Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials from Udemy

NOTE: This Course is for Beginners. It covers basic cinematography.

The most common problem with amateur animations is that everything is covered from only one camera angle.

That is because they either don't know other options, or because drawing the different angles of a character can be challenging.

One thing is certain:

Good cinematography pulls the audience into the story.

The objective of having awesome shots in your animation is to How can you call yourself an artist if you're not making your audience feel?

There are basic cinematography concepts ignored by many animators, and that is because in animation, the priority is to make a character come to life, which is the foundation, but once you have that, you need to be able to communicate in another level, a level that makes people happy if you want them to, or sad, or angry, or scared.

Good cinematography can make a dramatic scene even more dramatic, or a strong character look even stronger, or a weak character look weaker.

You can help to create tension between two characters, and also, you can help the audience feel more attached to one character than the other.

This 30 min course will explain the different concepts in cinematography.

Frame Compositions
Rule Of Thirds
Camera Angles
Blocking Your Characters
Dialogue Coverage
Panning and Tilting in 2D
Camera Movements
Parallax

And at the end of the course, you will learn how to bring everything together to improve a scene.

You will see 3 versions of it.

The amateur version
A More sophisticated version, which includes Over The Shoulder Shots
The Best version that includes camera movements like push and pull.

This course will help animators improve their shots, making the audience feel something when they see the animation. All thanks to the basic cinematography language that any animator should know.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Apply different cinematography concepts to their animation
Make the audience feel something

Improve their shots

Apply different cinematography concepts to their animation
Make the audience feel something
Improve their shots

Syllabus

Introduction

This is the Introduction to the course. Welcome

In here we will talk about the basic concepts. Frame, Shot, Types of Shots (single shot, 2-shot, 3-shot, frontal shot, side shot, rear shot).

This is the handout of this section. A PDF Document.

Were you paying attention? Prove it!

Static Camera

In here we will cover the different shot compositions:

Extreme Long Shot, Long Shot, Wide Shot, Full Shot, Medium Shot, Medium Close Up, Close Up, Extreme Close up, and Establishing Shot.

This lesson explains the Rule of Thirds and it's usage.

Frame Composition and Rule of Thirds Quiz

This lesson helps you understand the Camera Angles

This lesson covers the difference between Blocking and Posing, as well as a thorough description of what is good blocking.

This lesson helps you add cinematography when you have to depict two characters talking with each other.

This is the PDF Handout for this section.

Camera Angles, Blocking and Dialogue Coverage Quiz

Moving the Camera

This lesson covers how panning and tilting is translated in 2D Animation: Moving the Camera view.

This lesson covers the different movements of the camera. Different than panning and tilting, because in here, we physically move the camera.

This lesson talks about the importance of parallax and it's impact on every shot.

Moving the Camera Review PDF

This QUIZ Will help you consolidate the concepts you've learned in this section.

This lesson puts everything together

This is the wrap up lesson of this course

Congratulations on Finishing this Course! Here are some rewards for your effort

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores frame compositions, camera angles, and character blocking, which are fundamental cinematography concepts for animators

Demonstrates how to improve animation shots by applying cinematography techniques, which can enhance audience engagement

Covers panning, tilting, and parallax in 2D animation, offering practical techniques for adding depth and dynamism to scenes

Includes quizzes to reinforce learning on topics such as frame composition, rule of thirds, camera angles, blocking, and dialogue coverage

Focuses on basic cinematography concepts, which may require further study for advanced animation techniques

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials with these activities:

Read 'Directing the Story'

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of visual storytelling and camera techniques by studying 'Directing the Story'. This book will help you apply professional storyboarding and composition techniques to your 2D animation projects.

View Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Directing the Story'.
Read the chapters on composition and camera angles.
Analyze examples of storyboards and shot breakdowns.
Apply the techniques to your own animation projects.

Review Basic Art Principles

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of fundamental art principles before diving into cinematography. Reviewing composition, color theory, and perspective will provide a strong foundation for creating visually appealing animations.

Browse courses on Composition

Show steps

Review notes on composition and color theory.
Practice applying these principles in sketches.
Analyze how these principles are used in existing animations.

Create a Shot Breakdown

Show steps

Practice applying cinematography concepts by creating a shot breakdown for an existing animated scene. This will help you analyze camera angles, compositions, and movements.

Show steps

Select a scene from an animated movie or show.
Identify each shot and its camera angle.
Describe the composition and camera movement.
Explain the purpose of each shot in the scene.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Practice Rule of Thirds Composition

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of the rule of thirds by practicing composition exercises. This will help you create more balanced and visually appealing frames.

Show steps

Create several thumbnail sketches using the rule of thirds.
Experiment with different subject placements.
Get feedback on your compositions.

Animate a Short Scene

Show steps

Apply the cinematography techniques learned in the course by animating a short scene. This project will allow you to experiment with camera angles, movements, and compositions.

Show steps

Plan a short scene with a clear narrative.
Storyboard the scene, focusing on cinematography.
Animate the scene, paying attention to camera angles and movements.
Review and refine your animation.

Analyze Cinematography in Animation

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of cinematography by analyzing how it's used in various animated films. This will help you identify effective techniques and apply them to your own work.

Show steps

Choose several animated films with distinct visual styles.
Analyze the camera angles, compositions, and movements used in each film.
Compare and contrast the cinematography techniques.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Read 'Framed Ink'

Show steps

Improve your visual storytelling skills by studying 'Framed Ink'. This book will teach you how to use composition and drawing techniques to create compelling and visually engaging scenes in your animations.

View Framed Ink 2: Frame Format, Energy, and... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Framed Ink'.
Study the chapters on composition and visual storytelling.
Analyze examples of effective framing techniques.
Apply these techniques to your own animation projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Animator

Animators bring characters and objects to life through movement, and this course directly supports their work by offering essential cinematography skills. This course teaches animators to elevate their scenes through the use of dynamic shots, varied camera angles, and effective character blocking. The course's focus on frame composition, the rule of thirds, and camera movements like push and pull, assists an animator in creating emotionally impactful animations. In particular, the course's lesson on how to improve a scene through different versions directly applies to the role of an animator. Someone entering this career path would find this course particularly useful in enhancing their overall animation skill set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Freelance Animator

A freelance animator works on a project-by-project basis within the animation industry. A freelancer often needs to wear many hats, and the information in this course provides them with a strong foundation in cinematography that is valuable to their practice. The course’s focus on improving shots and the use of camera movements enables freelance animators to elevate their work and create outstanding animations. The course's use of real-world examples allows a freelance animator to directly apply the material learned. This course is particularly useful for a freelance animator who is looking to improve their skillset and attract more clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Animator

Storyboard Artist

A storyboard artist visualizes the script of an animation or film, essentially creating a comic book version of the story. This course is beneficial for storyboard artists to understand how different camera angles, frame compositions, and character blocking can enhance storytelling. The course's focus on cinematography, as well as the emphasis on how to move the camera, helps a storyboard artist design shots that are dynamic, engaging, and effectively convey the narrative's emotional beats, while also understanding dialogue coverage. The material covered on how to improve a scene is directly relevant to the work of a storyboard artist. One who wants to enter this field should take this course in order to build a strong cinematic foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storyboard Artist

Layout Artist

Layout artists are responsible for the overall composition of a scene, including camera placement and set design, a key aspect covered in this course. The course’s detailed approach to different camera angles, frame compositions, and blocking characters helps a layout artist create visually appealing and effective scenes. The discussion of panning, tilting, camera movement, parallax, and dialogue coverage are all critical to this role, as they help the layout artist decide how the camera moves through space, as well as how it will observe the characters. Those interested in this role should take this course in order to learn how best to construct scenes that will be handed off to animators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Layout Artist

Motion Graphics Designer

Motion graphics designers create animated graphics for various media, and this course will help them incorporate cinematic techniques into their work. An understanding of camera angles, frame composition, and character blocking will allow a motion graphics designer to create more dynamic and engaging visuals which communicate information with clarity. The course’s focus on the rule of thirds, camera movements, and parallax will aid a motion graphic designer in creating more polished and sophisticated animations. The course's instruction on moving the camera and improving a scene in particular makes this course useful for one wishing to enter this growing field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Art Director

An art director guides the overall visual style of an animation project, and this course in cinematography can inform this process. The knowledge of cinematography concepts like frame composition, camera angles, and blocking may enable an art director to make more informed decisions about the visual language of a project. The course emphasizes how to use different shot types to create mood, and this would be a useful skill for an art director to have. Someone on the path to becoming an art director might benefit from taking this course to develop a deeper comprehension of cinematic language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Video Editor

Video editors assemble video footage into a cohesive narrative, and understanding cinematography is advantageous in this field. The knowledge of different camera angles, frame compositions, and the rule of thirds from this course may assist a video editor in making more thoughtful decisions about shot selection and pacing. The course’s coverage of character blocking and dialogue coverage also helps a video editor in creating scenes that flow well and properly highlight the story. Anyone on this path may find that this course enhances their understanding of visual storytelling through use of cinematic techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Concept Artist

Concept artists create the visual foundation for animations, games, and films. While concept art is typically more focused on character design and environment, this course may help a concept artist by expanding their understanding of how composition, shot design, and framing can influence the presentation of their concepts. The course's discussion of frame composition and using different shot types to enhance storytelling will help a concept artist present their work in a more compelling way. Understanding how to use camera angles and movement when composing static artwork can improve the visual impact of a piece, so those on this path should consider taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Educator

Educators, particularly those who teach animation or visual storytelling, may benefit from the concepts in this course. Educators can use concepts taught through this course, from rules of composition to camera movement, to articulate to students how best to create visually engaging animations. An understanding of shot types, figure blocking, and dialogue coverage covered in the course might also inform their lessons. This course, especially helpful to new instructors, may help an educator have a language for the cinematic arts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

Compositor

Compositors combine different visual elements, like live-action video and computer animation, into a single image. A knowledge of cinematography, as taught by this course, may help the compositor better integrate visual materials. An understanding of camera angles, blocking and dialogue coverage may allow a compositor to create a more unified and visually appealing final product. Compositors may find this course helpful to their practice, as it gives them a deep understand of how to create cohesive visuals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compositor

Technical Director

Technical directors are responsible for the technical aspects of animation, such as lighting and rendering. Though technical directors may not work directly with the camera, elements such as camera movement and parallax covered in this course may help a technical director understand how the visual aspects of a scene will be affected by their technical designs. The course's explanation of how to move the camera may aid them in better understanding the technical challenges of executing a cinematic shot. Technical directors may find it helpful to take this course in order to understand the holistic process of animation creation and how their part interacts with it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Director

Visual Effects Artist

Visual effects artists create and integrate visual effects into live-action or animated scenes. While visual effects work often involves computer generated imagery, a visual effects artist may find that the information in this course helps to inform their work and improve their ability to integrate special effects into a scene. Understanding how cameras move, and the technicalities of frame composition, as well as the rule of thirds, allows visual effects artists to better communicate with animators and layout artists. Anyone interested specifically in the area of integrating visual effects with animation may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Character Designer

Character designers create the visual appearance of characters for animations and other visual media. While this course is not directly related to character design, it shows that how the character is presented visually is as important as the character's design itself. This course's detailed look at camera angles, blocking, and dialogue coverage will help a character designer understand the ways their character can be framed, staged, and presented. This course is useful to those in the field, and it may help a character designer expand their skillset as they explore the process behind animation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Designer

Game Designer

A game designer creates and develops the rules and gameplay of a video game. While game design typically focuses on the mechanics of a game, the cinematography concepts covered in this course may help a game designer in thinking about how to visually present the game to the player. The information covered in the course on camera angles, frame composition, and camera movement can be helpful for creating a dynamic and engaging experience for the player. Those who want to go into game design may find that this course enhances their understanding of visual presentation and how it affects the player's perspective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Production Assistant

Production assistants support various aspects of an animation production. The concepts taught in this course may help a production assistant understand the technical requirements of a production and better organize the animation pipeline. The lessons on camera angles, frame composition, and camera movements, may assist them when working with different animation departments. This course may help someone entering into the animation field have a grasp on the language and technical aspects of animation production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Assistant

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials.

Directing the Story

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to visual storytelling, covering storyboarding, composition, and camera techniques. It's highly relevant to the course as it delves into the practical aspects of directing a story visually, which is essential for cinematography in 2D animation. The book offers in-depth explanations and examples that can significantly enhance the animator's understanding of how to create compelling and visually engaging scenes. It useful reference tool for animators.

Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and...

Paperback

Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and...

Kindle Edition

Framed Ink 2

Save

Focuses on visual storytelling through composition and drawing techniques. It provides valuable insights into how to frame shots effectively to convey emotions and guide the viewer's eye. This useful reference tool for animators. It is particularly helpful for understanding how to use composition to enhance the narrative in 2D animation. It is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.

Framed Ink 2: Frame Format, Energy, and Composition...

Paperback

Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses