Animation as intensive difference

Definitions of animation often imply the existence of static objects which are brought to life by an animator, implying that objects pre-exist the forces that move them. Effects animation (FX) is common in film, games and visualization but does not easily fit these common definitions. FX includes the simulation of natural phenomena such as water, fire and smoke. In this type of animation, movement is primary and pre-exists objects. In contrast to the common idea that FX artists are not animators and FX is not really animation, this article argues that 3D animation can be different and do more if we take FX as paradigmatic of the medium. The article draws on Gilles Deleuze’s concept of intensive difference and describes processes used in three of the author’s recent animation projects. By bringing FX workflows into productive dialogue with Deleuze’s thought, the article aims to inspire new ways of approaching 3D animation production and pedagogy.