Animation photo transfer process
Type of technique used in animation
The animation photo transfer process (APT process) is a photographic transfer system that can photographically transfer lines or solid blocks of colors onto acetate sheets (cels). A similar process is used to make the stencils for silk screen printing. The process relies on UV-sensitive inks that cure when exposed to light and stick to the plastic sheet, while the ink in the non-exposed areas is chemically removed from the sheet.
01Advantages
Compared to the earlier xerography process used by Disney, the lines can be controlled better, and multiple copies can be made quickly. The drawings are photographed on high-contrast sheet film, and these negatives are then exposed onto the cels. A line on an animated character can be in color instead of just black. This is known as self-colored lines. (Xerographic lines were rendered in color too, when colored toners became available.)
02Examples
This process was used on Disney's animated features, such as The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron, The Great Mouse Detective, Oliver & Company, and The Little Mermaid.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Animation photo transfer process”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Fathomly is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wikimedia Foundation. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
