03 overlap Follow Through

Summary

In this video, the principle of overlap (or follow-through) is explained, demonstrating how movement in animation isn’t uniform. Overlap refers to a delay in how different parts of an object or character move, creating a realistic chain reaction. This principle is rooted in physics, particularly inertia, as seen in examples like a flag waving or a character jumping. The video emphasizes the importance of giving different body parts, clothes, or tails their own velocity to enhance realism. It also highlights how forces interact and how movements don’t occur simultaneously, creating dynamic and believable actions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Overlap, also known as follow-through, is a principle in animation where different parts of an object or character move at slightly different times.
• 😀 This principle adds realism and believability to animation, similar to other principles like squash and stretch and arcs.
• 😀 Overlap follows the laws of physics, particularly inertia, which causes objects to resist sudden changes in motion.
• 😀 A practical example of inertia is the whiplash effect when a car stops suddenly, where the body continues moving forward.
• 😀 Overlap can be seen in natural movements, like a waving flag where one part moves first and the rest follows in sequence.
• 😀 Secondary elements like tails, hair, ears, or clothes have their own mass and movement, reacting after the main motion of the body.
• 😀 When a character jumps, parts like hair or clothing continue moving even after the main body stops, easing into a stop gradually.
• 😀 Animators should treat motion as a chain reaction, where one movement triggers delayed reactions in other parts.
• 😀 Using opposing forces enhances realism: when one part moves down, another part might move up before following the initial motion.
• 😀 Assigning weight, velocity, and drag to secondary elements ensures that movements look dynamic and natural.

Q & A

What is the principle of overlap in animation?

The principle of overlap, also known as follow-through, is when one part of the animation moves first, and then the other parts follow after a brief delay. This creates a more natural and believable movement, as parts of the character or object lag behind due to inertia or other physical laws.

How does overlap contribute to the believability of an animation?

Overlap adds to the realism of an animation by mimicking the natural delays that happen in real-life motion. It works alongside other principles like squash and stretch and arcs, making animations more dynamic and physically accurate.

What role does inertia play in the principle of overlap?

Inertia refers to the tendency of objects to resist changes in their motion. In overlap, this concept is demonstrated when one part of an object or character moves first, and the other parts follow with a slight delay, mimicking how physical objects behave in real life.

Can you explain the whiplash effect in relation to overlap?

The whiplash effect occurs when a car stops abruptly, but the person inside continues to move forward due to inertia. This delayed movement is a practical example of overlap, where parts of a system or body continue their motion even after the main movement stops.

How does the example of a waving flag illustrate overlap?

In a waving flag, the movement starts at one point, and the rest of the flag follows in a chain reaction. This creates a natural, delayed movement that is a visual example of overlap in animation, where parts of an object or character follow the initial motion after a brief delay.

What happens when a tail is attached to a bouncing ball in terms of overlap?

The tail of the ball will react to the ball’s movement, but with a delay. The tail moves after the ball, creating a whip-like motion that completes once the tail hits the floor, and then follows the ball's movement again.

How do clothes, hair, or other appendages behave in a character’s animation during a jump?

During a jump, parts like hair, ears, tail, or clothes continue to move after the character’s body stops, as they follow the main body’s motion. These elements lag behind the character’s body when it starts to fall and will continue moving until they gradually stop.

Why is it important for the body and overlapping actions to stop at different times?

It’s important for the body and overlapping actions to stop at different times to maintain realism. For example, when the character lands, the body may stop first, while the hair or clothes continue moving before gradually easing to a stop. This delay adds a sense of weight and natural flow.

How does overlap apply to broad physical movements in real life?

In real life, when you perform a broad movement, parts of your body move at different times. For example, when turning your head, your torso and arms follow a moment later. This delay in movement is essentially what overlap represents in animation.

What are some tips for animating with overlap and follow-through?

When animating overlap and follow-through, consider that parts of a character or object move at different rates and times. Think of movement as a chain reaction, where one part moves first and the others follow. Additionally, make sure to incorporate opposing forces and give each element its own velocity to create dynamic motion.