Computer programs that describe surface characteristics, including textures, finishes, and colors, are added to every object in the scene. These programs, called "shaders," can simulate a wide variety of appearances, including wood, metal, fabric, glass, hair and skin. The characters and props are given surface texture and color. They're dressed in clothing that wrinkles and flows naturally with body movements, hair and fur that waves in the virtual breeze, and skin that looks real enough to touch.

 

Using "digital light", every scene is lit in much the same manner as stage lighting. key, fill and bounce lights and room ambience are all defined and used to enhance the mood and emotion of each scene. Lighting takes its inspiration from the color keys created by the art department. Animators , use ambient, omnidirectional and spotlights to create depth, shadows, and moods.

 

Rendering is the act of translating all of the information in the files that make up the shot, (sets, colors, character movement), into a single frame of film. Render engine software "draws" the finished image by computing every pixel of the image from the model, animation, shading, and lighting information.