Wednesday April 7th 2010

[Dave]

We are starting this thread early to give members a chance to install any video or images they want critiqued in April 7th seminar. The best format for video clips is .MOV files (Quicktime videos).
Throughout the week, Dave will try to incorporate as many images and video clips as possible into the live seminar.

The deadline for clips and images to be critiqued in the live seminar is Tues March 6th @ 5:00 PM sharp AZ time.

Thanks


Here is the New Link to watch the live Seminar.
http://donbluthanimation.com/_Don_Bluth_Animation_live_seminar.html
You must be logged into your Don's Club account to see the stream.

Please post ALL questions in this thread.

[Rich-E]

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/videos.php?showvideo=348

frank the pissed off hotdawg (because he has no bun) has become a celebrity after his profile on 17 17. people now recognize him and stop and stare when he is seen in public.

[joedorsey]

Here's an animation I did from Eric Goldberg's book.

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/videos.php?showvideo=344

and here's some new character drawings...

Meet Barn Bunny or as his friends call him B.B. He's the owner of the local diner/gas station/repair shop. B.B. is laid back and sincere. Most all the town comes to his place to have a burger and chat awhile. The town is very country and is just off the highway where many city folks commute to work. So there are a variety of characters that love to visit B.B.s Place. Here he is working and welcoming someone new.

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=202&pictureid=980


This is Clem (An Opossum). He's the mechanic who also pumps gas for B.B.'s Place. Being B.B.'s right hand man has him always working. Clem is suspicious of just about everything especially city folk. He's a hard worker and is best friends with B.B. There's a soft spot in there somewhere...you just got to get to know him.

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=202&pictureid=983


Billy (the Fox) is the fry cook and essence of youth at the diner. He wants to change the world, but doesn't know exactly how. He longs to live in the city and wants to know any news from the commuters that stop by. His loyalty to the crew and his greater love for the townspeople keep him firmly planted at home. Billy is a mixture of southern culture and hippy. He loves the "new" but the folks love him just as he is.

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=212&pictureid=985

[lavallelee]

Hey Don, I decided to turn vinnie into a short. I wrote a story and script

here are some poses, any advice to make them better

http://4mchan.org/Forum/gallery/2_05_04_10_8_30_09.jpeg

http://4mchan.org/Forum/gallery/2_01_04_10_9_07_52.jpeg

http://4mchan.org/Forum/gallery/2_02_04_10_9_23_25.jpeg

http://4mchan.org/Forum/gallery/2_02_04_10_8_54_16.jpeg

[lavallelee]

When going from a pencil drawing and then redrawing it on the computer. How do I not loose the quality of the pencil drawing.

http://4mchan.org/Forum/gallery/2_04_04_10_8_41_52.jpeg

Also any advice on coloring, this car is from my Vinnie short.

[DaveLav]

I posted this question last week and missed if it had been answered during the live Seminar. For some reason IE would not let me view the live feed.

[madanimator]

It is always very difficult to create a completely new character, especially when it's a mouse or a dog, because there are already hundreds of mice-and dog designs and we are always influenced by them.
This is a very quick sketch of a mouse character and I want to ask you, if it's somehow a new design or again just a copy of something that already exists.

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=981

[arif]

I am echoing same thing with Beatrice....as this is my question too....

`character design question

My question is....

`what would you do if you need to create any new character?....especially, based on cat, mouse and etc....i noticed that your `Banjo`is totally different look from any other cat character which is exits...even, when you draw Lion....it looks completely new thing...how do you do that?..any advice for us??

i am trying to create a new Rooster....

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt308/arifnbd/mor.jpg

Regards,
Arif

[Rich-E]

i've been working on the bouncing ball tutorial. i know it is 32 frames on 2's this gives me 16 drawings which is quite clear in the tutorial.

Moving on to bouncing the pig i believe we are still on 32 frames with 16 drawings or 2's.
what determines the keys or action drawings 1,5,9,16? is this arbitrary and subjective? one through sixteen is the up bounce fifteen/ sixteen being the last frame of the action drawings going up. coming down the other side i've chosen 24/25 for the dropping (action drawing) ending at 31/32 (action drawing) in the squash position timing my exposures accordingly. the animation seems to work at this pace. 24/25 was just a guess. how much science, how much guess work, and how much experience is involved in determining the placement of the action drawings.
what comes first the x sheet, the animation, or the actions drawings.


if i have 64 frames or 128 frames what determines 1's 2's 3's or even 4's and how would i know where my action drawings are on the x sheet unless i rough out the animation first?

failed physicist

rich

ps
remember! there are no stupid questions, but, i heard that subject is still open for debate...



http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af91/richtoonz/L001F002-2.jpg

[Stewart]

Hi Don, Dave.

Q. I love to draw real people, but I do find it difficult to exaggerate and caricature both the pose and the features. Do you have any advice on how to take something that you see in real life and make it more cartoony?

Q. Do you have any tips for sketching in public? These sketches were drawn from photos directly into the computer, (using a wacom tablet and Sketchbook Pro) I would love to sketch more in public places but I get very self-conscious.

Thanks a lot, Stewart.

[Rodney]

For some reason that link at the top post doesn't work for me. It seems to be truncated.

http://donbluthanimation.com/_Don_Bluth_Animation_live_seminar.html
so here it is again:
Don Bluth Animation live seminar.html (http://donbluthanimation.com/_Don_Bluth_Animation_live_seminar.html)

If anyone has some time to kill just prior to the seminar perhaps they could help check to make those of us connecting get online?

...and as a reminder... Internet explorer doesn't always work well with the seminar window.
So, if at first you don't succeed try Firefox, Google Chrome etc.

[joedorsey]

It seems at the big studios they go through a bunch of character development. Have you ever experienced a character that was over-developed to the point of losing it's essence?

[Ben Wilson]

Hi Dave and Don,

I recently got hold of an animation desk and so I've started out by doing a bouncing ball and a walk cycle.

http://donbluthanimation.com/videos.php?showvideo=349

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/videos.php?showvideo=350

Doing this taught me a lot and I'm starting to understand it a lot more. The walk is on 1s at 24fps so one step for 12frames. This meant I had to inbetween on 3rds which was quite tricky.

[Gabriel-Carson]

revised bird flight. Did I pass or should I continue fixing it?

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/videos.php?showvideo=351

Don I tried drawing sasha the bunny waving hi but she is also shy how did I do?
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u317/Gimpy-film/sketch-book-047.jpg

also you suggested I animate a bird flight in a ark from the back ground to the front in 32 frames. Judging by my thumbnails do you think I am on track. I thought I could have the bird start in the back ground left, move to the front then in an ark back to the back ground right. thumbnail one would also include two wing flaps. Also by thumbnail 5 the bird's back is facing us. can I do this in 32 frames?
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u317/Gimpy-film/thumbnails-bird-001.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

Here is a new version of Henry's pose based on your suggestions last week:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/S7vFXMyeKSI/AAAAAAAABtg/FvDLestQeIg/29-03-2010.jpg
Cat Studies:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/S7vFW3mnh7I/AAAAAAAABtc/_i6ncTdQpDc/28-03-2010.jpg
Milt Kahl hand studies:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/S7vFWifsyXI/AAAAAAAABtY/CwAXoBtuEbg/27-03-2010.jpg

[jeremyfries]

Hi Don,

I've heard some wildly different things about storyboard drawings. Some people say to draw very rough drawings so that you can work quickly. Other people say that you need to draw more finished drawings so that you can see what the film will actually look like. Do you think it's better to be rough or more refined, or do you start with rough drawings and replace them with finished drawings later?

[ericaanimation]

I was just wondering after watching part of Fiddler on the Roof recently, if Papa Mousekewitz was inspired by Tevye? I personally saw some similarities with the way they dressed, sounded, acted and the fact that both characters where from Russia. Or was this just a coincidence?

Erica

[OwenWelsh]

The Happy Prince

How are the model sheets for Jake the swallow coming along? Is his name Jake?

Ending of the Happy Prince

Don I didn't think the ending of the Happy Prince was grim at all because the swallow finds life after death. Have you decided how you will change the ending?

[madanimator]

When do I know that I have my own style in drawing or animation, or is that a never ending process - to find the personal style?

[johncbeggs]

Hello don and dave, can you let don read this one ? he doesnt have to read it outloud!

Here is frame 1 of my animation! he is going to say:
" I Just wannnaaaaa f---------flllyyyyyyy"

After saying fly, He will push his hands outward infront of himself! and his fingers will also spread apart! this from the start is going to be a challenge :laughing:!

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=211&pictureid=984

What I ask you don, What would the best way to go about animating this short clip! - what would be the best next pose?.

thankyou Don!

[Dave]

Hello don and dave, can you let don read this one ? he doesnt have to read it outloud!

Here is frame 1 of my animation! he is going to say:
http://www.esnips.com/doc/321ade6e-840a-4b30-a73f-a7110deeadcd/recoder5

- sorry the voice recordings is abit loud Im going to edit that part! but the girl whose done the voice has never met me before so it was hard to explain what for her to say! but she did an excellent job on it!

After saying fly He will push his hands outward infront of himself! and his fingers will also spread apart! this from the start is going to be a challenge :laughing:!

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=211&pictureid=984

What I ask you don, What would the best way to go about animating this short clip! - what would be the best next pose?.

thankyou Don!

John,
The link above does not work so I can't proceed with this image/question because it is unclear what you want. Why must Don read it?

Dave

[Rodney]

I'm interested in your thoughts on registering characters against elements on background layers. Do you have any tips on planning animation on multiple layers? (An example might be where a character must walk through a doorway but that doorway, the wall and other elements are all on a background layer)

As a follow up to this here is a related question:
In your experience do most scenes need to have a minimum of three layers in order to achieve the illusion of depth?

Your insights will be appreciated.

[Rodney]

I've read accounts that paint a rather dim picture of work at Filmation.
Do you have any experiences to relate that would suggest some time spent there was beneficial for artists and animators working there? Or was it really as doom and gloom as some have made it out to be?

(If nothing else, economically, I'd imagine animators learned how to finish their assignments on a tight budget and deadline.)

[johncbeggs]

John,
The link above does not work so I can't proceed with this image/question because it is unclear what you want. Why must Don read it?

Dave

IM sorry about that Dave, I fixed the original post! I wrote it in instead of the sound version!.

Oh and the reason I ask if Don could read it if he wants is because It would be Quicker that way! but whatever works :D

thankyou Dave for testing out the link because I thought it actually worked!

[lavallelee]

when it comes to making a animated short could you tell me the process that is best, example;

Start with story, then script, music, voice acting, storyboarding, animatic, animating, backgrounds, inking, then?

what is the best order in creating a complete short? 3-5 minute tops

[jeremyhopkins]

Last session you mentioned how in some animated films many animators don't understand musical rhythms and how they add a hidden appeal to a scene. I've heard a pause or a thought described as a beat but never heard anyone talk about a character in 4/4 or 6/8 time. When planning for an acting scene without a song, do you write out the musical signature for each character? Does establishing this rhythm help you know the character relationships and how to create harmony or discord between the differing personalities?

[jeremyhopkins]

Could you talk a little bit about power centers, a place on the body that leads the action like the head, chest, belly or hips, and how they relate to acting? Are there power centers that change as a character changes from joy to sorrow and are there power centers that remain constant which aren't affected by emotions?

Hope that makes sense.

[AJartist]

what do you think is the most important thing that John Lounsbury taught you?

[AJartist]

Can you talk a little bit about the last time you met with Milt Kahl before he passed away?

[AJartist]

I will definatly be attending the workshop this July. Its been stated on the site that we need not bring any materials. However, what type of materials will be provided for us when we arrive? will we have animation desks or turntables?

[OwenWelsh]

Don you asked us last week what we think of the seminar and if we are getting anything out of it. I am getting a tremendous amount of information from the seminars but I often miss them because they take place while I'm at work and it frustrates me because I really look forward to your seminars. It would be great if you could save the seminar recordings and allow us to view or download them later. I would be willing to pay more for this feature.

[samuelvictorjones]

Sorry to be late to the party!

Question: Does Don feel that independent film companies are the future of 2d "full" animation, with the majors only investing in 3d? I run a live action production company, looking into 2d features. Been talking to Gary Goldman who's gioven me some fantastic pointers & inspiration.

Many thanks, such a great opportunity to talk to Don

[Richard Willimot]

Hello Don and Dave, Don how much time would you estimate you spend planning a scene before you actually start to draw keys?

[Sung1]

Hey Don, where did you learn your storytelling techniques

[johncbeggs]

Hello don and dave, can you let don read this one ? he doesnt have to read it outloud!

Here is frame 1 of my animation! he is going to say:
" I Just wannnaaaaa f---------flllyyyyyyy"

After saying fly, He will push his hands outward infront of himself! and his fingers will also spread apart! this from the start is going to be a challenge :laughing:!

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=211&pictureid=984

What I ask you don, What would the best way to go about animating this short clip! - what would be the best next pose?.

thankyou Don!

[ericaanimation]

You mentioned the use of Metronomes. Which kind would you suggest and where could I get one from?

Erica

[Rodney]

With apologies to those who were expecting me to recap some of the seminar today. It looks like I dropped the ball and didn't save my notes. (gulp)

Don't hurt me... I managed to save a few screen captures...

http://blog.5pointpatch.com/wp-content/uploads/blog.5pointpatch.com/2010/04/Don-Bluths-Animation-Seminar-7-Apr-2010_lg.jpg

[joedorsey]

Thanks Rodney for the screen caps. Lots of great stuff on this last webinar.

[samuelvictorjones]

Sorry if this message is deemed as redundant or spam, just wanted to say that this was my first online seminar with Don, I learned a lot and was massively impressed with how he answerred all questions and gave pointers to all users, regardless of experience or skill level, I really felt that (as he himself said) this wasn't set up for profit, more as a way to help people with a passion for 2d animation learn and better their skills.

I particularly liked the response to my own question, using the analogy of penguins on a cliff edge, waiting for the first person to take a plunge, inspiring stuff, and good to feel that Don sees a future for independent anaimtion houses and rising talent :)

[arif]

wonderful Rodney.......great to see those drawings Don made for us.....

Regards,
Arif:laughing:

[dartzy]

Will the seminar from this past Wednesday be made available to view? I wasn't able to attend. Just asking...

[jeremyhopkins]

Sorry Dartzy but I don't think Dave will be putting the seminars online anymore. It costs too much to stream the video. There was talk of putting together a DVD with all of the seminars to date. Once that's available, I'll go back and transcribe previous seminars so there will be a text version online too.