Books
Acting for Animators
Hooks' indispensable acting guidebook for animators uses basic acting theory to explain everything from character movement and facial expressions to interaction and scene construction. Just as acting on film and on stage are very different disciplines, so is the use of acting theory in creating an animated character, scene or story. AFTRS also holds the 4th edition (published 2017) as an eBook. Please visit the Library for onsite access.
Timing for Animation
This book explains essential animation techniques like stretch and squash, animated cycles, overlapping and anticipation, using dozens of clear illustrations and straightforward directions. Learn how to arrange animations in relation to each other, how to use space and how long to show each drawing for maximum dramatic effect. This second edition includes timing for digital production, digital storyboarding (for 2D and 3D projects), and using After Effects.
The Animator's Survival Kit
The career and knowledge of Williams (Academy Award-winning animator behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) straddles the 'golden age' of hand-drawn animation and the modern era of computer animation. Based on his animation masterclasses, Williams runs through the underlying principles of animation. His points are illustrated with hundreds of drawings, distilling the animation secrets into a working system. The expanded edition includes more on animal action, invention and realism.
The VES Handbook of Visual Effects
This award-winning handbook is one of the most complete guides to visual effects techniques and best practices available. This new edition has been updated to include the latest industry-standard techniques, technologies and workflows. The Visual Effects Society (VES) tasked the original authors to update their areas of expertise, including in stereoscopic moviemaking, colour management, facial capture and the Digital Intermediate. They have also added detailed chapters on interactive games and full animation.
The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation
Written by two of the "Nine Old Men" at the heart of Disney classics, this beautiful book chronicles the development and culmination of the Disney technique. The drawings and artwork from Disney's vast library are stunning, and the principles of traditional drawn animation are laid out in full along with a history of the craft and its major exponents. Part history, part art book, part how-to manual, Illusion of Life is a gem.
Sketching for Animation: Developing Ideas, Characters & Layouts in your Sketchbook
Being an animator requires discipline and deep study of how the laws of physics operate (e.g. momentum, gravity, surface tension). With examples, exercises and tips from Parr's animation classes and other professional animators, learn form design, sketching, technical drawing and ideation techniques. Interviews with legendary animators like Glen Keane (The Little Mermaid) and Tori Davis (The Illusionist) provide tips for creating realistic three-dimensional shapes with just a pencil. This book is a great resource for beginners and students - it doesn’t cover the act of animating, but does teach you how to think and draw like an animator.