Kudlian Soft - Animate IT '08

Inspiration

Skeleton Warriors - Jason and The Argonuaghts
© Columbia Pictures

This can come from anywhere.

In my case I loved animation and picture books growing up, in fact I still do. I grew up thinking 'Jason and The Argonauts' was the best thing since sliced bread, and to be honest a large part of me still believes that.

It was a huge influence in my love of animation and storytelling and still is to this day. Picture books like "Where the Wild Things Are" and stories by "Dr Seuss" made a huge impression on me. Children should look around at the books and animations they love and try and decide what it is that puts a fire in their belly - what is it about a story which makes you think it's awesome?

Story Ideas

Work with what you know.

Don't try and create a "Lord Of The Rings" epic with your first film, one has to learn to walk before running.

Your story should include the official
Curtis Jobling A-B-C-D-E of elements:

A: Action. This is animation and theoretically your characters should be able to do just about anything. Have fun with the medium and let the story feature some excitement.
B: Beginning. And a Middle and an End for that matter. These are key ingredients and you need to make sure all three are accounted for. Know what your story is about, where it starts and how it finishes.
C: Characters. As strong as possible. Concentrate on who the important characters are - if you have additional characters in your idea that add nothing to the story and don't help to carry the plot, cut them out.
D: Descriptive. Either your script or the characters and the backgrounds need to describe the story you're telling. The character might be a three dimensional model, but the story needs to be too, and the audience need to believe in your tale.
E: Emotions. We want the audience to react to our animations and stories, be it tears, laughter, fear or fun. Know how you want the audience to react to your film and work the script and characters in that direction.

Developing Characters

Keep it simple.

Don't overcomplicate your designs with unnecessary additions that don't add to the character.

Know what your character is "about" and what's important for him/her/it.

Play with simple shapes whenever possible and, if it's claymation, make sure you give the character firm legs and strong feet so it will stand up steadily on your set, otherwise it'll wobble and fall over like an old lady in a stiff breeze.

Animation

Frankenstein's Cat

The key ingredient, once your characters and script are settled, is getting the best out of both of them - the animation itself is where the film really comes to life.

A good animator is a good actor, able to "get inside" the character they're animating and breathe life into it.

Know how to pace your animation, work out your timings thoroughly before embarking on the film.

Use Of I Can Animate and Stop Motion Pro

Making your own film has never been easier.

If I'd have had kit like "I Can Animate" available when I was growing up I might have been able to break into animation professionally sooner than I did.

It's quick and easy to use, simply point the camera, take your picture, move your model and arrange the frames. Even a technophobe like me can use it!

A Good Claymation Model

Your character needs to be able to stand upright first and foremost, as mentioned previously. Bear this in mind at the design stage.

Also, you need to know what your character is going to have to do in your film eg: talk, run, grab etc. These all affect the design decisions you make at the beginning.

It's far better to resolve these things early on rather than in the middle of a shot later in production.

I personally like to make models out of plasticine.

Finding Out More About Filmmaking

Most good libraries and bookshops should have reading materials on creativity and making films.

Look for any of the good PIXAR books on the making of such films as "Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc." for added inspiration.

The official

Bring Animation to Life!