Compositing 

This is the final stage of the production. This is where they add in all the lighting to make the 3D models and environments look realistic and believable.