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Animation/photographing animation cels

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Expert: - 3/14/2009


Question
I have some animation cels that I am trying to photograph yet when I
photograph them I get a glare from the animation cel.  What are the best
lights and filters to use when photographing animation cels with a 35mm
camera?  And historically how have companies such as MGM, Disney and
Fleischer Studios photographed their cels?  I am aware of their use with the
multiplane camera but not sure on the lighting and filters they used.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks  

Answer
Hi Jason,

You need to have at least 2 bright lights. 1 on the left and 1 on the right at aproximately 45º angle. they should not be directly over the art work.

here's a site to see how they actually shot cels:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animation_stand

and this is from a great site all about animation:

http://www.sci.fi/~animato/stand/stand.html


Hope this helps.

Russell

Animation

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Russell Calabrese

Expertise

Technical questions about hand drawn and computer animation techniques and production. Historical questions about cartoons and animation.

Experience

30+ years as an Animator, Director and Producer of Television, Feature, Commercial and Independent Animation.

Organizations
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Senior Governorof the Animation Peer Group) Executive Board Member of The Animation Guild ASIFA Hollywood

Education/Credentials
SVA, Rutgers University

Awards and Honors
Emmy Award winning Director 2007 "Where's Lazlo?: Camp Lazlo"
Emmy Award winning Director 1999 for "Steven Spielberg Presents Pinky and the Brain"

Past/Present Clients
Warner Brothers, Disney, Cartoon Network

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