Animation photo transfer process

This article does not cite any sources. Please help by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources:  –  ·  ·  · scholar · JSTOR (October 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

The animation photo transfer process (APT process) is a photographic transfer system that can photographically transfer lines or solid blocks of colors onto acetate sheets (cels). A similar process is used in making the stencils for silk screen printing. The process relies on UV-sensitive inks that cure when exposed to light and stick to the plastic sheet, while the ink in the non-exposed areas is chemically removed from the sheet.

Advantages[]

Compared to the earlier xerography process used by Disney, the lines can be controlled better and multiple copies made quickly. The drawings are photographed on high-contrast sheet film, and these negatives are then exposed onto the cels. A line on an animated character can be in color instead of just black. This is known as self-colored lines. (Xerographic lines were rendered in color too, when colored toners became available.)

Examples[]

This process was used on Disney's animated features such as The Black Cauldron, The Great Mouse Detective, Oliver & Company, and The Little Mermaid.

See also[]

• The Black Cauldron
• Timeline of CGI in film and television
• Traditional animation

References[]

External links[]

• The APT Process on the AllExperts forum
• US Patent Number 4569577 on Google Patent Search

This animation-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .

• v
• t