Remember these two words: "Deep Canvas." That’s the name given to the new computer software program that was created to enrich the jungle backgrounds of TARZAN. Just from early, scant footage, it’s evident that this new form of computer generated imagery (CGI) reaches its goal, but what many don’t yet realize is that it may also revolutionize the way in which 2D and 3D animation are combined in future Disney films.
[img]Eric Daniels, supervisor of CGI for TARZAN, created the new software with Disney programmers Tasso Lappas and George Katanics.[/img]
Eric Daniels, who serves as head of the CGI unit for TARZAN, created this new software, with Disney programmers Tasso Lappas and George Katanics. "The technique grew out of a lot of different, conflicting desires on this film," said Daniels. "The first thing I did was sit down with all of the other department heads and cleared my mind of everything I knew about computer graphics and just listened to what they wanted to see."
The idea was to create images that could blend in easily with the traditional animation and also retain the hand-painted look of a background. The film makers also wanted the freedom to move the camera in the same free-style tracking shots that a live-action director would use. In addition, there could be no crisp, hard edges or other synthetic touches that usually accompany CGI.
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