Animopus

The Muppet Show: Star Wars (1980)

2012-02-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

With the new release of Star Wars EP1 3D and the new Muppets film I thought I'd post a classic example of how things were 31 years ago.

VFX Supervisor Scott Squires on 'Acting and Animation'

2012-02-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

VFX Supervisor Scott Squires recently posted an in depth article on his blog concerning the ongoing debate over the relationship between animation, motion capture and acting/actors. He makes some solid points and adds great perspective from his extensive career in vfx. It's definitely worth a read.

// Acting and Animation
via Effects Corner

Raiding The Lost Ark: A Filmumentary

2012-02-15T02:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm a huge Indiana Jones fan and I just had to post this!

// Raiding The Lost Ark: A Filmumentary By Jamie Benning
(Over 2hrs of documentary film footage and commentary from the making of Raiders!)

Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury

2012-02-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

Doug Chiang's 'ROBOTA: Vengeance' on Kickstarter

2012-02-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

Checkout Doug Chiang's new project 'ROBOTA: Vengeance' over on Kickstarter! I'm a big fan of Doug's ROBOTA artbook and I also remember the trailers Sparks* and Ice Blink Studios worked on years ago (which I posted below). This new game project is really looking great! Super excited about it! Wish those guys in Novato all the best!

Old trailers for ROBOTA by Ice Blink Studios and Sparks*. Also checkout this older interview with Doug Chiang about the making of ROBOTA over on FXGUIDE (2002).
// Artist in Action: ROBOT - Doug Chiang and Sparks*

'How To Train Your Dragon' Artists' Panel

2012-02-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty good lecture on the production of HTTYD. The audio is a bit rough in places though.

Panel includes:
Alessandro Carloni (Head of Story)
Nicolas Marlet (Character Designer)
Pierre Olivier Vincent (Art Director)
Simon Otto (Head of Animation)
Tracey Miller-Zarneke (author of The Art of How to Train Your Dragon)

Floyd Norman on Joe Ranft

2012-02-08T01:51:00.000-08:00

Thought this was great

Behind the Scenes of 'Tintin'

2012-02-07T02:29:00.000-08:00

Here's some detailed footage of the mocap shoot from Tintin.

Michael Jackson video reference for The California Raisins TV Commercial (1989)

2012-02-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

I found this great reference vid of Michael Jackson the other day when I was searching for information on the 'The California Raisins'. As it turns out, the footage was posted by animation supervisor and stop-motion whiz Webster Colcord who I've had the privilege to work with on past shows. I emailed him about the video and he said that it was performance reference for two shots he animated on the project. To the right are a few pics from the production that Webster sent over. The 'Raisins' were produced at Will Vinton Studios. You can read more about the history of the studio here: History of Will Vinton Studio.

And be sure to check out Webster's blog:
// Webster Colcord - Animation And Stuff

Pixar’s La Luna - Interview with director Erico Casarosa

2012-02-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

fxguideTV talks to Pixar director Enrico Casarosa and producer Kevin Reher about their Oscar-nominated animated short La Luna.

Oscar nominated short: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

2012-02-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

From Moonbot Studios

Interview with Pixar animator/director Mark Walsh

2012-01-30T05:48:00.000-08:00

This is an interview with one of my animation teachers Mark Walsh. He's a supervising animator and director at Pixar.

Animal Reference: Horse

2012-01-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is the weekend for animal reference heh heh Below is a clip from the documentary 'Majestic White Horses: The Spanish Riding School of Vienna'. At the 00:14 mark there's some fantastic slow motion footage of a horse gallop. I haven't seen the whole film but I'm sure it's full of great ref material. Thanks Ali for the link!

If you're interested in watching the whole doc here are the links:

// The Spanish Riding School of Vienna - Part1 and Part2

Animal Reference: Troop of Gorillas visit a camp

2012-01-28T03:41:00.000-08:00

This vid has some nice motion reference for gorillas walking and interacting. Thanks Adam Ely for the heads up!

Interview: 'Kung Fu Panda 2' director Jennifer Yuh Nelson

2012-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is a great interview with director and storyartist Jennifer Yuh Nelson.

Also, check out another interview with Jennifer over on the TAG blog:

// The Jennifer Yuh Nelson Interview -- Part I via TAG blog

Genndy's Scrapbook (2005)

2012-01-24T03:55:00.000-08:00

Documentary about the life of animator Genndy Tartakovsky, creator of Samuari Jack, Dexter's Laboratory, Star Wars: Clone Wars and Hotel Transylvania.

A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team - D23 Expo 2011

2012-01-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

John Lasseter, Bob Peterson, Pete Doctor, Mark Andrews, Peter Sohn, Ronnie Del Carmen, Dan Scanlon, Andrew Stanton, and Jim Morris talk about their work at Pixar.

This is great -- Mark Andrews Slow Motion Double Grenade drop

Mark Andrews Story Lecture at CalArts

2012-01-19T03:50:00.000-08:00

This is a fantastic story lecture by Pixar director and story artist Mark Andrews. The first half of the lecture has been around for a couple of years but now the second half has been posted by David Ochs!

Floyd Norman Lecture (2009)

2012-01-18T03:57:00.000-08:00

Story artist and Disney legend Floyd Norman lecture at the Art Institute of California - Inland Empire

fxguide : Character Animation inside ILM

2012-01-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

// Interview with Animator Maia Kayser via fxphd

The DSLR Cinematography Guide (PDF)

2012-01-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty good reference guide for general terminology on DSLR's. You can download the PDF for free.

'This guide assumes some basic knowledge of moving images, such as exposure, shutter speed, focal length, and frame rate. It focuses on the technical challenges unique to DSLR cinematography — it won’t teach you how to light scenes, stage camera movements, or cook a full English breakfast. It will, however, give you a huge jump start in figuring out how to make beautiful, inexpensive movies using a DSLR.'

// The DSLR Cinematography Guide via nofilmschool

DP/30: Interview with 'Puss in Boots' director Chris Miller

2012-01-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

Pete Docter - Thoughts On Story

2012-01-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

// The Individual's Role in Communal Storytelling

// Reflecting Truth Through Story

// Empathy in Storytelling

// Why Stories Matter to Human Beings

// Thoughts on Story in the Bible

// An Artist's Beginnings

MasterClass - Animating Animals

2012-01-06T05:37:00.000-08:00

This is a great lecture on the basics of animal animation from William Greobe who's currently an animation sup over at Tippett. Check out the whole vid over on my friend Andy Hass's blog (he's also a rock star Tippett animator)!

// MasterClass - Animating Animals via Andy's Anim blog

Brisk Star Wars: Yoda vs. Darth Maul

2012-01-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

heh heh awesome!

Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982) Part 6: Holoprint Viewer, Zhora's Orgasma Mask and Graphics

2011-12-23T03:11:00.001-08:00

Here are the last few chapters from the 'Blade Runner Sketchbook'.

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Syd Mead | concept artist and visual futurist
Mentor Huebner | storyboard artist and production illustrator
Michael Kaplan | costume designer
Charles Knode | costume designer

Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982) Part 5: Holo/Message Unite, Cryo-Crypt, Buildings of 2019 and Sebastian's Work Area

2011-12-23T03:11:00.000-08:00

More from the 'Blade Runner Sketchbook'.

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982) Part 4: Voight-Kamph Machine, Sidewalk Dinner and Ridley's Views

2011-12-23T03:10:00.000-08:00

More from the 'Blade Runner Sketchbook'.

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982) Part 3: Decard's Apt., Sentinel Kiosk, Rotary Key and Costumes

2011-12-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

More from the 'Blade Runner Sketchbook'. Some of these are a bit blown out unfortunately.

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982) Part 2: Fire Hydrant and Gun

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

More from the 'Blade Runner Sketchbook'

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Syd Mead | concept artist and visual futurist
Mentor Huebner | storyboard artist and production illustrator
Michael Kaplan | costume designer
Charles Knode | costume designer

Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982) Part 1: VEHICLES

2011-12-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

So I've been looking for a copy of the rare 'Blade Runner Sketchbook' for a while now and a few days ago my friend Eddie snagged a pretty good .pdf version! The images are a bit blown out but over all the scans are pretty clear. So over the next few days I'll be posting chapters from the book here. If by chance you want to purchase an original copy check out the prices through the link below!

// Blade Runner Sketchbook via Amazon.com

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Gore Verbinski talks 'Rango'

2011-12-19T02:59:00.000-08:00

// Rango, Lucasfilm Speaker Series

// DP/30:Gore Verbinski

It All Started with a Mouse: The Disney Story (1989)

2011-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

This old school Disney Channel special 'It All Started with a Mouse: The Disney Story' is chock-full of great material on the history of Disney along with commentary by Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas, Ward Kimball, Marc Davis, Ken Anderson, Richard Williams, and a slew of others.

Phil Tippett's MUTANT LAND animated short!

2011-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, this is just fun stuff! Great action, blood, and cool creatures :)

More info below:

// Mutant Land via AICN

*UPDATE

MutantLand: from the mind of Phil Tippett via fxguide

Singing Christmas Hedgehogs

2011-12-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

Love this!

The Story Behind Disney's "Fun and Fancy Free"

2011-12-16T02:29:00.000-08:00

This is great 'making of' Mickey and the Beanstalk. Ward Kimball and Joe Grant talk briefly about the production.

Part 1 of Mickey and the Beanstalk

My Mom Is Teacher of The Month!

2011-12-15T02:09:00.000-08:00

Last month my Mom was selected by local TV station WATE in Knoxville, TN to be the teacher of the month! I'm so proud of her! She more than deserves it!

The Andy Serkis Mocap Performance Channel

2011-12-14T04:08:00.000-08:00

Andy Serkis has a new Vimeo channel dedicated to video clips and featurettes showcasing some of his motion capture work. Sadly not much is mentioned about all the animation that is added to his performances in post. There's no question Andy is a fantastic actor but there are dozens of equally talented animators helping to bring these CG characters to life on the other side of the mocap camera. Below are a few 'comparison' clips from Planet of the Apes.

More clips here // Andy Serkis Channel on Vimeo

And lastly some food for thought.

// Should Andy Serkis's monkey capture a mo-cap Oscar? via the guardian film blog

// Can Peter Jackson's Weta studios allow anyone to play a gorilla? via the Independent

Andy Serkis says "At first with Gollum it wasn't even performance capture, it wasmotion capture and then the facial performance was shot on 35mm film.Then the animators rotoscoped – basically painted frame by frame overmy expressions, matchframing every facial expression I made. "
"You don't actually get to see the visual effects until months downthe line when they all start to come in and the visual effects shotsbegin to replace the actual thing, well after the final edit. And theanimators can calibrate the character on the computer: you can dial thecurvature of the spine, so you'll notice by the end of the movieCaesar's absolutely upright. He's more human in his movements."

Also, here's the Andy Serkis insert from this month's Hollywood Reporter magazine.

Super 8 (2011): How To Structure A Screenplay

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple story breakdown of 'Super 8' by Kal Bashir. It's a little hard to follow but he makes some interesting points. He also has a website and blog that could be useful for script and story development.

// Kal Bashir's blog: Hero's Journey Screen Writing
// Kal Bashir's website: Kal Bashir's 2000+ stage Hero's Journey

Super 8 trailer

Jason Schleifer TEDtalk (TEDxYouth)

2011-12-13T03:04:00.000-08:00

Dr Seuss: Rhymes and Reasons (2003)

2011-12-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

Some great info about Theodor Seuss Geisel in this documentary.

DreamWorks short 'The Pig Who Cried Werewolf'

2011-12-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun new short from Dreamworks called 'The Pig Who Cried Werewolf' directed by Gary Trousdale. Unfortunately it's only available on the Nintendo 3DS for download I believe. The only viewable version I could find was this low quality recording but it's clear enough to get the story across. Also, be sure to check out Toby Shelton's storyboards for the film over on his blog - Toby Shelton: Stuff I Did

// Check out Toby Shelton's storyboards for the short:

Part 1 and Part 2

WIRED on 'The Uncanny Valley'

2011-12-03T06:38:00.001-08:00

On my recent flight from Houston to London I read this months issue of WIRED magazine. It featured a long article about our nemesis 'the uncanny valley'. If you get a chance grab the December issue and check it out. Below I've listed a few of the articles from this months issue recently posted on the WIRED website:

How Robotics Master Masahiro Mori Dreamed Up the ‘Uncanny Valley’ via WIRED

Mary H. K. Choi on the Trouble With Perfection via WIRED

Artist's Giant Warped Figures Just the Wrong Side of Lifelike via WIRED

// How Uncharted 3 Designers Make Faces Look Alive via WIRED

// Sculpting the Perfect Wax Doppelgänger via Wired

Madam Mim Pencil Test

2011-11-26T18:52:00.001-08:00

Check out the 'Madam Mim' post over on Deja View! Andreas posted a beautiful pencil test and some great key poses!

// Madam Mim via Deja View

VFX of 'Immortals' from Tippett and Image Engine

2011-11-23T15:55:00.001-08:00

There's a great article over on fxguide featuring the VFX work of Tippett Studios. Check out the vfx/anim breakdown vid from their work on 'Immortals'.

// Immortals VFX breakdown via fxguide

// More footage of the VFX work from Image Engine

'Bodies In Motion' Image Gallery

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was checking out Scott Eaton's extensive website today and found some great reference images all focusing on 'bodies in motion'. Nice action reference for animators!

// Bodies In Motion Image Galleries via Scott Eaton

Anatomy App: Classical Anatomy for Artists

2011-11-17T08:23:00.001-08:00

Really nice app! Check out Michael Defeo and Scott Eaton websites as well.

l'Ecorche- Classical Anatomy for Artists: Anatomy App from michael defeo on Vimeo.

An Adventure in Art (Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color 1958)

2011-11-14T10:06:00.001-08:00

This is a short excerpt from 'Disney's Wonderful World of Color: An Adventure in Art' with appearances by Marc Davis, Eyvind Earle, Joshua Meador, and Walt Peregoy among others. Also, the quote by Robert Henri (read by Walt) at the beginning of the video is pure gold.

SF International Animation Festival 2011

2011-11-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

If I were still in SF I'd be going. Check out the list of films and schedule of events here.

// SF International Animation Festival

// Opening Night Party

Thursday, November 10, 8:30–10:30 pm
Yoshi’s San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore Street (Ellis/Eddy)

Celebrate Opening Night of the San Francisco International Animation Festival with director Eric Leiser, cast and crew after the first screening of their film Glitch in the Grid at Yoshi’s San Francisco. Limited tickets are available for this suitably animated party featuring modern Japanese cuisine–inspired hors d’oeuvres and sponsored beverages provided by Birra Moretti and José Pastor Wine Selections. via SFFS

Behind The Scenes of 'Happy Feet Two'

2011-11-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

We just wrapped on this show last Friday in Sydney! Looking forward to seeing it on the big screen in a few weeks.

Happy Feet Two : George Miller on making a sequel

Happy Feet 2 premiere

VIDEO: Miller, cast at Happy Feet 2 premiere

'Pythagasaurus' from AardmanCommercials

2011-10-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Director: Peter Peake
Cast: Bill Bailey, Martin Trenaman and Simon Greenall

Thanks for the heads up Scott!!

[EVENT] Behind the Scenes: The Art and Craft of Cinema Phil Tippett, Special Effects Master

2011-10-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you Bay Area friends a heads up about these upcoming lectures by Phil Tippett.

// you can purchase tickets through the link below

Behind the Scenes: The Art and Craft of Cinema Phil Tippett, Special Effects Master via BAM/PFA San Francisco Film Society

// Thursday, November 17, 2011
7:00 p.m. Phil Tippett: Illustrated Talk, followed by Starship Troopers
(Paul Verhoeven, U.S., 1997). Join special-effects legend Phil Tippett (Jurassic Park; Robocop; Empire Strikes Back) in a wide-ranging discussion on the movies, special effects, and his influences, followed by Verhoeven’s intergalactic bug-attack epic Starship Troopers. (129 mins, plus lecture)

// Friday, November 18, 2011
7:00 p.m. The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad
Nathan Juran (U.S., 1958). Introduced by Phil Tippett. For this fantastical tale from a 1,001 Nights, Ray Harryhausen perfected the integration of three-dimensional animated figures and live actors, and inspired generations of filmmakers and special-effects artists to come. (88 mins)

Behind the Scenes is a collaboration between BAM/PFA and the San Francisco Film Society. Major support for Behind the Scenes has been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support has been provided by the San Francisco Foundation and the BAM/PFA Trustees.

Phineas and Ferb - 'Animatin' Rap Video featuring co-creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh

2011-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

The Phineas and Ferb "Animatin" rap music video is a humorous take on a day in the life of the show's co-creators and producers, Dan Povenmire and Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh as animators.

Animating the Transformers in 'Fall of Cybertron'

2011-10-20T23:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article about the animation development on 'Tansformers: Fall of Cybertron'. Thanks for the heads up Adam!

The Ward Kimball Michael Jackson story

2011-10-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is a crazy story! heh heh

Slow Motion Dog Reference

2011-10-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Found this great run reference today while I was perusing some hi-speed camera footage from NAB. The reference footage starts around the 1:41 mark!

// older posts featuring Slow Motion Reference

'Kooky' - Interview with director Jan Sverak

2011-10-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to see this film with English dub or subtitles. Love the concept of the film! The puppetry and environment integration is awesome. Very inspiring!

// 'Kooky' official website

// Interview with director Jan Sverak

// Watch the film here (no subtitles)

Meindbender Animation Studios

2011-10-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a very interesting animated commercial for NEXTEL created by Meindbender Animation Studio.

// Here's their 2010 studio show reel

// The Duplicator Rig Demo

'Secret Lives' Walt Disney (1995)

2011-10-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

This is great documentary about the 'less public' side of Walt Disney and the history of the studio. It includes interviews with Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Bill Melendez, William Hurtz and others.

// 'Secret Lives' Walt Disney
via Behind The Scenes blog

Penguins and more penguins! 'Happy Feet 2' trailer

2011-10-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the last trailer to be released for the little penguin film we've been working on here at Dr.D Studios in Sydney.

// Dr.D animation crew with director George Miller and animation director Rob Coleman

Greg Barth Stop Motion Animation

2011-10-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

//GREG BARTH

Behind The Scenes

Hebdos Québec (Director's Cut)

Aleksandr Petrov: Making of 'The Old Man And The Sea'

2011-10-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

When I saw AleksandrPetrov's 'The Old Man And The Sea' years ago I was blown away by the beauty and epic scale of the film. It's stunning! A real animated hand painted masterpiece. I recently found the 'making of' vids listed below and was impressed at the amount of research and reference that went into creating the film (and all his films). It's awesome how he used his own models for staging and lighting. The water reflection studies are great as well. All this tactile reference really shines through and gives the film a higher level of authenticity.

If you can get past the subtitles the 'behind the scenes' clips are fascinating to watch and a rare opportunity to see Petrov at work. Enjoy!

Russian animation: Aleksandr Petrov, the making... by Niffiwan

'Old Man And The Sea' (1999) (Oscar winner)

'My Love' (2006)

The Life And Times Of Pluto

2011-10-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

This is short featurette about the history of 'Pluto'. Frank, Ollie, Andreas Deja, and John Canemaker talk about the development of Pluto's character.

Mickey's Elephant (1936)

How to Tell a Story

2011-10-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

This quick clip from NPR anchor Scott Simon is full of great story material.

Also, in case you missed it here's an older post on story from Pixar director and story artist Mark Andrews:

Mark Andrews Story Lecture

Sketchy Animations (BBC)

2011-10-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun 2d clips from the BBC. Love the simple designs, layout, and comic timing!

More clips here: SKETCHY via the bbc

The World of Jim Henson (1994)

2011-09-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

This great documentary about the life and work of Jim Henson. It's full of bits of wisdom on acting, staging, and character.

The World of Jim Henson (1994) 7/9

"MORAV: Missions" Live Action Series 'Pilot'

2011-09-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

'MORAV' is a live action series currently in production in the San Francisco Bay Area. The creator and director of MORAV is Fon Davis (ILM and FONCO). A talented team of vfx artists and model makers have been donating their time to bring this project to fruition. I had the pleasure of working a couple of weekends with them last year and I must say MORAV is looking amazing!

Check out the MORAV Kickstarter page if you're interested in helping out with the project. You can also find them on Facebook.

// Kickstarter: 'MORAV: Missions'

// Facebook: MORAV

'MORAV: MISSIONS' Kickstarter teaser clip with Grant Imahara and Wendell Wilson

The Pixar Story (2007)

2011-09-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

I just posted this series over on 'Behind The Scenes' blog.

'The Pixar Story' is an in-depth look at the history of Pixar Animation Studios.

// 'The Pixar Story'
by Leslie Iwerks (yes Ub is her grandfather)

You can also listen to the film by chapters on this website:

'The Pixar Story' via Jeff Beal website

'Classic Creatures' Return of the Jedi (1983)

2011-09-27T00:47:00.000-07:00

This 1983 PBS behind the scenes look at the creatures of 'Return of the Jedi' is an awesome glimpse into the ILM model shop during it's prime. There's lots of footage of work in progress puppets and stop-motion rigs from the film.

'Moonshine' Dreamworks personal art publication

2011-09-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

DreamWorks first personal art publication, Moonshine, was conceived as an opportunity to highlight the breath of artistic development talent at Dreamworks.

A Story of Dogs (1954)

2011-09-26T03:49:00.000-07:00

This is a short behind the scenes look at 'Lady and the Tramp'. There are some nice story sketches and pencil tests featured in the first two clips (some you might have already seen before). Milt and Frank also appear briefly to explain to the audience parts of the animation process.

Part 3 (cartoons)

Part 4 (cartoons)

Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini Interview

2011-09-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

Pixar animation supervisors Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini talk Toy Story 3.

Eric Goldberg Lecture at IADT

2011-09-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Excellent clips from Eric Goldberg's lecture at the International Academy of Design & Technology as a part of The National Film School Lecture Series.

Alfred Stieglitz: The Eloquent Eye (1999)

2011-09-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

An eyeopening documentary about Alfred Stieglitz and his contributions to modern art. Really worth a look/listen.

More info about Stieglitz's studio
291 Fifth Avenue in New York City

Facial Expression Diagram

2011-09-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Fellow animator here at Dr.D (Phillip Hall) showed this diagram to me today. It's a decent reference sheet for the basics of emotions and expressions.

'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs': The One That Started It All

2011-09-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

Check out this TV documentary on the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1990). It includes audio clips and vintage footage from many of Disney's 'nine old men'.

// the audio sync is off :P

Interview with Animator and Story Artist Raul Aguirre Jr.

2011-09-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a basic interview with Raul Aguirre Jr. from Animation Insider:

// Raul Aguirre Jr. interview

I found the last quote from Raul very true:

'A wise old 80′s movie taught me this a long time ago. Walk on road, hmm? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later get squish just like grape. Here, Animation, same thing. Either you Animation do “yes” or Animation do “no.” You Animation do “guess so,” get squish just like grape. Understand? You get out of it what you put into it kiddos!'

//Raul's website: Studio Raul

//Raul's blog: manvsart

Raul's reel-

Acting Reference 'Best description of a car accident ever!'

2011-09-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

oh man this made my day ha ha Thanks Sheldon for the heads up!

'From Pencils To Pixels' (2003 BBC)

2011-09-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

This BBC Imagine Series special does a decent job of covering some of the basics of animation history. It's worth a look or a least a listen.

Story Pitch and Screenwriting Lecture by Michael Hauge

2011-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

For those interested in screenwriting this lecture by Michael Hauge is worth a listen. He covers a lot of basic script material and story pitching concepts.

update // Check out Michael Hauge's book: Selling Your Story in 60seconds

Coundown by Céline Desrumaux

2011-09-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful short! Bold graphics, great staging, and color choices. Love the vintage feel! Rock!

CREDITS :

Directing/design/animation/composting : Céline Desrumaux

Additionnal character animation : Florent Remize

Music : "Granulard bastard" from Apprat.

LINKS :
Céline : groovythesushi.blogspot.com/
Florent : flomize.blogspot.com/

Act 1: The Story Begins

2011-09-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Story lecture with Enrico Casarosa (Pixar Story Artist), Fergal Reilly (Sony Pictures Story Artist), Alex Hirsch (Disney TV Anim Artist), and Louie Del Carmen (Dreamworks Story Artist). Hosted by Bruce Morris (Story Artist and Director).

Tchaikovsky by Barry Purves

2011-09-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is a time lapse video of British animator Barry Purves as he is working on a scene from his stop motion short 'Tchaikovsky'.

// For more info about Barry and his films check out his website: http://www.barrypurves.com/

Jeffery Katzenberg Interview (2010)

2011-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

This is an in depth interview with Jeffery Katzenberg from 2010. Katzenberg talks a bit about his past with Disney, the development of Dreamworks, and the animation industry in general.

Interview with Jeffrey Katzenberg

in Movies, TV & Theater

on Monday, May 17, 2010

Director Mark Andrews & Producer Katherine Sarafian Talk 'Brave'

2011-09-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

Director Mark Andrews & Producer Katherine Sarafian Talk 'Brave' at Disney D23 expo.

Actor's Kevin McKidd and Kelly Macdonald

Auction: Disney Cels and Animation Art

2011-09-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance to snag some very nice animation production art. The Philip Weiss Auction house has a huge lot of animation cels and sketches currently up for auction. The 'Sleeping Beauty' drawings are great!

// Philip Weiss Auction: Comics, Comic Art, Disney & Animation

New Concept Art From Pixar's 'Brave'

2011-09-06T01:18:00.000-07:00

Really looking forward to this film! And here's the new trailer!

*UPDATE* the image gallery has been taken down already

New concept art from: Pixar's 'Brave'

Stanley Kubrick: The Invisible Man (1996)

2011-09-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

This documentary takes an in depth look at the life and work of Stanley Kubrick. A couple of film makers and actors contribute their observations and experiences on working with Kubrick. One comment from director Bryan Singer really stood out to me.

"What's the point of making films unless your going to experiment with the medium? The whole point of film making is showing the world from a different perspective. Use the medium. Show us why we're watching it on film and not a stage play..." - Bryan Singer

// Check out the documentary here:

'Stanley Kubrick: The Invisible Man' via Behind The Scene blog

Kyle Cooper interview on title design

2011-09-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is great stuff - how often is the title sequence overlooked? It's an important prelude that should whet the appetite of the audience. Heightening their anticipation of what they're about to see.

//Another interview with Kyle Cooper from 2008

Also, if you don't know about the 'Art of the Title' website check it out. There are hundreds of fantastic title sequences archived there.

// Art Of The Title

Chanel - Shade Parade

2011-09-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Fun short promo piece for Chanel but more accurately titled 'Thing's Day Dream'.

Jules Engel's Oral History Transcript (UCLA 1985)

2011-09-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

So after yesterday's post I did a bit more research and found this fantastic transcript of Jules Engel's oral history. The interview is an in depth look at Engel's rich artistic past.

Read the book on Open Library: Jules Engel Oral History

You can download the PDF here: Jules Engel Oral History

More info and download options here: Jules Engel on Open Library

LOS ANGELES ART COMMUNITY: GROUP PORTRAIT

This interview is one of a series, entitled "Los Angeles Art Community: Group Portrait," funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and conducted from July 1, 1975 to March 31, 1977 by the UCLA Oral History Program. The project was directed jointly by Page Ackerman, University Librarian, and Gerald Nordland, Director UCLA Art Galleries, and administered by Bernard Galm, Director, Oral History Program. After selection of interview candidates and interviewers, the Program assumed responsibility for the conduct of all interviews and their processing.

Jules Engel: An Artist For All Seasons

2011-09-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

This is a clip from the up coming documentary 'Jules Engel: An Artist for All Seasons' by Jeaneann Dill. It is currently listed as 'in production' and I haven't been able to find a release date. More info can be found over on the IIACI website - Interdisciplinary Art Institute

Jules Engel was an artist, animator and film director. He worked for Disney, UPA, and founded the Experimental Animation Program at CalArts.

You can follow Jeaneann Dill and the Jules Engel Documentary on Twitter @JaneannDill

Here's another short clip from a separate interview with Jules. He briefly talks about the challenges of working with Walt Disney.

Interview with Steve 'Spaz' Williams

2011-08-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

Interview with ILM animator and VFX Sup Steve Williams

Thien Long: Fun facts

2011-08-31T01:24:00.000-07:00

Nicely designed commercial from the international advertising and marketing agency Ogilvy & Mather.

'The Human Face' from the BBC (2001)

2011-08-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

This is a great series from the BBC about the human face. It provides some interesting perspective on a variety of topics ranging from emotion to structural symmetry.

Ronald Searle's Birthday Sketches

2011-08-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

Legendary British artist and cartoonist Ronald Searle turned 91 last March! Some Pixar artists contributed sketches wishing him a happy birthday. Check them out here:

Happy 91st Birthday Ronald Searle

Interview with Ronald Searle (2010)

Interview with David Allen

2011-08-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is a rare interview with animator/director David Allen. He discusses his work on the film 'The Howling' (1981).

This is deleted footage from "The Howling"

ALT Animation Podcast

2011-08-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is a new animation podcast site. You might find some pretty insightful interviews listed there.

ALT ANIMATION

Advice from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas

2011-08-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Salad Francois from 'Easter Parade' (1948)

2011-08-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is a great bit of pantomime acting from the 1948 classic 'Easter Parade'. The 'Salad Francois' action starts at 19sec.