Rotoscoping is an animation technique in which animators trace over footage, frame by frame, for use in live-action and animated films. Originally, recorded live-action film images were projected onto a frosted glass panel and re-drawn by an animator. This projection equipment is called a rotoscope. Although this device was eventually replaced by computers, the process is still referred to as rotoscoping.

In the visual effects industry, the term rotoscoping refers to the technique of manually creating a matte for an element on a live-action plate so it may be composited over another background.

History

The technique was invented by Max Fleischer, who used it in his technologically groundbreaking Out of the Inkwell animated series, which debuted in 1918. The live-film reference for the series' main animated character, Koko the Clown, was provided by his brother (Dave Fleischer), who performed choreographed movements while dressed in a clown costume. Max Fleischer patented the rotoscope method in 1917.