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animateden

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Posts posted by animateden

  1. Thanks Cristin,

     

    I appreciate having to pick and choose among what to cover in a class. As soon as you start the clock starts ticking and it never stops. It would be kinda crazy to try to fit all that stuff into four discs. However, I hope it gives you more choices on what you can pick from and who knows maybe next year you can come back for four more and four more the next year, etc. It's always good to have job security.

     

    The side to side vibration formula is a method mentioned in Richard Williams book the Animator's Survival Kit. The problem is stated like this you are moving a character in an arc and when you play it back the character seems to wobble or vibrate. This was a definite problem back in the days of hand drawn animation and something I still see happen often in computer animation.

     

    Richard approaches the problem from the hand drawn side and I was hoping you might have some insight from the 3D side of things.

     

    I am really looking forward to watching your classes and I will certainly share my thoughts.

     

    Thanks again for doing this it is much appreciated,

  2. My Wish List for an Animation Curriculuum:

     

    Before you even start (really:)

     

    a) Squash and Stretch

    B) Anticipation

    c) Staging

    d) Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose

    e) Follow through and Overlapping Action

    f) Slow in and Slow out

    g) Arcs

    h) Secondary Action

    i) Timing

    j) Exaggeration

    k) Believeability

    l) Appeal

     

    1) How to animate inanimate objects

    2) The animation of solids

    3) The animation of liquids

    4) Basic Human (character) animation

    5) Lifting

    6) Pushing

    7) Pulling

    8) Showing Weight

    9) Timing

    9a) Stagger Timings

    9b) The Side to Side Vibration Formula

    9c) Whip Action

    9d) Wave Action

    10) Anticipation

    11) Follow-Through

    12) Overlapping Action

    13) Walks and Walk Cycles

    13a) Getting Weight and Attitude

    13b) Sneaks

    14) Runs and Run Cycles

    14a) Runs, Jumps, Skips and Leaps

    14b) Blending Walks, Jumps, Runs, etc.

    15) Animal Walks and Cycles

    16) Animal Runs and Cycles

    17) Animation of sea and amphibious creatures

    18) Animation of birds

    19) Acting

    19a) Appeal and Dynamics

    20) Consequence

    21) Emotions

    22) General Body Language

    23) Basic Body Postures

    24) Acting out a scene

    25) Acting-Facial Expressions

    26) Emotions with just the face

    27) Emotions with just the eyes

    28) Expressions with hand and face gestures

    29) Putting it together with more than one character

    30) Setting up the space

    31) Avoiding mirroring

    32) How character look at each other

    33) Conversation

    34) Action and Reaction shots

    35) Groups and Large Groups

    36) Lip-sync

    37) Acting with dialogue

    38) Extremes and breaking down an action

    39) Making a scene read- silhouettes

    40) Demo Reels

    41) Reference Footage

     

    There are three books I take as the gospel on animation, these ideas came as much from them as from my experience teaching animation.

     

    The holy books are:

     

    The Illusion of Life by the Amazing Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston (when I was in college a few years ago, they came and spent a week with us, I learned more in that week than in the other four years of my education. I also was able to spend a week with Chuck Jones another amazing animator.)

     

    The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams (he breaks it all down and makes it all make so much sense. Especially for hand drawn animation.)

     

    Character Animation in 3D by Steve Roberts (the first book I have found to show you how to apply the principles of 2D animation to 3D side by side.)

     

    So if I got the books why am I bothering you? I am the proud owner of every tutorial disk the Anzovin's have produced. There is just sometimes when you need to be shown something not just have it read to you. Also as I mentioned above I also teach this stuff it is always good to sit in on another teacher and see how they are doing it. When a teacher forgets that they have a lot to learn they are finished.

     

    Thanks for asking for suggestions...I look forward to the fruits of your labors,

  3. Brian,

     

    The book arrived from Amazon just the other day. I have started reading it, however, I keep finding myself drifting through pages just to look at more and more of the amazing artwork.

     

    It is a real inspiration to see many pieces I have seen on the A:M mailing list and forum in hi-rez printed glory.

     

    I give this book my highest recommendation. I truly have become a student of the Anzovin's. I own all of their tutorial CDs and now their book. Each has been a much used learning tool and reference.

     

    -Den

     

    P.S. This has been an unpaid, unsolicited endorsement from one very happy customer!

    post-23-1123896412.jpg

  4. I saw the "3D Toons" book today by Anzovin and Anzovin

     

    It was quite impressive. Definately on my "Wish List".

     

    Here's my question: Is there any benefit to you folks at Anzovin if I buy it from you? Or do you have a deal with Amazon or anybody?

     

    I would like you to get the most bang for my buck.

     

    Thanks,

  5. Hello All!

     

    Den Dotson here, somewhat long-time user of Animation Master recent graduate of the esteemed Rodney certification program.

     

    I am here to introduce you to my students. Yes, I have students. My "real" job is teaching graphics software for CompUSA (among many other things). In my capacity as an instructor for CompUSA I go onsite to teach as well. Recently I have been given the opportunity to teach Animation Master to the great folks at the Granite City Steel Learning Center.

     

    I will be, over the next 15 weeks, taking them through the exercises in "The Art of Animation Master" as well as sharing the history of animation, and basic animation techniques.

     

    I have asked them to post their work here as we go so they can share it with each other and all of you. My hope is that by the end of the class we will have a fresh crop of certified Animation Master users.

     

    I love Animation Master and I hope with this opportunity to spread that love to others by letting them share the joy of animating.

     

    Without further adieu here are my students:

     

    John "Chip" Bauer-serrada

    Linda Hill-bumblv

    Bob Bridges-coolidge

    Linda Bridges-coolteach

    Bob and Cheryl McKinney-bridget42

    Dan Koroby-bdsw

     

    You will be seeing many amazing things from these folks in the future. Please offer them the same criticism, praise, and encouragement you gave me.

     

    Thanks,

    Den Dotson-animateden

  6. Hey Rodney,

     

    Yes, it's Den the teacher. The student has become the master. My "real" job is as a software instructor for CompUSA. In that capacity I am teaching Animation Master at the Granite City Steel Learning Center.

     

    As I teach through the exercises in The Art of Animation Master I am having my students post their work here for all to see and to eventually get them all certified.

     

    Rodney, I couldn't do it without you. I am passing on the great things I learned here. Thanks to you!

     

    -Den

  7. Ben and Scott,

     

    Welcome to the team.

     

    I am going to be watching my e-mail and this forum till the end of the week to gather our team and then I will send out a list of items to pick from. You can work on as much of as little as you are able.

     

    Working in 10.5 shouldn't be a problem until we start building scenes, even then we will see how we can work around it.

     

    I am excited at the interest this project is getting and I can't wait to get started.

     

    If you have any question feel free to e-mail me or post them here.

     

    Please also drop me an e-mail when you get a chance with your e-mail addresses. This collaboration will be all over the internet so it is important that we can all stay in touch.

     

    Again welcome,

    -Den

  8. Mike,

     

    What I am going to do is wait till the end of the week to see who is "in" on the project. Then I will send out an e-mail with all the parts and pieces we will need to get started. We can all pick from the list and the mark them off as we go.

     

    Probably would be best if everybody on the team could swap e-mail addresses then we can pass notes back and forth without filling up the forum.

  9. Mr Jage,

     

    There is no timeframe for this project. It will last as long as it takes to finish no longer and no less. You can even jump on when you have time and jump off when you need a break.

     

    We would love to see you on the team.

     

    ZachBG,

     

    Yes it is an idea I have played with in many forms over the years. I thought it was time to create the Hash version of it. I guess I am more own little George Lucas this will be the Zombie Snowmen Special Edition.

     

    -Den

  10. Michael,

     

    I would welcome any contribution you would be willing to make to this project. There are always big and small jobs on any project and you are welcome to take on as much or as little as you feel able to handle.

     

    The beauty of a project like this is all of us will be doing it in the "wee hours" around our real work. It's just for fun. No pressure. No stress. Really.

     

    As far as being happy with your work let's find that out together. We can learn together. If you need help a team is where to find it. I am not looking for a team of professionals. Just a team to have fun and make a project.

     

    If you have further questions, post them and I will answer the best I can. Then I hope to say I can "count you in".

     

    -Den

  11. Note: Corrected post (sometimes I just type TOO fast)

     

    Hello,

     

    I have been fascinated by this recent thread about collaboration. Animation has always been a team sport and I enjoy the challenges, camaraderie, and competition that comes with team collaboration.

    I know the folks at Hash are working on their "Oz" movie and I do not wish to take away anything or anyone from that experience.

    However, I feel more like creating a shorter piece. (I still need to sleep and chat with my wife once in a while.)

     

    So here's the pitch:

     

    I have an idea for a six minute (approx. time) short that is a spoof of zombie horror movies. However, instead of being zombies the "monsters" are snow men and women terrorizing a group of children.

     

    The work I have done so far has been 1) thinking of the seed idea 2) taking pictures of some kids in their winter wear with their arms sticking out in the traditional 3D stance 3) started work on a snowman maquette.

     

    What I am looking for:

     

    A team of individuals to help develop this idea from here to there. NO EGOS. We learn together, grow together and take a bow together when we finish. I am happy to be the team coach being a central contact and facilitator. It doesn't make me the boss we just need someone to keep us all on track.

     

    Once you join the team it becomes our idea and our project. We will hand out the responsibilites, modeling, backgrounds, textures, scenes, etc. And eventually put it all together and then show it off wherever we go.

     

    Any takers?

     

    For more info write back here or drop me an e-mail,

    -Den

    animateden@mac.com

  12. Hello,

     

    I was fascinated by a recent thread on the forums about collaboration. Animation has always been a team sport and I enjoy the challenges, camaraderie, and competition that comes with team collaboration. I know the folks at Hash are working on their "Oz" movie and I wish to take away anything or anyone from that experience. However, I feel more like creating a shorter piece. (I still need to sleep and chat with my wife once in a while.)

     

    So here's the pitch:

     

    I have an idea for a six minute (approx. time) short that is a spoof of zombie horror movies. However, instead of being zombies the "monsters" are snow men and women terrorizing a group of children.

     

    The work I have done so far has been 1) thinking of the seed idea 2) taking pictures of some kids in their winter wear with their arms sticking out in the traditional 3D stance 3) started work on a snowman maquette.

     

    What I am looking for:

     

    A team of individuals to help develop this idea from here to there. NO EGOS. We learn together, grow together and take a bow together when we finish. I am happy to be the team coach being a central contact and facilitator. It doesn't make me the boss we just need someone to keep us all on track.

     

    Once you join the team it becomes our idea and our project. We will hand out the responsibilites, modeling, backgrounds, textures, scenes, etc. And eventually put it all together and then show it off wherever we go.

     

    Any takers?

     

    For more info write back here or drop me an e-mail,

    -Den

    animateden@mac.com

  13. Hey Steve,

     

    Would you be willing to make a custom bundle of the GREEN discs?

     

    I don't need all the ones in your current bundle but could use ones I haven't purchased already.

     

    These are the ones I am missing:

    1) Rigging a Face CD: I have this on tape and its just too hard to watch

    2) AM Animate a Face CD:

    3) Mastering Materials CD:

    4) Nonlinear Animation CD:

    5) AM in Live Action CD:

     

    Also can you tell me how much they would be a piece and as a bundle. I may not have enough money for all of them and would be willing to prioritize.

     

    Thanks again,

    Den Dotson

    animateden@mac.com

  14. Hooray!!,

     

    I graduated!!!

     

    My wife said if I completed the exercises she would give me a graduation party. You, Rodney, and the web tutorial guys are invited of course. If you are in the neighborhood this afternoon!

     

    Thanks so much, it was ALL worth it. I learned a lot and I thought I knew quite a bit going in.

     

    Now on to some projects to try out my new education.

     

    Thanks again Rodney,

    -Den

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