Computer animation is a particular kind of animation technology. It is done in a technical manner using computers, not the traditional cell animation method used in cartoons where each image is hand-drawn and colored. In computer animation, a model is created within a computer-generated three-dimensional space. It is given material characteristics (color, shade / glass / plastic / metal, etc.). Lights are placed in this virtual space and a virtual camera is created to view the scene. Usually there is a series of different models created, an environment model and "actors" (characters, text, cars, etc.) that will move around within this space. The animator then sets the amount of time that the animation will cover and at certain designated times the actors are moved to a new position. These positions are called "key frames". The computer then creates the "in betweens" for the time between the key frames. The computer is then used to render each of the frames into image files at 30 images per second and the animation is previewed. Invariably, changes are required and a series of previews are created as the animation is "tweaked" to perfection. When the final preview has been approved, the computer is instructed to create the final animation. It is then rendered to a series of final images that are transferred to video either as a stand-alone piece or as segment of an edited video. This process is the same for all 3D computer animations whether it is used for forensic animation or to create "Jurassic Park".
The Weiss-McGrath Report found a 100 percent increase in juror retention of
visual over oral presentations, and a 650 percent increase in juror retention
of combined visual and oral presentations over oral presentations alone.
