What is the Most Challenging Animation Project You've Worked On?

Transformers 2 was definitely the most challenging project I've worked on so far. It was my first show as a Lead Animator, so my responsibilities expanded beyond the regular duties of completing animation shots.

I had to attend meetings and video transmissions with the director, relay shot feedback to all the animators who worked on the sequence I was leading, make sure that the animators had everything they needed in order to complete their shots, and much more. So, I had to fit a lot more into the same schedule.

I happened to work on a sequence which was all CG with no actual live-action plates, so the director had a lot of freedom in terms of camera setups. This was also very challenging because of that said freedom. We went through a lot of different versions until the director's vision was met, but at the end of the day it was worth it. Michael Bay has a great eye for visual composition, and I learned a lot from listening to his feedback.

Guest blogger Jean-Denis Haas

Interview at a Studio: What Was it Like?

Interviews early in one’s career are extremely nerve wrecking. At least they were for me! My palms would get sweaty, I would have to take deep breaths, my voice would get shaky, I would forget simple things like why I loved animation. But let me tell you, it does get easier. I promise! Nerves will still be there because you really want the job, but it becomes more of a conversation rather than you feeling interrogated. And I only felt interrogated because I made myself feel that way.

Everyone I ever interviewed with was extremely nice, down to earth and easy to talk to. I was just too caught up in answering questions exactly how I had written them out before the interview. I was too much in my head trying to find the words; I never really gave myself a chance to just talk with them. As soon as I got over that, most of the nerves went away. I am still nervous until the point when I get into the room to interview, but as soon as I meet everyone and start talking I feel a lot more relaxed. Most studios are really good about giving a tour first which always helps as well.

I have had two big interviews at film studios so far. The first one was a phone interview with Tippett Studio, and later that year was an onsite interview with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). I was nervous of course, but I ended up feeling relaxed and comfortable throughout both. Surprisingly, I was more nervous during the phone interview since my voice and words were all they could go off of. At least in person if I was quiet after a question they could see I was thinking, whereas on the phone I felt like I had to answer quicker so they didn't think I wasn't listening or spacing out!

Here are some things I learned about interviewing:
- Always walk in with a resume portfolio. It’s pretty much a fancy folder. I put some extra resumes in there, my demo reel and business cards. Most of the time I don’t need any of these things, but there was one time they couldn’t find my demo and having it on hand helped. I also put a pad of paper in there with any questions I have about the position, project or company. I also have a pen to jot down any notes that come up during the interview. All of this makes me feel super prepared and eases some of my nerves.

- Research. I always do as much research as I can before the interview. I often find I don’t always know as much as I thought I did and more times then not have been things brought up during the interview. This also helps me feel more prepared.


- Don’t overdo it, but dress nicer than a t-shirt and jeans. I know at some places in our industry, what you wear during an interview doesn’t matter. Even so, I still like to put in a little more effort than my usual day. I find that if I look professional when I look in the mirror, it helps me feel a little more professional overall.

- Ask questions. Asking questions lets interviewers know you are really interested. I am not telling you to fake it if you aren’t interested, but if you really are, don’t hold back. I am sure they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. So don’t be shy!

Guest Blogger Jess Morris

Can You Provide Some Tips on Animating Dialogue?

Animating dialogue can add so much character. Think about facial asymmetry. Everyone talks differently (just like everyone walks differently). Watch different actors deliver their lines and see how faces move differently when they talk. This can give you cool ideas for facial poses.

Ultimately, you might be working on a character that has a defined way of talking, but usually there is room for little interesting details in any performance.

Guest Blogger Josh Riley

How Do You Make an Unappealing Character Design Appealing?

Emotion emotion emotion emotion emotion.

Did I say that word enough? I think even the ugliest of characters can be made appealing by the way he treats his emotions, especially the heartfelt ones: sadness, empathy, pity, understanding, joy and love.

Personally, I think Stitch is pretty unappealing design in itself. He does have the big eyes going for him, but it’s how he uses his emotions that makes him super appealing. Side bar – that is a very hard thing to do with aliens, by the way. We humans are used to seeing things a certain way. We know that babies of nearly every creature are cute. Making something from out of our realm cute is pretty daunting.

Ok, I’m back. Having the character show these heartfelt emotions can turn the audience’s stomach back to normal after making them flip because of an ugly design. Empathy cures all wounds. Show the character doing something caring and that he believes it is the right thing to do and you will win them over.

But what if that character doesn’t have any heartfelt emotional moments? How do I make him appealing then? Well, that’s a bit tougher for sure. Comedy can come to the rescue. Everyone likes a clown even though they are pretty creepy. I think the ability for an unappealing character to pull out a laugh is very similar to pulling out empathy. In both instances, you like this character and are therefore drawn to him, thus making him appealing.

That’s all fine and good but what if the character doesn’t have any heartfelt moments and isn’t a comedian?

Well, guess what? He’s the villain and he shouldn’t be appealing. Make him as ugly as you can get!

Guest Blogger Mike Gasaway