Rotoscopes

Rotoscopes are a technique in animation and visual effects in which live-action film is projected onto a surface and traced frame by frame to produce an animated sequence. The term refers to both the device used to project the footage and the tracing process itself, or to the resulting frames.

Invented by Max Fleischer in 1915, the rotoscope allowed animators to study natural movement by tracing over real performers. The original system used a light projector and a translucent drawing surface, enabling lifelike motion that could be stylized afterward. Rotoscoping quickly spread through studios seeking authentic action and smoother movement in animated characters and crowds.

With digital technology, rotoscoping evolved into a standard tool for visual effects. Modern pipelines perform frame-by-frame masking and edge refinement on computer workstations, enabling precise isolation of characters or objects for compositing, background replacement, or the creation of stylized looks. Some productions combine automated tracking with manual tracing to balance accuracy and speed. The technique is now commonly used for extracting mattes, removing unwanted elements, and integrating CG elements with live-action plates.

Rotoscopy remains both an artistic technique and a practical workflow. In animation, it provides a bridge between live action and drawn motion; in film and television, it helps integrate CG elements or alter footage while preserving natural movement. The method remains labor-intensive and is often used selectively to achieve a specific aesthetic.