Cels Forum

Hrm.
Yes, yes, I know you told us to answer in email, but since I'm probably 
not a good source, I'll share what little I know on the subject here. Please 
correct me if I'm wrong.
My understanding of how computers are primarily used in traditional-type 
animation projects (as compared to 3D animated features) is that the computer 
essentially replaces only the last step, or painting of acetate cels. The rest 
of the animation is done traditionally, going through the usual layout, keyframing and 
in-betweening as well as clean up in the drawing stage. Then the drawings which would 
traditionally be run through a xerox machine onto acetate and painted are instead 
scanned in so that they can be colored on the computer. The two big steps this replaces are the 
cel painting and the incredibly tedious and time consuming photographing of the cels.

3D animation is a whole other kettle of fish as it were.
If anyone knows for a fact if this is correct or incorrect, please let me know. ^_^ 
This is all based on bits and snippets of information I've heard, since everyone I personally know is 
either pure traditional animation or pure computer (3D) animation.

Ryochan