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Multimedia Technology - General & Miscellaneous, Graphics Programming, Computer Animation, Computer Graphics - General & Miscellaneous, Animation Techniques
Storytelling through Animation by Mike Wellins β€” book cover

Storytelling through Animation

by Mike Wellins, Wellins
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Overview

As an animator, it's difficult to watch movies or animated films without thinking about the directing quality or technical aspects of the production. But when that movie pulls you in and draws you to the characters and their plights, you really experience the story. Storytelling Through Animation provides an in-depth guide to the process of conceiving, planning, and producing an animated or live action media production. It covers specific information for many forms of visuals, including traditional cel, stop motion, Flash, or 3D CG with a focus on the most critical aspect of any production- the story. The book is written for filmmakers, animators, producers, editors, directors, game creators, and anyone who has the task of telling a story visually. It teaches the principles, real-world techniques, tricks, tips, and creative and visual fundamentals key to great animated storytelling. Using detailed explanations of principles and techniques and a variety of film examples, it guides animators through every step of the production process, and teaches them how to infuse their story and develop emotional connections in every part of the production. It provides systems and checks and balances that can make projects smoother and storytelling better at any level or budget. In addition, it explores all of the concepts and techniques needed for animation, including visual theory, motion, animation techniques, and their live action counterparts, character animation, composition, production, lighting, rendering, editing, and compositing. Finally, the book helps to create critical and realistic critiquing skills for evaluating and creating emotional connections with the audience. After reading this book, animators will have the knowledge and skills needed to tell their own visual stories.

Synopsis

Who needs to grovel before the latest surgically-enhanced-drama- queen-superstar-flavor-of-the-month? Indie filmmaker Wellins gives detailed explanations and examples of how to make animated films from the emotional level on up to where to hang the lights. Covering everything from narrative structure and the techniques of visual storytelling cinematography, preproduction (including animatics), the sound track, character design, production (including character animation), and postproduction, Wellins considers a wide range of tools and methods, including stop motion, software manipulation, and scanner animation. The CD-ROM includes figures and movies in the text. Cue the lizards. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

About the Author, Mike Wellins

Mike Wellins is a prolific indie filmmaker and commercial director of animation. He was a director at Will Vinton Studios for five years, and also worked with Walt Disney Feature Animation, Hanna Barbera, Nickelodeon, and Warner Brothers TV. He has created numerous commercials, episodic television, pilots, shorts and music videos, and over 70 films (long, short, live, animated, and three low-budget features). His professional and independent work has earned him numerous awards, including an Annie for outstanding achievement in an animated commercial. His films have also been featured in The Sick and Twisted Festivals, The Animation Celebration, and the Sundance Film Festival and have appeared on Cartoon Network, MTV, the Sci-Fi Channel, and Atom films. Additionally, he has spoken at the Game Developer Conference and Siggraph on storytelling, animation, and direction.

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Book Details

Published
January 1, 2005
Publisher
Cengage Learning
Pages
464
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781584503941

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