rotoskopi

Rotoskopi, or rotoscoping, is a filmmaking and animation technique in which live-action footage is traced frame by frame to produce realistic animated motion. The traced drawings or images can then be colored, shaded, and integrated into new scenes, or used to guide visual effects and compositing. The process can be done by hand on paper or digitally with modern software.

The technique was invented by Max Fleischer in 1915, who named his device the Rotoscope and used it to project live-action images onto a surface for tracing. Rotoscoping became a widely used tool for achieving natural human movement in animation, and it helped establish a standard for realistic form in early animated films. The practice was adopted and adapted by major studios, including Disney, which employed rotoscoping for lifelike human figures in several early features.

Technically, traditional rotoscoping involves manual tracing over individual frames. Digital rotoscoping uses software to isolate and trace motion within video, often generating mattes or guides for further compositing, colorization, or stylization. Rotoscoping can be used to create a painterly or surreal look, as well as to remove unwanted elements or to integrate animation with live-action footage.

Applications and notable examples include feature animation, visual effects, and music videos. A Scanner Darkly (2006) employed a fully digital rotoscoped style, while Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) used extensive rotoscoping to blend animation with live action. Today, rotoscoping remains a common, versatile tool in film, television, and digital media, valued for its ability to reproduce precise motion and into a range of aesthetic styles.