Animation departments (or animation production departments) are the teams within a
film studio that work on various aspects of animation such as
storyboarding or
3D modeling. It can refer to a single department that handles
animation as a whole or to multiple departments that handle specific tasks. It can also refer to a college department.
Departments of animation
Retake department - looks for mistakes in animation and has it redone. An animator will check all frames one by one in order to ensure they flow smoothly.
Compositing department - handles special effects such as
chroma keying and other aspects of
compositing.
Inbetweening department - creates
in-betweens, the frames that go between
key frames (the main points of action in a scene) that make up the bulk of an animation.
Editing department - compiles and edits the animation (either in part or in its entirety) so that it is consistent.
Background department - draws the background art for scenes.
Storyboard department - plans out the animation using sketches of its main points (a
storyboard).
Scanning department - converts traditionally-drawn media to digital and ensures frames aren't lost in the process.
Sound effects and musical scoring department - creates soundtracks and sound effects, such as with choirs, instruments, and
Foley.
Layout department - stages scenes and creates plans for how a scene should look.