Cut Out Animation

CUT OUT ANIMATION

Traditionally, the main building blocks for this type of animation are figures that are cut out of larger pictures or drawn on a piece of paper or cardboard specifically for use as cut-out figures. These sectioned pictures are reassembled on a flat background and photographed one frame at a time. Between shooting each frame, the figure’s position is slightly changed. This slight movement, accumulated over the length of the film, gives the illusion of motion.

These days, computer cut-out animation eliminates the need for paper, cardboard or scissors. Instead, a picture is loaded into a graphic software package. As with the traditional method, each small change is saved separately. The animation software can be used to smooth transitions between frames, reducing or eliminating jerky, unnatural movement and to compile the collection of individual pictures into an animated cartoon.
The popular tv series, South Park is a good example of the use of cut out animation.

Cut out animation can enliven an otherwise bland, boring business presentation. It can also be used as an eye-catching technique on websites or in advertising.