Animation encompasses a multitude of techniques and genres. Some can be traced back to the 19th century while others rely on the latest technology. The pre production stage of an animated film includes some of the steps already mentioned in film/TV pre production (i.e: project proposal, budgeting, scriptwriting, storyboard) along with animation-specific elements (see below). The students should become familiar with the techniques and technologies used by animators today. The similarities and difference between video games, motion graphics and animation should also be highlighted. Since animation entails creating content from scratch, there is little to no visual post production involved (except rendering). However, the audio post production process is very similar to that of a live-action project (except for ADR).
////////// ANIMATION PRE PRODUCTION
Key concepts / terms
Concept art ♦ Voice acting ♦ Animatic
Resources
- Just what is concept art? – Creative Bloq
- 67 Pieces Of Stunning Pixar Concept Art – Buzzfeed
- Toy Story 3 – Behind the Scenes (Voice Acting) – Youtube video
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 – Animatic – Youtube video
////////// ANIMATION PRODUCTION
Key concepts / terms
Hand drawn ♦ Stop motion ♦ Rotoscoping ♦ CGI ♦ Motion capture ♦ Video Games ♦ Motion Graphics
Resources
- Pixar Career FAQs
- The Creativity of Indie Video Games – Video from PBS’ OffBooks series
- Oscars: With Films Like “Gravity,” Where Does Animation Branch Draw the Line? – Variety article by Peter Debruge
- How Walt Disney Cartoons Are Made – Film from Disney Studios
- Making of The Warrior’s Dream – examples of character design, modelling, environment design, layout, rigging, compositing
- Boardwalk Empire VFX Season 1 – Visual effects breakdowns include CGI characters, green screen, compositing
- Capturing the Incredible Hulk – motion capture
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit? – 2D animation & live action
- Life of Pi – Creating Richard Parker – 3D animation (CGI) & live action
- Making of In Your Arms video – Stop motion using live actor (pixilation), animatic, compositing
- A Scanner Darkly Trailer – rotoscoping
- Idea Rocket Animation – examples of corporate animations
- How To Create Animated Infographics – conceptualizing corporate motion graphics
- 3D Creature Creation – Modeling, Sculpting, Texturing, Rigging by Hokiroya Design
