The Physics of Animation | Science Nation

In the multi-billion dollar movie and video game industry, making animations come to life is a crucial and revered skill. It takes a solid understanding of physics. For example, animators need to know things like how to cast shadows, how to direct the movement of their characters, and how objects, such as motorcycles, should maneuver. With support from the National Science Foundation, San Jose State University Physicist Alejandro Garcia has developed a course in physics for animators and artists. He is also spending a semester as a consultant for animators at DreamWorks Studio in northern California.

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[MrKazekoh]

This is why science is important when it comes to art :> More artists need to realize this!~ Thank you for sharing :D

[TOMMYLULU]

Yo that's my Physics Professor. That's super dope.

[imanbell]

it always amazes me the amount of work that's put into every film, they just seem so real, and transport you. Sheer genius :)

[AlejandroLuisGarcia]

Note: Prof. Stuart Sumida at CSU San Bernadino should be credited for working with Dreamworks on the wing designs for "How to Train your Dragon."
Alej Garcia

[Aresftfun]

It's an interesting job field where that could come in handy.

[WutDaHeckMan]

wake me up when the artists propelling this industry are put higher on credits list than the caterers and assistants to the driver of Mr. So and So

[WutDaHeckMan]

Lucrative? yea, but only for the clients and business men in the industry... everyone else ie. the artists and talent behind the industry get sh*t on with terrible hours/strenous work/no home life and crappy pay. just waiting for that straw to break the camels back. CG'ers unite!

[nathanforester]

I love this video, it's very informative.

[ErichoTTA]

So...dragons in real life would be like that?

[TheLongBallofTheLaw]

The physics actually still look floaty with computer animated cartoons. Classic cartoons had more believable physics.

[bittergourd]

‎"The smaller the object, the harder the shadows?"

Shouldn't that be dependent on light-source, geometry, materials, and ambient light?

[voodoochild]

yeah i'm gonna be a physicist but i'm not gonna do this lol.. but its cool