RotoScoping Research

Rotoscoping is a technique that allows the animator to create animation that mimics live action by tracing frames. The process process was originally done on a machine called Rotoscope: patented by Max Fleischer in 1917. It involved drawing on a transparent easel, onto which frames were projected one by one as they were traced by the animator.

Over the period of 1918 - 1929, Fleischer independently produced three short films to demonstrate the use of his invention. These were collectively called 'Out of the Inkwell'. He went on to use the technique in various cartoons like Betty Boop, Gullivers Travels and in the early 40's - The Superman cartoons.

Rotoscoping was used heavily until the advent of advanced computers that were capable of performing this process.