tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738814364413384768.post6204695591441577135..comments2024-03-13T23:42:25.845-07:00Comments on Animondays: Saturday Morning CongaDavid B. Levyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611160893518781463noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738814364413384768.post-83204606163948481482010-05-21T09:55:40.044-07:002010-05-21T09:55:40.044-07:00I think with Dora the Explorer and educational kid...I think with Dora the Explorer and educational kids shows in general it's probably more important to stay "on-model" simply for the sake of the target audience. Children take comfort in familiarity and require consistency in order to comprehend. Look at Thomas the Tank Engine - it's seriously the same 2 or 3 faces and bodies mixed and matched with different colors and every little boy I know LOVES it.<br /><br />With visuals, we're catering to the comprehension level and interests of the target audience.<br /><br />In Animation class, Beckerman insisted that when we did exercises involving interaction that both characters were animated together. This helps us visualize effective silhouettes - which subconsciously aides viewers in understanding the tone of the entire interaction. Sure, one character may be handing one a letter, but the curves created by that action directly relates to the overall feel, a downward diagonal might foreshadow bad news, an upward bounce might connote something jolly.<br /><br />Similarly, for one project I'm currently working on, I used an AfterEffects effect to make an object vibrate. The director disliked it very much. But when I animated the object using my own sense (and a little bit of blur, tactfully applied) he loved it!Caressehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08686509738834156095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738814364413384768.post-63295432688699714672010-05-20T05:15:49.498-07:002010-05-20T05:15:49.498-07:00Tim,
I think that "constant rearranging of s...Tim, <br />I think that "constant rearranging of shapes" is the cornerstone of what makes something fun to watch, and (of course) fun to make. We should come up with a better phrase than "off model," something that does this justice. : D<br /><br />Johnf,<br />It truly was a lot more fun to draw those characters together. Fun is the whole point, too. I think it is important that filmmaking be enjoyable, despite the huge amount of work and challenges.<br /><br />Michael,<br />Well said. The long way around was the right way. I wince when I realize that there's moments when I use the computer as a crutch... especially in light of the fact that I'm hand drawing everything. My view of the computer is that it works best as a composite, camera, and exposure sheet tool. I don't want the computer to be noticed outside of that, nor be a temptation to take short cuts that undermine my effort. Gotta fight the occasional lazy factor. : DDavid B. Levyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12611160893518781463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738814364413384768.post-22857549880186068772010-05-19T05:54:09.403-07:002010-05-19T05:54:09.403-07:00The problem with working with computer programs is...The problem with working with computer programs is that it encourages limiting animation. To do a dance it's imperitive that the characters interact, and it's impossible for them to interact well when they're mechanically divided (essentially to try to make animation easier.) You're making the film for YOU more than for anyone else; take the long way around.Michael Spornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018522723674960270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738814364413384768.post-15975016740959886182010-05-17T09:26:04.050-07:002010-05-17T09:26:04.050-07:00I agree with you that it rarely works as well to s...I agree with you that it rarely works as well to split up your characters when they are doing something that requires such close interaction (like doing the conga dance!) ... also, it is a lot simpler to draw them on one level and you can have more fun doing a bit of straight ahead animation when they are all together. I hope your film lands you a series!johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00532492051688183457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738814364413384768.post-89211554250246778202010-05-17T06:42:50.430-07:002010-05-17T06:42:50.430-07:00I'm a big fan of "throwing out the model ...I'm a big fan of "throwing out the model sheet". As Mike and I got set to do 7 new StoryCorps pieces, one of the guiding principles in our character design has been to create characters whose shapes can be quickly drawn and constantly rearranged in "off model" ways while still clearly being the same character. I've found it a much simpler, more fun way to work that also seems to yield better results.Tim Rauchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17372320274473421640noreply@blogger.com