Starting a Studio

[Snapai]

I think it's important for people to take charge, as he did, and start up studios of their own. After all, we are living in the age of "do it yourself" where technology has made it possible for even a small group of artists to produce a feature film.

Let's talk about that. I actually have talked to some local artists who are friends of mine here in Ohio about starting an animation studio. Nothing's come of it yet, we all have weird odd jobs to hold us while we art, which means we have trouble finding a schedule to meet. (The three of us actually work a 1st shift, 2nd shift, and 3rd shift job) And we sure don't have a source of funds to produce any animation - that is, to pay for us to be off our 'day jobs' to work on animation a lot.

So how do you go about starting your own studio? Obviously the Cyber Garage project is such a thing - a brand new (online!) studio, even if only for one project. I think that this is a special case, because we can work under Don's flag.

But in general, online studios seem to tend to falter. I remember the talk that went around school back when I was there "Don't join any projects online unless they can pay you immediately - they're just floundering and want free labor!" In retrospect, I wish I had willfully disobeyed that advice, rather than passively going along with it, I'd at least have some bits of stuff on my resume by now. :P

Anyone ever done it? Started any kind of studio? Made it work? Have any idea how to make it work? How do you get started?

I always thought it would be fun to organize a studio in general as a co-op where all the employees have an equal share of the company, and leave the hierarchy to the individual projects. (Whoever 'owns' the project gets to direct, etc) But that still means you have to eventually have something guaranteed to sell, in order to have profits to share among the members, so they can pay rent!

[BrioCyrain]

The only problem I have with starting up a studio is like you said...you need Cash...and lots of it.

Even if you're best buddies with fellow animators...who is gonna be in-charge of character designs, storyboards, backgrounds, the actual animated character frames, people's strength and weaknesses, and of course who is gonna empty their savings account to pay for the company's and film's copyright and/or trademark(I heard some copyrights and trademarks can be 1000+ USD).

[lavallelee]

I currently own a web design & marketing company, and i must say it is not easy to own and maintain a company. I remember the feeling of getting my first check written out to my company for my services. (I WAS SO HAPPY!)

So basically all it took me to get started was $25 dollars. To register my company with the State of Minnesota as an Assume name. Now that I am in Florida I am going to have to register/move my company to be my florida home business. (With whatever fee's apply...)

Only bad thing I can say about owning a company is tax time. It is a pain in the arse. Write offs, wages, taxes, etc etc... I have had a few employees that I have paid as independent contractors (which was the easiest way for me to do it) If i ever have work, i will hire them again. I wont forget the help they gave me.

I did have a office once, in a 9 story building, but it just got too costly. So I decided to do it from home instead and meet clients at coffee shops and resturants. So my experience is not with an animation studio but a web design one.

I think the best thing to do, is what Don did and work in a garage or someones house. As long as its comfortable and the people you work with are your friends, it should work out. Not worry about money, eat ramen and try your hardest. :)

Sorry if I wrote too much :p

[BrioCyrain]

I currently own a web design & marketing company, and i must say it is not easy to own and maintain a company. I remember the feeling of getting my first check written out to my company for my services. (I WAS SO HAPPY!)

So basically all it took me to get started was $25 dollars. To register my company with the State of Minnesota as an Assume name. Now that I am in Florida I am going to have to register/move my company to be my florida home business. (With whatever fee's apply...)

Only bad thing I can say about owning a company is tax time. It is a pain in the arse. Write offs, wages, taxes, etc etc... I have had a few employees that I have paid as independent contractors (which was the easiest way for me to do it) If i ever have work, i will hire them again. I wont forget the help they gave me.

I did have a office once, in a 9 story building, but it just got too costly. So I decided to do it from home instead and meet clients at coffee shops and resturants. So my experience is not with an animation studio but a web design one.

I think the best thing to do, is what Don did and work in a garage or someones house. As long as its comfortable and the people you work with are your friends, it should work out. Not worry about money, eat ramen and try your hardest. :)

Sorry if I wrote too much :p

Thanks for the insight, and working in a house at first is probably the best start. My brother and I are working on flash animation together...in our house. Nothing too fancy or anything, just something to do for fun and to keep our skills up.

[zanekohler]

I too run a web biz out of my house on the side. Although I am on hold right now while I go to Animation Mentor. I still have a few clients that sneak in some work but gets pretty tough time wise.

Yeah TAX time can suck! You have to be real good about your right offs. I was actually looking to claim the office as write off. More I looked into it the worse it seemed. I own the house so it gets more complicated effecting property taxes (in California). Also my tax guy said I would have to make sure there were no entertainment things like tv or video games in that room unless I could prove it was related to the business. In that the room was not used for anything other than the business. Was not worth the right off at this time.

[Don Bluth]

I always thought it would be fun to organize a studio in general as a co-op where all the employees have an equal share of the company, and leave the hierarchy to the individual projects. (Whoever 'owns' the project gets to direct, etc) But that still means you have to eventually have something guaranteed to sell, in order to have profits to share among the members, so they can pay rent!

A co-op studio has a slim chance of working. There must always be a leader and those who follow the leader. Nature is filled with examples of this.

The Cyber Garage is an exercise in putting together a production piece with the intent of teaching animation principals to students. That is the Goal. Each student/animator will own and have proprietary rights over the drawings that they have created and may be used to augment their portfolios. The finished product will not be for sale! In the event that a market does arise, each of the students/animators will all have to agree to the sale and be compensated for their footage. My soul purpose is to instruct you so that you will be strong traditional animators. When this works, and we have a symbiotic relationship, perhaps then, we can talk about the idea of marketing a project and paying online animators to do it. Lets not put the cart before the horse.

[BrioCyrain]

Don Bluth has spoken, and you have some good points sir.

[Snapai]

The Cyber Garage is an exercise in putting together a production piece with the intent of teaching animation principals to students. That is the Goal.

I didn't mean to imply that you had ulterior motives! Not in the slightest! :eek:

When I said that the project is sort of a studio, I meant that it's a bunch of artists working together under a director to complete a project. And we're thankful to have you! :D

And of course, I can only hope that some someone hears whispers about this project, sees the final thing, and decides maybe 2D animation is worth it again. Even though it's only for educational purposes.

Personally, I suspect this site stands a better chance of reigniting that flame than the Princess and the Frog movie. :)

I guess I'm just putting the heart before the course, then. ;)

[BrioCyrain]

I didn't mean to imply that you had ulterior motives! Not in the slightest! :eek:

When I said that the project is sort of a studio, I meant that it's a bunch of artists working together under a director to complete a project. And we're thankful to have you! :D

And of course, I can only hope that some someone hears whispers about this project, sees the final thing, and decides maybe 2D animation is worth it again. Even though it's only for educational purposes.

Personally, I suspect this site stands a better chance of reigniting that flame than the Princess and the Frog movie. :)

I guess I'm just putting the heart before the course, then. ;)

Depends on who you're refering to, Cyber Garage is meant to "reignite" us flash and 3D prone animators to pick up a pencil, a few tools and go crazy with traditional. Princess and the Frog is probably trying to get consumers and producers interested in traditonal again. Each project has a certain designated audience. Cyber Garage happens to be designated for us.

[johncbeggs]

Depends on who you're refering to, Cyber Garage is meant to "reignite" us flash and 3D prone animators to pick up a pencil, a few tools and go crazy with traditional. Princess and the Frog is probably trying to get consumers and producers interested in traditonal again. Each project has a certain designated audience. Cyber Garage happens to be designated for us.

I hopefully one day can reach the rank of an animator, Maybe a character designer too! but for now I need practice and tons of it.
Thank you Don Bluth for providing the much needed practice!
(I am devoted to traditional animation and always will be) :D
I dont do 3D or animation on the computer!

[BrioCyrain]

I hopefully one day can reach the rank of an animator, Maybe a character designer too! but for now I need practice and tons of it.
Thank you Don Bluth for providing the much needed practice!
(I am devoted to traditional animation and always will be) :D
I dont do 3D or animation on the computer!

Well, so I am guessing this is going to be your first time animating? I at least know some stuff about animation using flash.

[johncbeggs]

Well, so I am guessing this is going to be your first time animating? I at least know some stuff about animation using flash.

Well Ive done alot of practice with flash (just hate it) and I know how to do it the traditional way now and I am learning quick and studying about inbetweens.
But to my knowledge to be an animator it takes many years of hard work.

Ive made animations before (flash is way too easy)Just hate it!
but in no way at all do I even come close to the rank of Animator. :D

heres like my fourth attempt at traditional:

http://s632.photobucket.com/albums/uu41/johncbeggs/?action=view&current=Turnaround.flv

heres the turnaround sheet: I know its kinda lame but I did this all just by fliping the pages back and fourth.:)
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu41/johncbeggs/FatCatTurnaround.png

[BrioCyrain]

Well Ive done alot of practice with flash (just hate it) and I know how to do it the traditional way now and I am learning quick and studying about inbetweens.
But to my knowledge to be an animator it takes many years of hard work.

Ive made animations before but in no way at all do I even come close to the rank of animator. :D

When was an animator a rank? It seems like you're confusing an animator with a professional animator

[Regan]

To become an animator you have to know the secret handshake.

[Snapai]

Animators are usually rank towards the end of a production, when they're having to pull extra long hours to complete the project on time, and it starts cutting into their sleep and shower schedule. :laughing:

[johncbeggs]

When was an animator a rank? It seems like you're confusing an animator with a professional animator

It would be like me bandaging up a person that fell and scratched their knee and calling myself a Doctor!:laughing:

[BrioCyrain]

It would be like me bandaging up a person that fell and scratched their knee and calling myself a Doctor!:laughing:

I don't get it. I thought an animator is a person who animates drawings during an animation production.

[BrioCyrain]

Animators are usually rank towards the end of a production, when they're having to pull extra long hours to complete the project on time, and it starts cutting into their sleep and shower schedule. :laughing:

Isn't that what all animators do, unless they are a just a person who just comes in and draws a couple of frames.

[Regan]

I don't get it. I thought an animator is a person who animates drawings during an animation production.

John is clearly alluding to the fact that he is a STUDENT...someday he will be an animator.

Don't nitpick so much! My goodness!

[johncbeggs]

John is clearly alluding to the fact that he is a STUDENT...someday he will be an animator.

Don't nitpick so much! My goodness!

Thankyou Regan :)

[BrioCyrain]

John is clearly alluding to the fact that he is a STUDENT...someday he will be an animator.

Don't nitpick so much! My goodness!

Wasn't clear to me. I can't read minds.

[johncbeggs]

Wasn't clear to me. I can't read minds.

I thought I was making a clear point with my doctor example :D

[BrioCyrain]

Well, that was one of the most generalized points I've ever seen.

At least I get it now.

[Dave]

I didn't mean to imply that you had ulterior motives! Not in the slightest! :eek:

When I said that the project is sort of a studio, I meant that it's a bunch of artists working together under a director to complete a project. And we're thankful to have you! :D

And of course, I can only hope that some someone hears whispers about this project, sees the final thing, and decides maybe 2D animation is worth it again. Even though it's only for educational purposes.

Personally, I suspect this site stands a better chance of reigniting that flame than the Princess and the Frog movie. :)

I guess I'm just putting the heart before the course, then. ;)

Not at all Snapai... I think we needed to let everybody know where we're coming from in regards to the goals of the Cyber Garage. It's a learning project for everybody involved; including us.
We received a couple of emails about proprietary rights to the finished product and we wanted to make it clear that all the animators involved will own an equal share. Everybody that participates will have a credit in the final reel.

[johncbeggs]

Not at all Snapai... I think we needed to let everybody know where we're coming from in regards to the goals of the Cyber Garage. It's a learning project for everybody involved; including us.
We received a couple of emails about proprietary rights to the finished product and we wanted to make it clear that all the animators involved will own an equal share. Everybody that participates will have a credit in the final reel.

:) Im just in it for the learning experience, Don Bluth has alot of great tips for everyone and I plan on following them ,like I said before his tips gold for a beginner like me :)

[lavallelee]

:) Im just in it for the learning experience, Don Bluth has alot of great tips for everyone and I plan on following them ,like I said before his tips gold for a beginner like me :)

*tips hat* i agree 100%

[BrioCyrain]

True, His stuff is really good.

[OwenWelsh]

I love this idea. I immediately thought of this too, but.... let's see what happens :-) Baby steps.

A co-op studio has a slim chance of working. There must always be a leader and those who follow the leader. Nature is filled with examples of this.

The Cyber Garage is an exercise in putting together a production piece with the intent of teaching animation principals to students. That is the Goal. Each student/animator will own and have proprietary rights over the drawings that they have created and may be used to augment their portfolios. The finished product will not be for sale! In the event that a market does arise, each of the students/animators will all have to agree to the sale and be compensated for their footage. My soul purpose is to instruct you so that you will be strong traditional animators. When this works, and we have a symbiotic relationship, perhaps then, we can talk about the idea of marketing a project and paying online animators to do it. Lets not put the cart before the horse.

[Alexandra Poston]

In reference to the whole money issue with starting a new independant studio, I think the best bet is directing a darn good film in your home, and see if that can fund your future projects. For example: Don made Banjo in his garage, and later, Banjo is what funded the production of the Secret of NIMH. Like I read in The Exposure Sheet, working on a short can fund the rest of your career.

I have no business experience, and the idea of figuring out taxes and employees and all that is way over my head, but I don't think it'd be too ridiculously hard to make a short film ( like the old Mickey shorts?) and get experience and perhaps even some recognition from it. Regardless, short films have less risks, and can be fun. I think that's how I'd go about starting a studio, I guess, if I started to forumlate the idea of one.

[BrioCyrain]

In reference to the whole money issue with starting a new independant studio, I think the best bet is directing a darn good film in your home, and see if that can fund your future projects. For example: Don made Banjo in his garage, and later, Banjo is what funded the production of the Secret of NIMH. Like I read in The Exposure Sheet, working on a short can fund the rest of your career.

I have no business experience, and the idea of figuring out taxes and employees and all that is way over my head, but I don't think it'd be too ridiculously hard to make a short film ( like the old Mickey shorts?) and get experience and perhaps even some recognition from it. Regardless, short films have less risks, and can be fun. I think that's how I'd go about starting a studio, I guess, if I started to forumlate the idea of one.

Which is so true. A short has been the tried and true way to get a career in animation. which is why most animation schools or programs practically DEMAND you finish or your team finish a short to put on your demo reel. If you ever look at BYU or things like VANARTS I am pretty sure at least most of the students have a short of some kind when they graduated.

Not only does it show how artistic or well-talented you are, but the fact you are willing to COMMIT TO FINISHING an animation project, it be either being a short, film, or feature film as a part of a team or individual.

[gdane]

at my childhood i had an dream to work at studio. unfortunatly we have no any animation studious here at Russia. i mean we have companies but not have animation as branch of economy. its not working sector of economy. so in 2 years i will be workless animator :(