GB531094A - Improvements relating to the production of cartoon films - Google Patents

Abstract

531,094. Supporting lamps. DEHN, F. B. (Walt Disney Productions). June 27, 1939, No. 18720. [Class 75 (iii)] [Also in Group XX] In producing animated cartoon films the shadows caused by a character are determined by projecting an image of the character on a three-dimensional background, the distorted image so formed being used as a guide in making the film. An apparatus for use in the method consists of a table 1 with a glass covered aperture 2, movably positioned beneath which is a stage consisting of two members 5, 6 hinged together and secured at the desired angle to one another by a slotted quadrant 7. The stage is carried by a ball and socket joint 8 from a member 9 adjustable in a transverse slot 10. A camera or projector 15 is carried above the table, on which is supported a source of light 17 preferably giving a substantially parallel beam. The three dimensional background is prepared by projecting a photograph of a background drawing on to the stage 5, 6, and by then moulding, fitting or otherwise arranging upon the stage parts forming a three-dimensional background fitting the projected image. A transparency bearing an image of the character is then fitted over the opening 2 by the use of registration pins 13 and the light source 17 adjusted to project light from the desired quarter. An image of the character, which may be only outlined or filled in with translucent paint, is thereby thrown on to the background, and represents the desired form of the shadow. A photograph showing the background, the character, and its shadow-image on the background is then taken by the camera 15, which photograph is subsequently projected on to a transparency and used by the draughtsman in making the drawing from which the final photograph is made. In a modification of the apparatus, the aperture 2 in the table is formed in a longitudinally adjustable part, the stage is carried by members slidably mounted in transverse grooves at the ends of the table, and the lamp 17, Fig. 10, is carried in a holder 45 adjustable about a horizontal pivot pin 46 by which it is secured to a bracket 42 vertically adjustable on a pillar 35, which pillar is rotatably carried on a base traversable by means of a screw along the table. The adjustment of the collar on the pillar, and the rotational adjustment of the latter on its base, are maintained by pins engaging a series of apertures.