This is an experiment to re-create the slit scan technique in the computer. The technique was used at the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey by special FX guru Doug Trumbull. I'll try my best to explain this mechanical animation technique!

It involves photographing an image through a small slit. The image is moved under the slit and the camera moved slowly towards the slit. There is a long exposure on the camera so effectively you are seeing a slice in time as the image is moved in front of the camera.

I tried to replicate this as accurately as possible in Adobe After Effects. I needed to use the CC Time Blend plugin to replicate the film exposure over time.