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Direct and Produce Animation

2D Animation 101 Courses

Make your ideas come true by knowing how people can help.

You are reading this because you either have an idea for a short film or full-length animation project for yourself, or…

Because you are just curious and wanted to know what was all that hype of “Direct and Produce Animation”. Well, give me a couple of seconds to see if I can get you more curious.

Everyone has ideas. Right? Well, that's the good part. The bad part is that most of those ideas live only inside the mind of the holder. Never making it to born into reality.

Read more

Make your ideas come true by knowing how people can help.

You are reading this because you either have an idea for a short film or full-length animation project for yourself, or…

Because you are just curious and wanted to know what was all that hype of “Direct and Produce Animation”. Well, give me a couple of seconds to see if I can get you more curious.

Everyone has ideas. Right? Well, that's the good part. The bad part is that most of those ideas live only inside the mind of the holder. Never making it to born into reality.

Why? Because people prefer to scratch their heads or their bellies because it feels good.

Think about it, most don't know that they can produce them without sitting on a computer or knowing anything about animation. Yes. That's a fact. There are successful producers running big studios who don't know how to draw or animate and yet, they materialize ideas because they know how the different departments work. They know how to guide people.

So, I ask you…

What does it take to get your idea realized? To have it come true? And how can you do it in less time?

Animation is a very long process that can be shortened if you know a little weird secret:

People want to help.

But the big question is: Do you know how they can help?

What If one of your friends, loves to work with sound and likes your project? How can he help?

And artists? Or photographers? I bet you know a photographer, and until now, you didn't know a photographer could help with animation. How? Well, by applying composition principles of photography to your shots and a bunch of cinematography concepts. That photographer can make your animation look awesome.

When you have an idea for a project and you know how to animate, you can do what most people do.

Go SOLO mode. YEAH. RIGHT ON.

I don't know if it's to show off all their abilities and say: I did it all by myself. Or if they just didn't know that people around them wanted to help, but neither any of them knew it could be done faster.

Imagine you have this idea for a story, or even a quick joke or gag that you want to transform into animation, into a living and breathing thing that could go viral on the internet.

You say to yourself: “Hey, this joke could be an awesome 30 second short film and could make many people laugh”. Ha. Making people laugh is one of the most generous things anyone can do for someone else. But we are not talking about comedy, we are talking about that idea of the joke and the possibility of creating an animation out of it.

If you don't know how to use a computer or don't know how to walk and talk, you will definitely think deep inside you: “Oh man… I wish I could walk and talk so I could learn how to use a computer to then make this animation”.

Well, good news, I bet you can use a computer and can walk and talk (or at least you know how to communicate.)

Knowing how to communicate and how each department works in an animation feature film production, is what can make this Idea a reality.

Or maybe you just read all that and said: Hey… Mr. Bald (because I'm bald… AND I'), I'm an animator, stop preaching on what I can or can't do”.

Well, then I have something to tell you…

  • Being an animator
  • Knowing how to direct and produce your projects
  • And how to find and work with people who is waiting for a chance to help…

Can make your life easier. You could cut in half the time it takes to finish on your own.

And not only that… but you also get

And that, my friend… it's priceless.

You: “Hey, we are not friends, ok?” Me: “Of course we are, we just don't know each other”

(Drum roll please… prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr)

So anyway, knowing how to direct and produce can make any idea come true. And the cool part is, you don't even need to know how to draw or animate. How cool is that.

Enroll today and start making your ideas a reality in half the time.

Check the free lessons so you can have a taste of it. If you like it, enroll, and if you don't like it after you enroll…

Hey. Chill out. $H^% happens. Just kidding. You can have your money back with no questions asked.

You have 30 days to decide. So what are you waiting for? Enroll now.

Or… check the free lessons NOW.

Or don't do anything… NOW.

Whatever you feel like doing… DO IT NOW.

(I'm crossing my fingers to have you as my new student… thinking “C'mon C'mon C'mon C'mon….”)

Whatever you decide… I hope you have a nice day. Cheers. : D

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Direct and produce animation with no drawing or animating skills
  • Cut in half the time it takes to do an animation
  • Guide people to follow your vision

Syllabus

An overview of the course

This is to see and overview of the course. What you are going to learn

Recommended animations! Check them because we will discuss them in future lessons.

LAST DUET ON EARTH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6RSD8m_QOQ

OUT OF SIGHT (敲敲): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qCbiCxBd2M


Read more
The Story

This explains how a good story is the main phase of all the process. No Story = No Animation.

This course explains the different elements of the story, so you can develop a great script.

This video is amazing, Michael Arnt (Director of toy story) shares what he learned at pixar.

These books are what anyone wanting to learn how to write a script needs.

Review of this section. THE STORY.

The Script

This is an overview of what you will learn on this section as well as an introduction to the script.

Want to learn how to create and develop amazing characters for your stories? Check this lesson.

The Plot is the most important part of the script. In this lesson we learn how to develop a great plot and also a tip to avoid the Writer's Block using an Outline.

In this lesson you will understand the format of the script and also a way to automate it.

Adobe Story is free and is very easy to use. This course will show you how.

This tutorial teaches you how to export your Adobe Story Script to TXT file or WORD Document

This video helps you think outside of the box

This is a review in PDF so you can skim through the this section fast.

Concept Art

Concept Art is heard very often, but most people don't know what it is or how to do it. This is an introduction to this section: Concept Art.

This part of concept art is super important, is about deciding what cartoon style will your target audience like.

Shapes are an integral part of concept art. This lesson shows you how different shapes can create different characters.

After deciding on a target audience, cartoon style and shapes, this lesson shows how you create the concept art for a character

Casting Voice Talent

Introduction to this section and a little explanation of how a casting works.

Things you need to prepare before doing a casting.

This lesson shows you how the dynamics of a casting work.

This are tips to know when you are criticizing a performance. It will help you identefy who delivers.

Sound Recording

An introduction to sound recording.

This are a couple of tips to get better sounding recordings.

This is a review in PDF so you can skim through the this section about Sound Recording.

Directing Voice Actors

This is an overview of the technique you will learn to direct actors.

Unless you have millions of dollars to cast Award Winning Actors, Fake performance is the most common problem with any (if not every) project with low or no budget.

Powerful language is the secret to stimulate your actors and inspire them to deliver awesome performances.

Line readings are a form of direction in which you read the line to the actor the way you want him/her to perform. There is a better alternative for that. This lesson will show you.

This is a review in PDF so you can skim through the this section about Directing Voice Talent.

Sound Post Production

Sound editing and Sound mixing are two careers that get Oscar nominations and most amateurs have no clue of that they are.

Example of a scene with and without sound design.

This lesson gives a quick explanation of what is sound mixing.

This example makes it clear. Sound Mixing to Audio is like Color Correction to Video.

Music can tell you if something wrong or good is happening, that's why you should think of it as another character.

Dubbing is the last phase in audio post production, is when you adjust the levels of the whole mix before rendering the final audio file. This lesson explains Dubbing.

This is a review in PDF so you can skim through the this section about Sound Post Production

Directing Music

Knowing the elements of music can help you guide your Music Composer. It's the first step to directing music.

Directing Music Using References
Where to Get Music From
Resources to Get Music From
PDF of Directing Music - Section Review
Cinematography
Introduction to Cinematography
Visual Storytelling and Concepts
Link to Animation RED and The Decendants
PDF of Cinematography - Section Review
Storyboard and Animatic
Storyboard
Analysing the Script for Storyboarding
Doing the Storyboard for a Scene
Finished Storyboard for the 1st Page
Getting the Best From Your Animatic
PDF of Storyboard and Animatic - Section Review
The Breakdown
Example of Breakdown
PDF of the Breakdown - Section Review
Animation
Frame by Frame vs Rigged Characters
The Animation
PDF of Animation - Section Review
Finishing Your Project
Editing
Link to Kuleshov Effect
Screening and Feedback
Handling Changes
PDF of Finishing Your Project - Section Review
Staying Motivated

Congratulations on finishing this Course! We have a special surprise for you :D

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores directing voice actors, which is a crucial skill for eliciting compelling performances and achieving a desired emotional impact in animated projects
Covers sound post-production, including sound editing, mixing, and dubbing, which are essential for creating immersive and professional-sounding animated films
Examines the role of concept art in defining the visual style and appealing to a target audience, which is important for shaping the overall look and feel of an animation
Teaches how to create a breakdown, which is a critical step in organizing and managing the various tasks involved in animation production
Requires using Adobe Story, which is free and easy to use, but may not be the industry standard for scriptwriting software
Emphasizes the importance of story and script development, which are foundational elements for creating engaging and successful animated content

Save this course

Save Direct and Produce Animation to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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 Direct and Produce Animation with these activities:
Review 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel'
Familiarize yourself with story structure to improve your animation scripts.
View Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key plot points.
  • Apply the 'Save the Cat!' method to a short animation idea.
  • Identify the hero's journey in your favorite animated film.
Review Cinematography Principles
Refresh your knowledge of cinematography principles to improve your animation's visual storytelling.
Browse courses on Cinematography
Show steps
  • Review notes on camera shots, angles, and composition.
  • Watch a film and analyze the cinematography techniques used.
  • Practice applying cinematography principles to your storyboards.
Review 'Directing Actors'
Learn techniques for directing voice actors to enhance your animation's emotional impact.
View Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition:... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and highlight key directing techniques.
  • Practice directing a short scene with a friend or colleague.
  • Analyze the voice acting in a well-known animated film.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Tutorials on Sound Design
Improve your understanding of sound post-production by following online tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on sound design for animation.
  • Choose a tutorial that covers a specific aspect of sound design.
  • Follow the tutorial and practice the techniques.
  • Experiment with different sound effects and mixing techniques.
Create a Short Animatic
Develop a short animatic to practice storyboarding, timing, and pacing.
Show steps
  • Write a short script for a simple animation.
  • Create a storyboard based on the script.
  • Record temporary voice acting and sound effects.
  • Assemble the storyboard images and audio into an animatic.
Write a Blog Post on Animation Directing
Solidify your understanding of animation directing by writing a blog post summarizing key concepts.
Show steps
  • Research different aspects of animation directing.
  • Outline the main points you want to cover in your blog post.
  • Write the blog post, including examples and insights.
  • Edit and proofread your blog post before publishing.
Develop a Character Design Portfolio
Showcase your understanding of concept art by creating a character design portfolio.
Show steps
  • Design several unique characters with different styles.
  • Create detailed character sheets for each character.
  • Write a brief backstory for each character.
  • Assemble your character designs into a professional portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Direct and Produce Animation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Animation Producer
An animation producer is responsible for the overall management and execution of animation projects, from initial concept to final delivery. This course is directly relevant to the role of animation producer because it teaches the key aspects of directing and producing animation, even without drawing or animating skills. A producer needs to understand how different departments work, how to guide people, and how to manage the production process, all of which are covered in this course. You will learn how to effectively lead a team and bring ideas to life. This course could be particularly useful to someone aspiring to be an animation producer because it emphasizes cutting production time in half by understanding how people can help and how to guide them.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Producer
Animation Director
An animation director is responsible for the creative vision and artistic direction of an animation project. This course can help someone become an animation director by teaching them the fundamentals of directing and producing animation, particularly how to guide people to execute a vision through different departments. The course teaches the importance of story, script, concept art, voice acting, sound design, cinematography, and all the way to the final edit. Each of these areas is important for an animation director to understand, even if they don't do the work themselves. This course will allow you to learn how to effectively guide people to realize the vision for animation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Director
Creative Director
A creative director oversees the visual and creative elements of a project, often in advertising, marketing, or film. This course is relevant to a creative director because it focuses on directing and producing animation with the understanding of how many departments work together to make their ideas a reality. The course covers story development, script writing, concept art, voice talent, sound, cinematography, and editing which are all key components that a creative director is involved with. The course teaches how to manage people and realize an idea. You should take this course in particular because it will help you understand the process of how to create a cohesive and compelling animation project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director
Film Director
A film director is in charge of the creative aspects of a film production. This course provides relevant insights into film direction by focusing on directing animation projects without needing to be an animator or artist. The course covers multiple areas of animation production, from story development and script writing to directing voice actors, cinematography, and editing. It also emphasizes how to effectively guide a team. The skills and knowledge gained from this course will translate well into film direction. You should take this course because it teaches the process of bringing a creative vision to life by understanding how people in different departments can help.
See salaries and explore the career path for Film Director
Project Manager
A project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of a specific project. This course helps project managers learn about managing animation projects by focusing on directing and producing animation. The course teaches how to manage and guide people in different departments to follow a vision. It also highlights how to cut the production time by understanding how people can help. If you are seeking career growth as a project manager, this is especially useful. This course is useful as it will teach you the overall process of a complex creative production, especially the challenges of working with creative people.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Animation Supervisor
An animation supervisor oversees and manages the animation team during a production. This course provides relevant knowledge by covering how to direct and produce animation, especially how to guide the different departments. The course covers aspects of story, script, concept art, voice talent, sound, and cinematography. While the course does not teach animation itself, it teaches production, leadership, and how to guide people who specialize in animation, which are skills essential for a supervisor. Moreover, this course teaches how to cut animation time in half by understanding how people can help, which is valuable. This course will allow you to become a more effective animation supervisor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Supervisor
Story Editor
A story editor works with writers to develop story materials. This course may be helpful for a story editor because it emphasizes the importance of story and script development in animation production. The course includes sections on elements of a story and how to develop a great script. Those skills will help you identify and develop a narrative. While this course covers animation production, this course will still help a story editor understand the process of creating a compelling narrative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Story Editor
Scriptwriter
A scriptwriter writes scripts for various media including film, television, and animation. This course may be particularly beneficial for those who want to become a scriptwriter for animation. The course covers script development, character creation, plot development, and script formatting, which are all key aspects of writing for animation. You will also learn about the unique aspects of sound design and cinematography that is specific to animation projects. The course will help a scriptwriter understand the animation process, which helps to write more effective scripts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Scriptwriter
Voice Director
A voice director works with voice actors to ensure that their performances meet the director's vision. This course might be useful for aspiring voice directors as it includes modules on casting voice talent, directing voice actors, and techniques for getting better performances from talent. The course emphasizes how to stimulate and inspire actors using powerful language, and not line readings. This course helps improve a director's ability to work with actors. This course provides key production principles that will benefit a voice director.
See salaries and explore the career path for Voice Director
Production Coordinator
A production coordinator manages the logistics of a production, from pre to post production. This course may be helpful for a production coordinator because it provides an overview of the entire animation production process. The course covers multiple areas such as story, script, concept art, voice talent, sound, cinematography, and editing. This course is not focused on the logistics of animation but rather on how to guide different departments. As such it will allow you to better understand the tasks and challenges of a production.
See salaries and explore the career path for Production Coordinator
Sound Designer
A sound designer creates the audio elements of a production, including sound effects, music, and dialogue. This course may provide useful information for a sound designer because it includes modules on sound recording, sound post production, and directing music. Sound editing and sound mixing are discussed, highlighting their importance in animation. This course can teach a sound designer a holistic view of production, including the role of sound design for visual elements. This is useful for a sound designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is responsible for the visual aspects of a film or animation. This course may be useful for a cinematographer because it touches on the concepts of cinematography in animation along with visual storytelling. The course provides an overview of all aspects of an animation production. This course will allow a cinematographer to better understand the impact of their role within the broader context of the animation pipeline. This course might increase the effectiveness of a cinematographer in animation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cinematographer
Concept Artist
A concept artist creates the visual designs of characters, environments, and props for a production. This course may be helpful for an aspiring concept artist because it has a module on concept art that discusses cartoon styles and the use of shapes in design. The course teaches how to consider target audience in concept design. It also teaches how to create concept art for characters, allowing an artist to consider production. This course can help an artist learn how to align their art with the production process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist
Animator
An animator creates the moving images for a film, advertisement, or other media. Although this course does not teach animation skills, it may be beneficial for an animator to understand the role of other departments involved in animation production, specifically leadership and directing skills. This course will not directly develop animation skills, but it may improve awareness of the entire production process as you will learn how to effectively guide a team. This awareness may be beneficial to an animator's career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
Editor
An editor assembles raw footage into a final product. This course may be useful because it contains modules on editing, screening, and feedback of animation projects. This course also teaches about handling changes which is a crucial part of the editing process. This course will help an editor develop awareness of the entire animation production process. However, this course is not focused on the technical aspects of editing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

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 Direct and Produce Animation.
Cover image
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition
Save
Comprehensive guide to directing actors, covering topics such as communication, motivation, and performance techniques. It's invaluable for understanding how to elicit compelling performances from voice actors, even on a low budget. The book provides practical advice and exercises to improve your directing skills. It is commonly used by film students and professional directors.
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition:...
Paperback
$$
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition - Case...
Hardcover
$$
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel
Save
Provides a clear and concise guide to story structure, using the 'Save the Cat!' method. It's particularly useful for understanding plot points and character arcs, which are essential for developing compelling animation scripts. The book breaks down complex storytelling concepts into manageable steps, making it ideal for beginners. It is commonly used by writers and filmmakers to create engaging narratives.
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The...
Paperback
$$
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
3 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
2D Animation 101 Courses
Language
English
Good to know
Explores directing voice actors, which is a crucial skill for eliciting compelling performances and achieving a desired emotional impact in animated projects
Covers sound post-production, including sound editing, mixing, and dubbing, which are essential for creating immersive and professional-sounding animated films
Examines the role of concept art in defining the visual style and appealing to a target audience, which is important for shaping the overall look and feel of an animation
Teaches how to create a breakdown, which is a critical step in organizing and managing the various tasks involved in animation production
Requires using Adobe Story, which is free and easy to use, but may not be the industry standard for scriptwriting software
Emphasizes the importance of story and script development, which are foundational elements for creating engaging and successful animated content
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