This may be a bit of a reach but... I'm a screenwriter, not an animator. I have a couple of short scripts that are meant for animation, but since there aren't really agents or managers for that sort of thing, I have been thinking recently of trying to produce one of them myself. So I was wondering, what would you all recommend in terms of an online course or package for beginning animators? What has worked for you in the past? I think this could potentially be a really fun personal project, and since I don't have a deadline I'm willing to take the time to learn (although I don't want to go back to school for a full animation degree. I just got my PhD, thanks, I'm done with school for a while!) Would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you, everyone!
Animation : Learning to animate by Emily Hu
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I have no experience with this site, however, a newsletter from my union says lynda.com has 3D and animation courses.
Emily! You've come to the right place. :) I had exactly the same thought as you 5 years ago. If you go down this route be prepared for a LOT of work and frustration in the early days. However Technology has moved on and you can get decent results now (for outdoor scenes) with little knowledge. If you can stick with it then the benefits for future screenplays are enormous. Now you can storyboard to a decent level without paying anyone, get it out as a youtube series, and/or sizzle reel etc etc. I wouldn't usually just wade in with my links but in this case my journey is a perfect match for your requirements. I recommend starting with DAZ 3D as you get the benefit that most people on there are learning too, plus you can buy props etc to get your scenes started quickly. https://www.daz3d.com For inspiration, please check out my sizzle reel. https://www.stage32.com/media/1247070627559386947 For education I've been sharing the journey since my switch to Carrara (a more competent version of the DAZ 3D program but requires more understanding) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL511383E90B92CC0E
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Another nice option is Blender and the Blender Foundation. Tons of tutorials all over the place and lots of people use it. It's free to download. But be warned, this is a full-on package for making anything, so there is a lot to learn. Steve Payne has much more experience that I do, and I've checked out his elaborate animations. I'm just offering another potential route.
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Check out creatureartteacher.com Aaron is an ex-Disney animator and has very inexpensive tutorials that start with with basics of a bouncing ball to full animation of facial features and walk and run cycles. There will also be an animation platform released next August that will enable independent filmmakers to hire animation crew and collaborate from anywhere in the world. The platform is being backed by the folks behind gotomeeting and you will be able to find artists that suit your budget and style. Animation is more than just making things move, it requires a foundation in life drawing (to look good anyway).
Thanks Laurie. Also can you make your character "come to life" using speech, facial expression, choice of camera position etc. It's art! :D
Emily, if you write your animated script, you can pitch it to Daniel Kendrick through the Happy Writers. He works for Chatrone (Book Of Life). That's another great option if you don't want to animate your project yourself.
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WOW--thank you, everyone, for the great tips! Unfortunately at this juncture I can't hire an animator due to financial reasons. But I will be sure to check out all the resources you all provided. Thank you again so much! I'll admit I'm a little worried, though, about my lack of artistic experience. Basically, I can't draw. I think I can learn the basics (and, as I mentioned earlier, I have lots of time to learn) but I certainly hope using a computer program can help smooth out some of my amateur mistakes. Thankfully, the short I'm planning to animate doesn't involve people, but rather anthropomorphic trees. So maybe it'll be a relatively easier one to start with!
Emily - I can't draw either. It really doesn't stop you. Just learn the art of framing your shots and lighting and you'll be well on your way to visualizing deeper into your story. I've certainly learned a lot more about my script by taking the time to construct the sets, shots and characters etc.
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Thanks, Steve. It's encouraging to hear from someone who was once in a same boat! Btw, I viewed your sizzle reel. Almost can't believe you're not a trained animator with an advanced degree!
Many thanks Emily. Well if you want it you keep going until it starts to happen. It's very slow progress though when you go it alone. You've got to want to make the vision happen that way to get to the end. Best of luck. I'll follow your progress. :)
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Delor, please refrain from soliciting for potential clients within threads. You have posted the very same comment in various threads which is considered "spamming." Therefore your comments may be deleted. If you'd like to promote your services please do so in the Your Stage section or on your profile page. Thanks. :)
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Thank you Beth Fox Heisinger for giving me the direction on how to post on Stage 32.
Hi Emily! Rad Sechrist (creator of Kipo and the age of Wonderbeasts on Netflix) has a website with a lot of animation courses. That might be worth checking out.
https://www.radhowtoclass.com
Emily, when you picture the results in your head what kind of animation do you see? Cell, 3D, Anime?