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what do i need to study to be an animation director?

i don't know what to study to be an animation director

Thank you comment icon You will need to research colleges with Cinematic Arts Programs Animation specialization/majors. Go directly to their websites, read up, contact their admissions department and send them some of your questions. They will respond pretty quickly. Murph, Erlis

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Subject: Career question for you

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Angella’s Answer

For you to be an animation director, you require combination of taughts and skills from artistic industry and technical field.
Some of your focus should be in the following;
1. Animation and visual effects; Learn on 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, rigging, texturing, modelling, and character design among many other principles. In addition, learn softwares such as Adobe after effects, Autodesk Maya, and Pixar's render man.
2. Practice fine arts and design through efforts in drawing coloring, and painting. More so, specialize in traditional art as they are very competitive.
3. leadership and directing. Practicing the skills of directing a film, leadership and management as they will enhance your occupation.
4. Be updated in industry; have the latest trends, interests, and technologies through engagement on social media platforms, conferences, industry blogs, and other proffesional organization to build excellent portfolio.
5. Networking; Build a strong network of animators, contracts, and people from the industry, to improve your animation proffesionalism and also increase job opportunities.


Even though academic could offer solid foundation as an animator, remember that, passion, practice, experience and strong portfolio are very significant. Be ready to learn daily, experience challenges, new techniques, collaboration, and creativity.

Success as you embark on your new decision.
Thank you for choosing career village as your career advisor. welcome for more questions.
Regards,
Angella Chepchirchir
Career village advisor.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Angella! ethan
Thank you comment icon Welcome Ethan, was the answer helpful? Angella chepchirchir
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Billl’s Answer

In the meantime go online and read biographies of successful animation directors and see their path to success. Also join animation groups and understand the history of animation. You want to know about 2D and 3D as well as stop motion animation. Good luck.
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Leslie’s Answer

I am an expert in animation, but know there are a few stop motion companies in Portland, for instance Laika and Shadow machine that off entry level jobs. LA, of course, has several animation houses. It would benefit you to take some classes at a Community college to broaden your knowledge and know the terms and how they pertain to the business of animations.

I'm sure there are facebook groups where you can learn who in your area are engaging in animation. Check out the larger cities around you to find those animation houses and walk in the door.

Have fun.
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Leslie’s Answer

I was originally contacted by COL. Barrow to consult and create over a series of meetings concepts for the commercials. He wanted something with action, but also adding heartfelt interviews about the benefits of being a member of the local community Guardsman. I pitched the 3-5 minute recruiting video as well which will dive further into the testimonials of the benefits. It will serve as the foundation for the tone of the shorter advertisements.

In my preparation for this job, I contacted my lighting technician who has worked side by side with me for over 30 years on projects ranging from features to series to commercials. Last year he did the lighting for the ANG commercials highlighted in red links below. I pitched those to the WAARNG team as an outline for our action commercials and adding the testimonials. We have a plan for graphics and for re-designing the 3d animation logo.

I have researched and reserved several high resolution stock shots of forests fires and floods and pitched shooting heartfelt stories surrounding the Oso mud slide.

I have roughed in a dynamite crew and a post production team, all standing by and ready to go. We are ready.
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Ryan’s Answer

Hi Ethan! I would say a great place to start is learning the basics of animation and film making. “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams is relatively affordable for Kindle or paperback and has a lot on the techniques behind being an animator. If you’re interested in the behind the scenes of what being an animation director is like, there’s really interesting documentary on Hayao Miyazaki called “Never-Ending Man’ which might be worth the watch. Also, if you’re able to attend any local animation festivals that’s a really great way to meet animation directors and learn more about the craft. Filmfreeway.com is a great resource for searching for those.

If you’re looking to get started you can always try animating something yourself! Maybe start with writing a short story you’d like to tell, making a simple storyboard for it, and then if you have access to any sort of animating program (there’s a ton of free software available nowadays, but FlipaClip is one I’m familiar with that works well) you can try bringing it to life. Best of luck!
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Emeka’s Answer

Hey Ethan, great question. I would study and learn how to do animations. Most animation directors were or are animators. It’s very different from directing an actual movie, so you would have to be very familiar with the animation process. So that you’re able to give directions to an animator if you didn’t want to animate it yourself. Hope that helps.
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Steve’s Answer

Become a storyteller first and foremost. Learn about what makes a great story and what makes a not so great one.
Watch lots of great animated features. And the classics.
Take filmmaking classes and learn about how to visualize the story. And what makes great characters and relationships. Good luck.
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Leslie’s Answer

While I may not be an animation guru, I'm aware that there are some fantastic stop motion studios in Portland, such as Laika and Shadow Machine, that offer entry-level opportunities. Naturally, LA is home to numerous animation studios. It could be a great idea for you to enroll in some classes at a community college to expand your understanding and familiarize yourself with the basics and the industry-specific terminology.

I'm confident that there are Facebook groups out there where you can discover individuals in your locality who are also passionate about animation. Explore the bigger cities nearby to locate more animation studios and don't hesitate to introduce yourself.

Remember, the journey should be enjoyable. Embrace the learning process and have a blast!
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