Product Description

Learn the key skills you need with this practical and inspirational guide to all the fundamental principles of animation. With extended pieces on timing, acting and technical aspects, Chris Webster has created the vital learning tool to help you get the most out of your animation and develop the practical skills needed by both professionals and serious students alike.

The free CD-ROM includes more than 30 animations illustrating the techniques described throughout the book as well as examples of a professional Production Schedule, Budget and Production Chart - everything you need to get started!

With a Foreword by Peter Lord, Creative Director and Co-Owner of Aardman Animations and an Introduction by Mike Milne, Director of the award-winning animation house Computer Animation, Framestore CFC.

* Improve your timing, performance and animation production skills with this practical guide to animation skills suitable for all disciplines.
* Benefit from the skill and experience of a leading professional and educator with more than 20 years industry experience
* Understand and master action analysis, movement and timing with this beautifully illustrated guide

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #226450 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
"Covering everything from familiar walk cycle techniques to character design, animal motion to sound synchronisation, each section is succinct and easy to follow...A well-researched guide that should be of use to animators of all skills and abilities." - 3D World

"The book is written in a very easy and understandable way and never gets too technical." - Animatoon

"He makes a complicated subject understandable and he makes it sound fun to do. Webster's book will give you an understanding of how the various parts of animation are done and the book is put together in a way that smoothly leads you from simple to complex."
- Libby Reed, review from Animation World Magazine

"In a section that is extremely useful and all too rare, the book gives you a list of the things you will need before you begin." - Libby Reed, review from Aninmation World Magazine

"Animation: the Mechanic of Motion is an impressive textbook that should be a big help to animation students." - Libby Reed, review from Aninmation World Magazine

"Animation: the Mechanics of Motion is a long-awaited comprehensive introduction to the key skills every animator needs..." - Animated News, Oct. 2, 2006

About the Author
Chris Webster is an animator who has worked for twenty years in the industry and has extensive experience as an educator teaching across a broad range of levels from schools, higher education and professional training programmes and within the studio environment. He is currently Head of Animation at the Bristol School of Animation and the University of the West of England.

Customer Reviews

Essential reference for animators of all levels
This book is an essential reference for both seasoned professionals and aspiring animators alike. Webster writes with a clarity and confidence on a subject about which he is clearly passionate and knowledgeable. This title stands head and shoulders above the plethora of other animation related books on the market today. Along with the Illusion of Life, and the works of Preston Blair and Richard Williams, Webster's "Animation: The Mechanics of Motion" should be core reading for animators of all levels.

A must have
I picked this up expecting the usual "How to make Cartoons" sort of fare, but I was really impressed with the scope and tone of the book. The author really gets inside the process of making an animated FILM, rather than simply covering basic animation techniques (Which he also does, by the way) Throughout the book, he makes reference to traditional techniques, and to C.G.I. Its written in a clear and engaging style, and the illustrations are excellent. There is a lot of emphasis on performance, which is excellent. I would recommend this book to both beginners, and to people who wish to improve their skills.

Well presented and accessible
A well presented and accessible review of the basic principles of animation and its organization. By encouraging the readers to ask themselves questions about the various proposed tasks the author helps to move them towards self-reliance.