Animation for Beginners: Getting Started with Animation Filmmaking

by Morr Meroz

Overview

A new edition of Bloop Animation's popular animation guidebook packed with the latest recommendations and insights on how to turn your artistic passion into a professional film career!

If you are an aspiring animator considering a career in film production or are curious about what it takes to make animated shorts, this is the book for you! Animation for Beginners is a comprehensive and modern introduction to the art and business of 3D animation from Bloop Animation founder, filmmaker, graphic novel author, and teacher Morr Meroz.

With this guide, Meroz reveals a behind-the-scenes view of the pre-production, production, and post-production process along with an introduction to the skills you need and the different types of animation across the film industry. Along with these basics, you will learn:

• The 12 Principles of Animation
• The 8 Genres of Animated Shorts
• Writing an Animated Feature Film
• Career Paths for Animators
• and Tips on Starting a Career in Animation

As a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and an animation professional, Meroz demystifies the business side of filmmaking with real-world advice for creating a compelling demo reel and portfolio site, hunting for a first job, and considering the pros and cons of freelancing versus working full-time.

This is a perfect gift for illustrators, graphic designers, film students, and film industry professionals interested in how to "make it" as animators.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781737879312
Publisher:	Bloop Animation Studios LLC
Publication date:	10/25/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	212
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Morr Meroz is the founder of Bloop Animation, one of the most popular animation training websites. He has written, directed, and animated three short films, including his thesis film at the School of Visual Arts, where he received a bachelor's degree in computer arts. His screenplay for Snowlands has been produced as a graphic novel. He lives with his family in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

"An impressively thorough and well-rounded tour of the animation game." - Kirkus Reviews

"Bloop Animation is a great online resource for all aspects of animation. Their Animation for Beginners page is the friendliest, most accessible one we found." - TimeOut New York

From the Publisher

2021-12-17
A comprehensive, expanded edition of a 2014 how-to guide for readers seeking careers in animation.

Meroz, the creator of the animation training website Bloop Animation, explains that his art form is more than just classic cartoons: “Animation is the art of creating life,” he writes, and that act of creation is more complicated than many would expect. He begins by challenging a commonly held notion: “I always assumed animators had to be amazing fine artists,” he writes. “But there was another way to make movies: 3D animation,” which uses very different skills. Meroz then leads readers through the basic principles of animated works and the different types of animation, from traditional, frame-by-frame cel animation to stop-motion and more. In the book’s second part, Meroz explores his own experiences creating a short film, including the complex process of preproduction and storyboarding, and defines such terms as animatics. Meroz makes it clear that he can’t effectively teach readers everything they need to know about 3-D modeling or cinematography in a single chapter, but he strives to succinctly explain the basic, essential processes involved. He delves into technical aspects, such as rigging and pre-visualization, and artistic considerations, such as choosing a genre and a catchy title. He even provides detailed recommendations on how to cast voice actors and how to create a good first press kit. The author concludes by showing how animators can potentially monetize their art and get freelance work. The author’s perspective in this book, as a recent animation school graduate making his way in the industry, nicely lends itself to concrete and practical advice. He’s clearly thought through every tricky detail that might halt someone’s progress when making a first film. He clearly explains the pros and cons of using YouTube, for example, and clarifies his own “Restriction Method,” which involves setting constraints that can foster creativity. His personal, conversational tone makes much of the text feel like the advice of a good friend. For instance, for those who have no idea where to start with a project, he urges, “Do what I did. Pick the simplest environment and focus on the characters.” Meroz never shies away from the many difficulties that animators face, however, and he honestly notes the large amount of work that one must put in: “If you’re an artist, and you don’t continually work on your art because you’re not inspired, there’s a very simple term for you: amateur.” In the book’s later sections, though, he drifts from how-to into self-help, advising readers on how to deal with rejection, waiting on potential jobs, and even talking to loved ones who are less than supportive. These sections may not appeal to those looking for a more technical manual, but Meroz is clearly writing to a very specific audience: people traveling the same career path as he is. For them, he certainly has a lot to say about getting the most out of their chosen art form.

An impressively thorough and well-rounded tour of the animation game.

Kirkus Reviews