Apart from scenes, backgrounds are drawn separately and by a different set of animators. These backgrounds are used once scenes are  traced and transferred onto a cel sheet. Thee finalized images are transferred onto these backdrops and “filming” begins.

 

Backgrounds, like scenes, are also hand painted with water colors. This adds a sense of depth- and richness that would otherwise be lacking in a computerized coloring process.  Here are a few examples from films including Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away 2001), Hauru no Ugoku Shiro (Howl’s Moving Castle 2004), and Hotaru no haka (Grave of the Fireflies 1988).