test - Latest Comments in http://www.animationtipsandtricks.com/2008/06/readers-question-how-do-you-do-video.html

Re: http://www.animationtipsandtricks.com/2008/06/readers-question-how-do-you-do-video.html

frank — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:20:00 -0000

Hey Brad, Thanks for the additional tips.

Maybe this following experience will give some other student animators ideas for building their digital movement reference library.

Our animation teacher went down to the campus gym and shot some digital video reference of a couple of students for basic walks and runs with animation students on the exercise treadmills.

Yes, I did say 'exercise'.

This was a great way to get a movement analysis footage (video reference)of different shaped and sized people moving from different angles.

Best thing was that the camera stayed still because the person was on a treadmill. No need for camera 'trucking' (I think it's called?).

Re: http://www.animationtipsandtricks.com/2008/06/readers-question-how-do-you-do-video.html

@b — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:45:00 -0000

nice post and i agree with brad completely...

* its very important to shoot the same angle or at least more or less same as you would have in your actual animation. i had one bad experience, in my actual scene, the entire body was seen, but while shooting reference i shot just from hips upwards and i regretted this mistake for a long long time to come.

*even the suggestion by showing the belt is absolutely spot on, it helps to see how the hips are moving and how the weight shifts happen.

awesome blog, where so many diff ppl have their own share of info.

cheers,

Re: http://www.animationtipsandtricks.com/2008/06/readers-question-how-do-you-do-video.html

Brad — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:35:00 -0000

Great advice Shawn!

I'd like to add some tips:

1. Use natural lighting if you can.
2. Avoid baggy shirts, a belt really helps define the rotations and
movements of the hips.
3. Keep the camera still and record from the view of the camera in your animation.
4. Make your reference as clear as possible, careful of feet getting cut off, they are most helpful for showing weight.

Re: http://www.animationtipsandtricks.com/2008/06/readers-question-how-do-you-do-video.html

clockwerkz — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:35:00 -0000

Hey Shawn! This is an awesome blog you've put up; I really appreciate you taking time to post up your tips and suggestions..
Something that I've been trying to wrap my head around is the notion of animating actions, not emotions.. On principle, I think I understand the idea.. don't just animate someone "sad" or "fustrated" But I seem to fall flat in practice. Could you provide any suggestions on this? Thanks!!
-Carlos