Surprisingly Little Known about Animation and the Number of Frames

You may not know much about the “number of frames” in animation. For example, have you ever wondered why animation is made with 24 frames per second?
Recently, advances in digital technology have allowed us to use frames more freely. Knowing these things may make the topic of animation more enjoyable!

About Animation and the Number of Frames

■ Animation Basics

Animation is a technology that displays a series of still images at high speed to make them appear as if they are moving. Each of these still images is called a “frame. We perceive the smoothness and expressiveness of an animation based on how many of these frames are displayed per second. The number of frames is one of the most important factors in animation production.
Animation is the art of moving still images as if by magic.
Each of these still images is called a “frame” and is the basis of animation.
The number of frames greatly affects the smoothness and expression of the animation.
The number of frames is one of the most important factors in animation production.
The number of frames can greatly change the atmosphere and impression of the work.
Adjusting the number of frames requires a high level of skill in animation production.
Let’s take a closer look at the number of frames.

■ Number of frames per second (fps)

In animation, the number of frames displayed per second is expressed in “frame rate” or “frames per second (fps).In general, 24 frames per second (24 fps) is the standard for movies and animation. However, this is not absolute, and the number of frames varies depending on the work and scene.

The number of frames per second is called “frame rate” or “fps.
In movies and animations, 24 fps is generally the standard.
However, this is not absolute and varies depending on the work and scene.
For example, more frames may be used for intense action scenes, while the number of frames may be reduced for quieter scenes.
Adjusting the number of frames can greatly change the expressiveness of the animation.
The number of frames is closely related to the cost of production and the method of expression.
The smoothness and impression of an animation can vary greatly depending on the fps value.

Why is 24fps so common?

■ Historical connection with film

Since movie films were often shown at 24 frames per second, animation has a historical background to match. This standard is closely related to the physical characteristics of film and projector technology.

The standard for motion picture film influenced the number of frames in animation.
The standard of 24 frames per second is derived from the properties of film and the technology of the projector.
This historical background has made 24 frames per second the standard for animation as well.
Film and animation have a close technical relationship.
Technological innovations in film have also had a significant impact on animation production.
There are many examples of early animation productions that reference film technology.
Even today, film and animation continue their technical exchange.

Relationship with the Afterimage Phenomenon of the Human Eye
The frame rate of 24 fps is considered to be just the right number of frames that allow the human eye to perceive motion smoothly due to the afterimage phenomenon of the human eye.The afterimage phenomenon is a phenomenon in which an image reflected on the retina remains as an afterimage for a short period of time. This afterimage effect makes the images that are not actually consecutive frames appear to move smoothly.

■ The human eye perceives non-continuous frames as smooth because of this afterimage phenomenon.

24fps is a frame rate that effectively utilizes this afterimage phenomenon.
It is said that 24fps is the optimal number of frames for human visual characteristics.
By understanding the afterimage phenomenon, we can better understand how to express animation.
By adjusting the number of frames, expression using the afterimage phenomenon becomes possible.
By effectively using the afterimage phenomenon, more natural and smooth motion can be expressed.
In animation production, it is very important to consider human visual characteristics.

Types and characteristics of frame-by-frame animation

■ Full animation

Full animation is a method in which the picture is redrawn in every frame. This makes it possible to express very smooth motion, but the production cost is very high. Due to recent technological innovations, full animation is increasingly used only for some scenes.

Full animation redraws all the pictures, resulting in a very smooth image.
However, because of the enormous time and cost involved, fully animated films are rare.
In recent years, full animation is increasingly used only for important scenes.
Full animation has an overwhelming advantage in terms of expressive power.
In some cases, full animation is indispensable to express high-definition motion.
The budget and production timeframe will determine the use of full animation.
Full animation is a technical achievement of animation.

■ Limited Animation

Limited animation is a technique in which a picture is redrawn only once every few frames. 3-frame animation, in which a picture is redrawn every three frames, is commonly used.By reducing the number of frames, production efficiency can be improved and costs can be reduced. In recent years, limited animation has become the mainstream in TV animation.

Limited animation is a method to improve efficiency by reducing the number of frames.
The cost and time are reduced by redrawing a picture once every few frames, such as three-frame animation.
Many television animations use the limited animation technique.
This technique can achieve sufficient expressiveness while keeping costs low.
Limited animation is a realistic approach to animation production.
Some films combine limited animation with full animation.
The appropriate frame-by-frame technique is selected according to the type of animation.

■ About 3-frame animation

Three-frame animation is a type of limited animation in which only one picture is changed every three frames.It is widely used as a general method to optimize the balance between cost and expressiveness.
Three-frame animation is the most common method of limited animation.
It has excellent cost performance and is used in many animations.
Even three-frame animation can be expressive enough with some ingenuity.
In most cases, the priority in three-frame animation is clarity of expression rather than smoothness.
The number of frames should be adjusted according to the type of movement and method of expression.
In addition to 3-frame animation, there are various other techniques such as 2-frame and 4-frame animation.
The optimal number of frames depends on the intention of the production and the content to be expressed.

Changes in expression by adjusting the number of frames

■ Effect of increasing the number of frames

By increasing the number of frames, smoother motion can be expressed. By depicting the character’s facial expressions and movements in detail, more realistic and emotionally rich expressions can be achieved. Increasing the number of frames is effective for action scenes and other scenes where precision of movement is required.

By increasing the number of frames, smoother and more natural movements can be expressed.
Subtle changes in facial expressions and complex movements can also be depicted in detail.
This is effective in action scenes and other scenes where speed of movement is important.
However, increasing the number of frames increases production costs and time.
Increasing the number of frames directly improves the power of expression, but it also places a greater burden on the production side.
It is effective for important scenes or scenes where expressive power is particularly important.
Increasing the number of frames can significantly change the impression given to the viewer.

■ Effect of Reducing the Number of Frames

Reducing the number of frames reduces production costs.Also, by roughly expressing movement, it is possible to add visual weight to impressive scenes. For example, reducing the number of frames can create a unique expressive effect in scenes where there are many still images or in scenes where you want to emphasize movement.

By reducing the number of frames, production costs and time can be reduced.
Emphasis can be placed on movement and the impact of still images can be increased.
Suitable for scenes with many still images or scenes where you want to omit movement.
By reducing the number of frames, it is possible to create unique expressive effects.
This is an important factor in cost control of the entire animation.
The reduction of the number of frames can be effectively utilized depending on the intention of the production.
The number of frames may be adjusted to control the impression given to the viewer.

Relationship between the number of frames and expression

■ Various examples of the number of frames and expressions

The number of frames greatly affects the expression of an animation. Full animation expresses smooth and natural movement, while three-frame animation provides sufficient expressiveness while keeping costs low. By reducing the number of frames, you can emphasize movement and focus on impressive scenes.

Full animation can express smooth and natural movement.
Three-frame animation offers sufficient expressive power while keeping costs low.
By reducing the number of frames, you can emphasize movement and create impressive scenes.
The overall atmosphere of the animation changes depending on the number of frames.
It is important to determine the optimal number of frames according to what you want to express.
The relationship between the number of frames and expression is a fundamental element of animation production.
It is a good idea to view animation works with various numbers of frames and compare them.

Adjusting the number of frames for each scene

■ Number of frames for action scenes

In intense action scenes, increasing the number of frames increases the smoothness and power of movement. A large number of frames are used to express detailed and complex movements.

In action scenes, the number of frames is increased to ensure smoothness of movement.
A large number of frames are used to express powerful action.
This is because it is necessary to express detailed and complex movements.
To give viewers a sense of realism, it is important to adjust the number of frames.
The number of frames is very important for the presentation of action scenes.
By increasing the number of frames, more realistic and powerful action scenes can be realized.
The number of frames is determined while taking into consideration the budget and production timeframe.

■ Number of Frames for Scenes with Many Still Images

In a scene with many still images, reducing the number of frames can create a sense of stillness and tension.By reducing the number of frames, it is also possible to emphasize the meaning of the still images.
In a scene with many still images, reducing the number of frames can create a sense of stillness.
This is also effective for expressing a sense of tension or a profound atmosphere.
Effective use of contrast between still images and motion can create a stronger impression.
To emphasize the meaning of a still image, a technique is used to reduce the number of frames.
By adjusting the balance between still images and motion, more effective staging can be achieved.
Adjusting the number of frames is an important element in clearly communicating the intent of the production.
The balance between stillness and motion plays an important role in the expression of animation.

Impact of digitalization

■ Evolution of digital technology and frame count adjustment

The development of digital technology has made it easier to adjust the number of frames, enabling more flexible expression. Previously, changing the number of frames was a time-consuming analog process, but digital technology has made it possible to change the number of frames easily and quickly.

Digital technology has made it easier to adjust the number of frames.
The number of frames can now be easily changed, which was difficult in the past.
This allows for more flexible expression and a wider range of animation production.
Digital technology has brought about revolutionary changes in animation production.
It has also realized more efficient production and reduced production costs.
The evolution of digital technology has facilitated the evolution of animation expression.
Future developments in digital technology will enable even more advanced expressions.

The future of the number of frames in animation

■ Future Prospects for the Number of Frames and Expression Technology

In the future, more advanced expression technologies and a deeper understanding of viewers’ visual characteristics will make it important to set the optimal number of frames and to combine them with expression elements other than the number of frames.

In the future, it will become more important to combine the number of frames with other elements of expression.
A deeper understanding of viewers’ visual characteristics will lead to more sophisticated expressions.
We can also expect to see new animation production techniques that utilize AI and other technologies.
New methods of expression that are not limited by the number of frames may be explored.
More realistic and emotionally rich animation will be required.
Technological innovation in animation will continue.
We can look forward to the ever-improving animation expression in the years to come.

■ Possibilities for new methods of expression

Higher resolutions and the development of new imaging technologies may lead to new methods of expression that are not limited by the number of frames. For example, motion blur and special effects may enable more realistic and smoother motion.

Higher resolution will enable more detailed expression.
New imaging technologies may create methods of expression that are not limited by the number of frames.
More realistic motion can be achieved through effects such as motion blur.
Special effects will produce more attractive animations.
New expression technologies will open up new possibilities for animation expression.
Technological innovations will expand the future of animation production without limit.
We can look forward to the creation of new forms of animation expression in the future.

■ Elements of expression other than the number of frames

This makes it possible to express very smooth motion, but the production cost is very high.Due to recent technological innovations, full animation is increasingly used only for some scenes.
In addition to the number of frames, color, music, and direction also affect the expression of animation.
By effectively combining these elements, deeper expression can be achieved.
Animation is formed by a complex interplay of multiple elements.
In order to clearly convey the intent of the production, the balance of each element is important.
In animation production, various elements must be considered in a comprehensive manner.
A good animation is one in which these elements are in perfect harmony.
By analyzing animation from multiple perspectives, you will understand the depth of expression.