Independent Animation: Developing, Producing and Distributing Your Animated Films

Description

With the advent of advanced hand-held technology and the widespread nature of the Internet, the world of animated filmmaking is more exciting and accessible than ever. Due to this cultural and technological development, the success of independent animated film makers is on the rise. Independent Animation: Developing, Producing and Distributing Your Animated Films, Second Edition showcases some of the greatest, most innovative giants in the field and helps guide readers through the artistic process and production techniques. Story development, casting, color theory, distribution and the intimidating aspects of production are elucidated using various examples of acclaimed, viral and award-winning animated films from all over the world. Readers will also explore the changing nature of audiences, festivals and distributors’ relationships with animation and be granted first-hand guidance in navigating the diverse fields of animated filmmaking. Key Features: Covers the entire process of creating an independent animated film from story development and casting to editing and distribution Presents a comprehensive array of classic and contemporary case studies covering all manner of production methods from traditional pipelines to avant-garde, auteur and experimental approaches Features input and exclusive insight into the working processes of some of the industry’s most noteworthy indie animation talents, including Signe Baumane, Adam Elliot, Don Hertzfeldt, Kirsten Lepore, Robert Morgan, David OReilly, PES, Bill Plympton, Rosto, Chris Shepherd and dozens more Additional resources and interviews are available through a special section of Skwigly Online Animation Magazine. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Acknowledgments Author Biography 1 Introduction What Exactly Is “Independent Animation”? 2 Story Development The Character-Driven Approach Character Development Telling the Harder Truths Note 3 The Visual Storyteller Branching Out Nightmare Worlds Idea Generation Returning to the Scene Pleasing Abstractions Note 4 Consider the Source Standing Tall Like Mindedness 5 The Beat of a Different Drum Going Solo From Scratch Playing with the Majors 6 Going Webisodic A Life in Webtoons Different Worlds The Virility of Virality Instant Gratification Notes 7 The Animated Documentarian Anecdotal Value Introspection Self Reflection Sticking Points The Animation Advantage Notes 8 Going Long The Commitment Factor Story Development’s Greatest Ally: Feedback Staying Visible, Keeping Afloat Notes 9 Funding The Snowball Effect Selling Yourself Digging Deep A Collective Effort Customer Etiquette Combined Resources 10 Keeping It Real Manual Labor Outside Assistance Work Ethic Wisdom in Hindsight Notes 11 Getting Comfortable The Comfort of Discomfort Odontophobia 12 Casting and Performance Going It Alone Going Pro Note 13 Thinking Outside the Lightbox The “That’ll Do” Attitude The “Nailed It!” Attitude Programmers’ Perspectives The Online Crowd Notes 14 Keeping Up Group Effort New Perspectives Notes 15 Combining Your Efforts Duality Splintering Off 16 Audience Interaction Adventurous Spirit To Defy the Laws of Tradition Notes 17 Reinventing the Wheel Rising High Retro Vertigo Late Nights Notes 18 Perseverance Staying Power Hurdles to Overcome 19 Your Two Most Important Characters Outsourcing Composers’ Roundtable Being Selective Self Sufficiency Approaches to Sound Construction Out in the Field The Hiss Factor The Pop Factor The “Oh God, My Ears” Factor Notes 20 Putting Yourself Out There Why Submit Your Film to Festivals? Rejection: How to Deal Film as Discourse Notes 21 Distribution: A Brave New World Tips for an Effective Online Release: A Q&A with Director’s Notes and Short of the Week Managing Editor Rob Munday Book Smarts Partnering Up Unexpected Developments Notes Recommended Further Reading Index