Cels Forum

Again, please use email if possible (since I know how to
document email-messages as a source) - any valid information
would be helpful!

1.  Does computer animation use cel art as a basis for
images?  If so, how much does it rely on the cel art?

2.  Although computer-technology is rapidly improving every
day, some people would argue that the computer "artists"
are relying more on the computer to be creative than on 
their natural abilities.  Is it possible that the computer-
method of animation may be losing some of the real talent
behind the animation itself?

3.  Although computer-technology in animation would ideally
save companies time and money, it would also create somewhat of a
depletion in the current jobs held in the field (such as
cel painters).  Should companies consider it an advantage
to save money on employee salaries when a large part of
the animation process is being replaced by machines and 
computer experts?  Also, how much will the switch from
cel-animation to computer-animation affect the collectors
of animation art?

4.  How different is the cel-animation process from the
computer-animation process?  What are the advantages
(besides saving time without having to paint each individual
cel) of switching to computer animation?  Are there 
disadvantages?

5.  REQUIRED:  Please include some statement to give
credentials that I can use in my documentation.  I need
a name (for documentation if I use any section of your
answer) and a "reason why you are qualified to give 
information on this subject."  Good credentials would be:
I've worked in the cel industry, or I've collected art for
so-and-so-years and have learned..., or I've dealt animation
art for so-and-so-years, etc... you get the picture.  Please,
something like "I just saw Toy Story 2 and so my opinion
makes me an expert..." is NOT acceptable.  =)

Thank you, anyone, for your help!  (I know this is long,
and quite a bit is based on educated opinion, but please
humor me... and if you think I've left anything else major
out, please let me know!)

Kim