Animation cels, short for cellulose acetate sheets, are transparent sheets of plastic on which animated characters are hand-painted, forming one frame in a traditionally animated film or television show. These individual cels, when photographed sequentially against a painted background, create the illusion of movement that breathes life into beloved characters and storylines.
The Anatomy of an Animation Cel
Animation cels are far more than just simple drawings on plastic. They represent a pivotal part of the classic animation process, offering a tangible link to a bygone era of artistry. Understanding their composition helps appreciate their significance.
Materials and Construction
The original cels were made from cellulose nitrate, a highly flammable material. Fortunately, cellulose acetate quickly replaced it and is now the standard, offering greater stability and safety. A typical cel consists of:
- The Cel Sheet: This transparent sheet provides the surface for the artwork.
- The Paint: Special animation paints, often acrylic-based, are used to ensure vibrant colors that won’t fade or bleed.
- The Ink Lines: Black ink, meticulously applied, outlines the characters and details, providing definition and clarity.
- The Peg Holes: Standardized peg holes along the bottom edge of the cel ensure perfect registration when photographing multiple cels together.
The Animation Process
During the animation process, artists create individual drawings showing slight changes in the character’s position. These drawings, known as key frames, are then given to in-betweeners, who create the intermediate drawings to fill in the gaps and create smooth motion.
Once the drawings are complete, they are transferred onto the cel. The inking department traces the outlines, and the painting department carefully fills in the colors according to a specific color palette and character model sheets, ensuring consistency across the animation.
Finally, the cel is placed over a painted background, carefully aligned using the peg holes, and photographed. This process is repeated for each frame, resulting in a series of still images that, when played in sequence, create the illusion of movement.
Why Animation Cels Hold Value
Animation cels are not just components of a film; they are unique pieces of art that tell a story. Their value stems from several factors:
- Rarity: Each cel is a one-of-a-kind item. They were created for a specific film and are not mass-produced.
- Artistic Merit: The quality of the drawing and painting greatly influences the cel’s value. Expertly rendered characters command higher prices.
- Character Popularity: Cels featuring iconic or beloved characters are more desirable to collectors.
- Historical Significance: Cels from landmark animated films or television shows hold significant historical value.
- Condition: The condition of the cel, including any paint loss, cracks, or fading, impacts its value.
FAQs: Demystifying Animation Cels
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the world of animation cels:
FAQ 1: What is the difference between a production cel and a sericel?
A production cel is an original cel that was actually used in the making of an animated film or television show. A sericel, or serigraph cel, is a limited-edition recreation of a production cel created for collectors. Sericels are generally printed using a screen-printing process and are less valuable than original production cels.
FAQ 2: How can I tell if a cel is authentic?
Authentication can be tricky. Look for signs of hand-painting, ink lines, and the correct number of peg holes. Research the studio and film the cel supposedly came from. Professional appraisers specializing in animation art can provide expert authentication services.
FAQ 3: What are some common signs of damage in animation cels?
Common damage includes paint loss (flaking), cracking, fading, yellowing, and warping. Proper storage is crucial to prevent these issues.
FAQ 4: How should I store and preserve animation cels?
Store cels in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Archival-quality materials, such as acid-free backing boards and Mylar sleeves, are recommended for long-term preservation. Framing behind UV-protective glass is also beneficial.
FAQ 5: What is a “background” in animation art?
A background is the painted scene behind the animated characters. Production backgrounds, like cels, are original pieces of art used in the film and can be highly valuable, especially when paired with matching cels.
FAQ 6: What is a “matching set” in the context of animation cels?
A matching set refers to a cel and its corresponding background from the same scene in the animated film. Matching sets are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and completeness.
FAQ 7: What is the difference between a key cel and an in-between cel?
A key cel represents a significant pose or action in the animation and is typically drawn by a senior animator. An in-between cel fills in the gaps between the key cels, creating the illusion of smooth movement. Key cels are generally more valuable than in-between cels.
FAQ 8: What does “multi-layered” mean when describing an animation cel?
A multi-layered cel consists of two or more cels stacked on top of each other to create a more complex image. For example, one layer might contain a character’s face, while another layer contains their hair or clothing.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the “sequence number” on an animation cel?
The sequence number indicates the order in which the cel appears within the animation sequence. It helps establish the cel’s place in the overall narrative.
FAQ 10: What are “model sheets” and how do they relate to animation cels?
Model sheets are reference drawings used by animators to ensure consistency in character design and proportions throughout the animation process. They show the character from various angles and in different poses. Cels should ideally conform to the model sheet’s specifications.
FAQ 11: Where can I buy and sell animation cels?
Animation cels can be bought and sold through various channels, including online auction sites, specialized animation art galleries, and animation conventions. Research the seller’s reputation and authenticity guarantees before making a purchase.
FAQ 12: Are animation cels still used in modern animation?
While traditional hand-drawn animation using cels has largely been replaced by computer-generated animation, cels remain a valuable piece of animation history and are highly prized by collectors. Some independent animators may still use cel animation techniques, but it is far less common than digital methods. The legacy of the animation cel continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences worldwide.