The Multiplane Camera Crane for Animation Photography

In connection with the general improvement in cartoon technic, it was recognized that several developments could be undertaken that would add much, if successfully adapted, to the power and charm of animated motion pictures. By confining cartoon photography to a single plane in front of the camera, the expense and difficulty of creating a convincing illusion of depth and a real-life appearance by camera movement made the consideration of a multiplane technic imperative. The out-of-focus diffusion and the differential movement of foreground and background of scenes can be achieved most easily by separating the elements on different planes in front of the camera. The problem resolved itself into the adaptation of glass-shot technic to cartoon production. In separating the scene elements into several planes, many other advantages were gained, such as lighting control of single-scene elements, ease of using special effects equipment, and possibility of using backlight and process backgrounds. — The answer to the problem was the multiplane camera, built with the view of accuracy of control, complete flexibility of scene set-up, and ease of operation. This required plane elements that could be quickly and accurately assembled and disassembled; separate lights for each plane; a quick-reading and accurate indicating system; and an interlocked system of controls. — Because the light level on each plane is an important part of every set-up, a special light-measuring system had to be devised. The number of machine adjustments involved was so large that a master control sheet was laid out, giving complete operation information for each frame of film. As a final check before exposure, a periscope type of finder was devised so that the chief operator could check the set-up visually before each exposure. To write out the master control sheets, it was necessary to develop a scene-planning group of artists and technicians to control and plan the use of the machine in creating the desired illusions. — The results in enhancing the effectiveness of animated motion pictures have been very satisfactory. The multiplane technic has proved so flexible that its complete possibilities will be realized only with experience.