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Panning across backgrounds/layouts

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 12:43 am
by beautifuldaymonster
Guys, how do I scan and pan the backgrounds and layouts of my cartoons? I want to do something atmospheric like these things:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN0VW86jyA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHIGQctLC44

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5evJglpnjpM

I know how to draw and animate the characters, but I am not sure how to move the backgrounds to and fro like you see in the clips... any suggestions? :?:

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 3:53 am
by heyvern
You want the background to be very wide. Larger than the render dimensions and as high as you plan to pan up and down.

Then you animate the layer's x translation as your character moves. The character doesn't move, the background does.

If the background needs to loop then you would need a seamless background. One where both ends "match" up. At the end of the movement of the background put in two key frames right next to each other the second key frame snaps the background back to the start and you can copy and paste as many loops as you need.

Or you could leave the background stationary and move the camera. The character would then need to move to keep up with the camera. Looping would be similar. Just have the background with a single hold key frame that snaps it back as the camera passes that point.

Creating several layers and translating at different speeds creates the illusion of depth.

-vern

Thank you!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 8:01 am
by beautifuldaymonster
That explanation straightened me out. I've tried it and will post my results on Show Your Work in a few minutes! THANK YOU AGAIN :D

Re: Panning across backgrounds/layouts

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 3:47 pm
by Gnaws
GREAT links. I loved those first two!!

Links

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 4:39 pm
by beautifuldaymonster
I did too. I used to watch Jot as a kid.