Forensic Animation- Forensic Computer Animation

Forensic animation has grown in popularity, especially as a visual tool to help forensic investigators to visually depict an alleged crime , accident or a crime scene reconstruction. Because the facts of a case can be extremely complex and specifically related to fields of expertise such as weapons experts, accident reconstructionists, engineers, etc, the use of forensic animation helps investigators develop likely explanations of events.

That said, in forensic computer animation it is essential that the elements created for a crime scene recreation use custom modeling so that the elements match those at the crime scene exactly. This is the only way to preserve the accuracy of the forensic information and create a 3D animation of an event or scene that is useful for litigators in a courtroom.

Also used for something known as demonstrative evidence, 3D computer animation cannot be used to “prove” a case but, can be used to visually support the verbal testimony of an expert witness. Since the information they relay in court is often complicated and pertaining to a specific industry, legal animation is a tool used to help jurors understand and retain information presented by these witnesses.

Crude 3D computer animations run the risk of alienating jurors who have become accustomed to the ultra realistic computer graphics of film and video games. The most experienced forensic animators are skilled at visualizing factual information. By including every fact and detail and applying scientific data, engineering principles, mechanical expertise or other pertinent data, they can create a photo-realistic, believable scenario for jurors.

Thanks to the wide spread use of 3D animated computer graphics in television, film, video gaming, etc. jurors today will likely have expectations of a higher degree of realism. Crudely created animations will not be appealing or credible to an audience of jurors today. Poorly rendered animations by inexperienced animators have given this visual tool a bad reputation in some instances. Animators experienced in forensics will spend over half of their project hours researching and double checking the accuracy of the facts they are animating. The best forensic animators also understand a broad range of technical fields and can quickly assimilate information about new subjects and represent stated events accurately.

Because of our movie going experience with special effects, there is a pre-conceived notion that 3D animations are largely products of the animator’s imagination. However, trained forensic animators spends as much as 70% of their project hours on tracking down and verifying the data they are using to re-create the scene. At each and every phase, from building the models and objects to the planned movement of those objects, and the environment they are shown in, every detail must relate and correspond directly with the investigative facts, eyewitness reports, photographs, and expert testimony.

When it comes to forensic animation, very little is left to imagination. Even if the animator is provided with few facts, if there are enough essential details they can use science, such as the laws of physics, or geometry to determine the rest.

Pricing of forensic animation projects is hard to generalize as each project has a unique set of requirements. Generally, the higher the degree of realism, the more complex the objects are and the number of times the scene must change are all determining factors. Some elements, such as water, fire, explosions are harder to create in 3D as they do not have solid, easy to build geometric shapes. These types of elements take longer and that will be reflected in the price. Some animation studios charge hourly rates while others propose flat rates per project. Other studios calculate a general fee based on a price per second of animation needed.

Changes always impact the cost so it is important to have the objectives clear from the beginning. Changing the point of view of the camera slightly does not impact the cost as much as adding new elements to a scene or changing the scene or location altogether.

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