Enter the maze

The animation issue

A wall of coloured lights, like pixels

Computer animation is everywhere. The latest innovations play on cinema screens worldwide. Better technology is making computer animations more and more realistic, and now computers can simulate everything from huge jungles to tiny hairs. In this issue we’re going to turn our focus behind the scenes, to tell you how those animations get made.

You might not realise, though, that the connection between animation, computation and technology goes way beyond films. In this issue you’ll find out how computer animation fits in with sailboats, light shows, wallpaper and bar fights. Plus we’ll reveal why a mechanical duck was a showstopping piece of early computer science. Perfect for a topic that can take you anywhere your imagination leads.