Hey there, fellow film enthusiasts!
Steve Long here. You might know me as the guy behind the curtains at the Global Film Exhibition. Today, I'm pulling back those curtains a tad to share a slice of my world: the enchanting realm of animation.
First off, let's clear a little myth. If you've got this image of me doodling characters all day, that's not quite it. Directing animations is not so much about drawing, but more about guiding a spirited team through a whirlwind of imagination. Picture it as navigating a ship through a storm where the rain is ideas and the lightning, is sudden flashes of inspiration.
Why am I drawn to animation, you ask? It's the magic, the sheer thrill of bringing to life dreams and worlds that, before us, existed only in imagination. It's like having a conversation with your younger self, the one who believed in talking animals and fairies.
Each day in this world is its own adventure. Sure, it starts with coffee (doesn’t everything?), but then it morphs into endless chats with the crew, discussions about the right shade for a character's shirt, or debates over whether a joke is funny enough. And yes, we do laugh at our own jokes; someone has to!
The path isn’t always smooth. There are days, I’ll admit when I want to tear my hair out because a scene isn’t just “feeling” right. But then there are times when a character’s expression, a simple line, or a background score brings tears to my eyes. It’s in those moments that I remember why I do what I do.
If you’re ever thinking of stepping into this vibrant universe, here's a little heart-to-heart from me: Keep that spark alive. The world of animation thrives on your unique voice. Embrace mistakes, cherish those little victories, and let that inner child guide you.
Animation isn’t just what I do; it’s a piece of my soul. Every frame, every character, carries a piece of my heart. And as you sit back and watch those dreams play out on screen, I hope you feel a bit of the magic too.
Until our paths cross again, keep dreaming big and feeling deeper.
Warmly, Steve Long
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Thanks for that,I just turned 70 and I still love animation and the way it has evolved from simplistic to mind jarring ,as I am trying to break into animation ,my self. I was approached by Dreamworks and I could not meet the deadline for script submission, long story , but I have the opportunity with MDL and the script is in final review. Thanks for voicing the ins and outs. I bet it can be the best of times watching it grow..The animation now is so different than the days of Looney tunes.I never really thought of directing,and I can see that it indeed a challenge.What a great way to make a living and create a difference in animation,thanks for sharing. Now I want it more than ever....Bill
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Well said, Steve. The one thing that I always say about animation is it's the one visual medium in which you start out with nothing. You have a blank computer screen or an empty page and single thing the audience sees came from someone's imagination.
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Animation Directing is where I want to be.