Why Animators Should Avoid "CCTV Camera"

One of the most common mistakes junior animators make when staging their shots is to position the camera above the action, looking down on the characters. This can be tempting to do, because it is an easy way to capture everything that is going on.  However "CCTV Camera" is usually a mistake (though you might need to create a particular effect in certain circumstances). A better choice is to position the camera at eye level - where the camera becomes a non-participant observer in the scene. Watch this very short video to see why.

The Cinematography of Akira Kurosawa

This fascinating video (8 mins long) explores what exactly it is that makes the cinematography of famed Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa so special. Critics have admired Kurosawa's film craftsmanship for years - but what is it that makes his style so unique, and his movies so special? Apparently, it's all about movement - specifically, the motion of objects in the frame. But why should animators study this stuff? Because cinematography is a part of our craft. Knowing how and where to put the camera, and how to get from one shot to another, is a vital part of any film-maker's skillset. So watch and learn from the master.

Brad Bird and the Magic Circle

The Iron Giant

Many years ago I worked on The Iron Giant, a wonderful film and a priceless opportunity to work with one of the very best animation directors - the legendary Brad Bird.

I learned a great deal from him both as a director and an animator.  Brad's style of directing was always clear; he always knew what he wanted, and how to communicate it to the animators.

One of the cleanest and most useful concepts I learned from him was the importance of "The Magic Circle" - a simple rule of composition, and the animator's best friend in a tight spot. Here is how it works.