Release. Pressure. Animate.

came over differently in the test-rendered version. (Body, 2011,
http://brendanbody.blogspot.com/) Adding this check-up adds towards the clarity of the
animator‟s goal and also helps looking at the animation in a different way, giving the
animator the possibility to pinpoint other flaws in the animation as well. Such check-ups
and supervision in-between can be of significant importance when the final rendered
result differ an extensive amount from the preview version. We‟ve done such test renders
in the production of Mac „n‟ Cheese as well and it guided the animators as well as my
own supervision on them on certain points that looked fine in the previews but needed
extra attention when seen in the rendered version. It was very helpful and made us able
to see problems before the final rendering, thus taking a significant smaller time of
production and help to direct us more to our final goal with this increased speed in
feedback.
Because the shot Brendan was working on got altered from the original version the
animator had to also adjust the camera, which was normally not the case in this
production. These were normally initially laid out by the studios lensing department. For
this shot the camera would still have to be refined by this same department. (cf. Body,
2011, http://brendanbody.blogspot.com/) Again we see that such things are released
from the animator‟s mind. This creates more focus on only the animation of the
character. Even more, having this clearly laid out beforehand doesn‟t only keep the
animator from other tasks to do, but also give him a more controllable limited space to
work in. The animator has a clearer goal and it‟s easier to oversee what motion he should
aim for. Again, defining scene layout and creating plans accordingly before starting with
animating are important for a constant focus and reduced mind stress of the animator,
increasing flow.
3.2.3 Animation in smaller sized productions
At smaller studios the animator might be a story artist and editor as well. Also the
amount of money that is allocated is often less and this creates less time space for the
animator to work in. There might not be enough time and manpower for creating an
elaborate storyboard or reel before animating begins. A simple overview from some
smaller projects I‟ve worked on, discussed or have read about look like this:
- An idea or story comes in from advertising agency; sometimes with a storyboard.
- Time allocated for each part in production is being discussed.
- Animator captures any references, works out ideas and tests. (if possible within
the assigned time.)
- Applies his ideas onto the 3D character as key poses.
3. The 3D Animation Workflow
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