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Each one of the videos/articles that I have attached go through each topic in a very effective way. They don't get too complicated but also aren't fully beginner. They go into a lot of depth, talking about different techniques and shortcuts, making me feel secure about my own abilities and sets me in good stead for when I have to do my project. Though it is still taking me time to get comfortable with all the new things that I now see in Premier Pro, revisiting these videos and articles are good reminders of what I need to do, never feeling lost or confused.

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What are Keyframes in Animation

First, let's define keyframe

If you encounter any other unfamiliar terms in the wild, our ultimate guide to filmmaking terminology is a great resource for looking up definitions.

KEYFRAME DEFINITION

What is a keyframe?

A keyframe, also written as "key frame," is something that defines the starting and/or ending point of any smooth transition. That something can be a drawing in animation or a particular frame of a shot when dealing with film or video. Any shot, animated or live-action, is broken down into individual frames. You can think of keyframes as the most important frames of a shot that set the parameters for the other frames and indicate the changes that will occur throughout as transitions. For more information, refer to our filmmaker's guide to frame rates.

Keyframe Characteristics:

Important individual frames from within a shot

Keyframes exist in animation and live-action

Sets a start/stop point for a transition

What is a Key Frame in Animation

The origin of keyframes

These days, the word keyframes is often associated with video editing, but they originated in animation long before digital video editing. However, if you are familiar with keyframes in the context of editing, then you might already have a pretty good idea as to what is a keyframe in animation.

How to layout and keyframe in animation * Keyframes definition

In traditional animation, each frame is drawn by hand. To learn more about different animation techniques, check out our articles about cel animation, rotoscope animation, and stop-motion animation.

Because of the heavy demands and time-consuming nature of animation, those films are typically made by a number of artists working together. One efficient way to both save time and ensure quality is to have the lead animators draw the most important frames and leave the transitional frames between them to the junior animators.

Animators react and discuss keyframes * Keyframes example

These important frames drawn by the lead animators became known as keyframes. The transitional frames that connected the various keyframes together become known as in-betweens.

Even if a single artist is drawing an entire scene, it is still common practice to begin by drawing the keyframes, then going back and adding the in-betweens.

What is the Difference Between Frame and Keyframe

Keyframes in the modern age

Even though animated films are rarely drawn entirely by hand these days, keyframes are still used in computer animation. Keyframes remain just as important today as ever, it is only the method of creation that has changed.

Keyframing with modern technology * Keyframing animation

Keyframes no longer apply to just animation, however. Since the advent of non-linear editing software and video editing apps, keyframes have become an integral element of standard video editing. The literal definition is still the same - a frame that designates the start/end of a transition - but it now manifests differently and can apply to new contexts.

What are keyframes in editing? * Keyframes example

As used in the context of video editing, keyframes might set the parameters for motion, they might be used to fine-tune a video transition. Or they might control timed adjustments made to effects applied to a video.

The good thing about using modern technology when working with keyframes is that the editing software can fill in all of those pesky in-betweens automatically, saving you a great deal of time and effort.

Up Next

What is Cel Animation?

So, those are the basics of keyframes in both animation and video editing. But, there is a lot more to learn about the world of animation. One of the most tried and true methods of traditional animation was known as cel animation, but what does that mean? Learn everything you need to know about cel animation.

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Keyframes in Animation - Origins and Modern Uses

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A keyframe, also written as "key frame", is something that defines the starting and/or ending point of any smooth transition.

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Color Correcting vs. Color Grading: Understanding Film Coloring - 2024 - MasterClass

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Color correction and color grading are processes that occur during postproduction. One makes the film look more natural, and the other stylizes the footage.

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What does a compositor do?

Compositors create the final image of a frame, shot or VFX sequence. They take all the different digital materials used (assets), such as computer-generated (CG) images, live action footage and matte paintings, and combine them to appear as one cohesive image and shot.

Compositors consider visual aspects of a scene. Realistic lighting is a key one of these. Anything caused by light hitting a lens is a compositor's responsibility. They relight in order to improve the look of the image.

Compositors do 'chroma keying' (also just called keying). This is where they select a specific part of an image that has a distinct colour or lighting and extract it to be used elsewhere. This method is commonly used with 'green screen' or 'blue screen' footage, where a subject has been shot in front of a singularly green or blue background, in order to be able to place the subject in a different setting or environment later, in post-production.

Compositors work as the last part of a VFX 'pipeline' (the name given to the VFX production process). They can be employed by VFX studios or work as freelancers.

Watch and read

What's a compositor good at?

A good eye: recognise what makes an image appear realistic in terms of light, colour, composition and perspective

Knowledge of photography: understand cameras, cinematography and how films are made

Knowledge of compositing programs: be adept at using relevant programs such as After Effects, Blackmagic Fusion, Houdini, Maya, Nuke and Photoshop

Collaboration: be able to work with other VFX artists, use each other's resources effectively and efficiently

Working to deadlines: work within given time frames, be able to complete work under pressure

Tools of the trade

These are some of the tools used by professionals.

Image editing software: Adobe Photoshop

Compositing and digital painting software: 3ds Max, After Effects, Arnold, V-Ray, Blackmagic Fusion, Houdini, Maya, Mental Ray, Nuke and RenderMan

You can learn how to model using free software. Go to build your VFX portfolio for a list of what's available.

Who does a compositor work with?

How do I become a compositor?

How do I become a compositor?

The most important thing that you can do to become a compositor is to create a showreel to illustrate your abilities to potential employers. A degree in VFX is useful too, especially as it gives you time to build up a portfolio. Most compositors start as a runner or junior VFX artist for a VFX studio and work their way up. However, some studios take on junior compositors too.

At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in art, art and design, graphic design, computing or computer science, maths, physics, and graphic communication. Or you might want to take any of the following Level 3 vocational qualifications:

BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design

NCFE Applied General Certificate in Art and Design

UAL Applied General Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design

BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Computing

If you want to go straight into a job or apprenticeship, the following Level 3 vocational qualifications will equip you:

Aim Awards Diploma/Extended Diploma in Games Animation and VFX

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design)

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)

BTEC National Diploma in Graphics

BTEC National Diploma in Photography

UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design

BTEC National Diploma in Film and Television Visual Effects

AQA Technical Level IT: Programming

OCR Technical Diploma in IT (Digital Software Practitioner)

BTEC National Diploma in Computing for Creative Industries

Get an apprenticeship:Apprenticeships are jobs with training. They're a great opportunity to earn while you learn. You might be able to get an apprenticeship as a compositor or junior 2D artist. Have a look at NextGen Skills Academy VFX apprenticeships for school leavers. These involve a lot of learning on the job working in a VFX company.

Check out What's an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on VFX apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in VFX.

If you can't find an apprenticeship with a VFX company, it might be worth getting an apprenticeship in a related industry, such as games or animation, which could give you some experience to help you find your way into VFX at a later point.

Build a portfolio:Learn the software, experiment with VFX programs and create a showreel that you can show to admissions tutors or employers. Focus on producing a portfolio which includes relevant work to showcase your immediate practical skills This is essential. Go to build your VFX portfolio to learn how. Watch ScreenSkills' advice on VFX showreels. It's really important to develop your appreciation for VFX. Make sure you're familiar with what's out there.

Get a degree:Have a look at ScreenSkills' list of recommended courses and select one in VFX. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the VFX industry.

Get VFX industry skills:There are various VFX image and video-editing programs in which it's useful to receive training. Have a look at ScreenSkills' list of training and opportunities and see if there's anything in VFX.

Network:Get to know people in VFX. Check out the events in ScreenSkills training and opportunities directory. Meet professionals and ask them questions about their work, while demonstrating interest and knowledge in the sector. Offer to provide them with your professional contact details and try to stay in touch with them. Go to network well to learn how to do this.

Search for jobs:Look at the ScreenSkills jobs board. Research VFX companies you'd like to work for. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for compositors. Even if they aren't, send in your CV and showreel and ask them to bear you in mind for future roles or work experience. Keep looking on job websites too. ScreenSkills offers some advice from professionals on how to approach animation and VFX employers.

You might also be interested in...

Learning to code and being a graphics programmer in the games industry.

Further resources

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How to become a compositor (also known as compositing artist, finishing artist and visual effects (VFX) artist).

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The opening titles provide a regal and dramatic view of the earth, mainly carried by the score but it is also reinforced by the sharp font and gold under glow from the sun. It brings forth the message about how Earth is sacred and a true wonder of our species.

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The opening titles create a sombre atmosphere as the colourized footage lifts the magnitude of the idea of war, making it seem more real and terrifying. It creates something that the modern generation can relate to.

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Top 5 Tips: Improve your VFX Compositing

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Top 5 Tips: Improve your VFX Compositing

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Top 5 Tips: Improve your VFX compositing

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Compositing in 3D Animation: What it is and How 

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Compositing in 3D Animation: What it is and How 

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Making a 3D animated sequence is very much like making a live-action sequence. In both cases, you assemble elements together to create a whole scene. In live-action, you build sets and props, hire actors and costumers, use lighting and practical effects, shoot green screen, along with all kinds of other techniques, and bring them together into a cohesive whole. When creating a 3D animated sequence you do much the same, only you do it virtually, within the computer world.

Either way, compositing is a huge part of creating the final image. It may surprise you that compositing in 3D animation can be as complex, if not more, as compositing with live-action sequences. Why would you need compositing in the 3D world at all? Don't you just animate everything together?

To understand 3D compositing and why it's done, we'll take a look at:

✓ The 3D Animation Pipeline

✓ Compositing, Explained

✓ Render Passes

✓ Effects

✓ Adding 3D Models in Post

✓ Final Rendering

Once we do, you'll have a much better understanding of 3D compositing. Read on!

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Compositing in 3D Animation: What it is and How it's Done

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3D animation compositing combines separate 3D animation layers to create a cohesive, complete single image sequence.

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This title sequence features many references to Aaron Hernandez career in football as it interlaces them with aspects of a killer. It sets the tone for the documentary, showing the audience how someones image isn't what meets the eye to the real person. This is reinforced by the slow orchestra sound track overpowering all of the past achievements shown, making the fall from grace seem more sombre than sinister.

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Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez - Intro Title Sequence

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In the early days of animation, each frame of a production had to be drawn by hand. Now animators can save hours or even weeks or months of work by using digital keyframe animation to identify different elements of a graphic and choose how those elements will move or change over time.

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Adobe Premiere Pro 2023: How to Use Key Frames for Beginners

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Adobe Premiere Pro 2023: How to Use Key Frames for Beginners

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Adobe Premiere Pro 2023: How to Use Key Frames for Beginners

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4 Easy Tips for Color Correction in Premiere Pro

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4 Easy Tips for Colour Correction in Premier Pro

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4 Easy Tips for Colour Correction in Premier Pro

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4 Easy Tips for Color Correction in Premiere Pro