Animation photo transfer process

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The animation photo transfer process (APT process) was a photographic transfer system that can photographically transfer lines or solid blocks of colors onto acetate sheets (cels). A similar process is used in making the stencils for silk screen printing. The process relies on UV-sensitive inks that cure when exposed to light and stick to the plastic sheet, while the ink in the non-exposed areas is chemically removed from the sheet.

Advantages[edit]

Compared to the earlier xerography process used by Disney, the lines can be controlled better and multiple copies made quickly. The drawings are photographed on high-contrast sheet film, and these negatives are then exposed onto the cels. A line on an animated character can be in color instead of just black. This is known as self-colored lines. (Xerographic lines were rendered in color too, when colored toners became available.)

Examples[edit]

This process was used on Disney's animated features such as The Black Cauldron, The Great Mouse Detective, Oliver & Company, and The Little Mermaid.

See also[edit]

• The Black Cauldron
• Timeline of CGI in film and television
• Traditional animation

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• The APT Process on the AllExperts forum
• US Patent Number 4569577 on Google Patent Search

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