Is animation the answer?

Hey,

I have lots of ideas and need an outlet for these. I've written some short stories and started a few books but I don't think I have the ability to cut it as a writer of prose. I have had some stuff published (short stories) but I'm not sure it's where my strengths lie. I've just submitted a radio sitcom to the BBC and I have lots of ideas for radio but I have plenty of visual ideas too. I recently made a film with some friends but felt a bit limited with what I can do without a large production budget and lots of professional actors. It would be nice to make something more than just a script. So... Animation appeals to me because I can make the whole thing from beginning to end on my PC and have a finished product to show for it.

Firstly, has anyone else found themselves in this situation? Any advice? Is animation a good way forward?

Secondly, is animation easy to get into? If I buy the right software can I be making short films in a couple of weeks? Do I need to be artistically talented to do computer animation - I know I'm more of a writer than an artist.

Any help greatly appreciated.

You don't need to be artistically talented just get into it and start making something. I use Flash, but I know Leevil, Middle Distance and Shoepie use Anime studio. Which seems more geared for beginners to intermediate use. (If I'm wrong please correct).

Once you start making stuff you'll find all the little problems with the script are magnified 10x once on screen, so make sure you're script is bullet proof.

Thanks for the response Gavin.

I've read some reviews of Anime Pro 6 and it seems highly recommended. Why do you use Flash? What does that give you (for much more money) that Anime doesn't?

Nothing it's probably not even as good as Anime. But it's what I started using. I animated using key frames not tweening, so it really isn't any difference to me. Plus I think Flash has a nicer look in the end it looks a bit more refined the anime studio that's just my view though. Plus you can alpha layer you export files not sure if anime lets you do that, it should but not sure.

Found Anime Studio 5 Debut for free here: http://anime.smithmicro.com/freeoffer/
Thought, since it's free, it seemed like a good place to start. Might get 6 pro if I like what I can do with this.

Thanks for your help

Quote: Pumpkin @ March 1 2010, 2:22 PM GMT

Found Anime Studio 5 Debut for free here: http://anime.smithmicro.com/freeoffer/
Thought, since it's free, it seemed like a good place to start. Might get 6 pro if I like what I can do with this.

Thanks for your help

View original

No problem keep us posted.

Have you considered sending your script somewhere like The Wireless Theatre Company?

Didn't know about The Wireless Theatre Company but have just Googled it.

Thanks - I might give them a try...

Quote: Chappers @ March 1 2010, 4:23 PM GMT

Have you considered sending your script somewhere like The Wireless Theatre Company?

View original

I'd also like to thank you for that bit of information as I hadn't heard of it either!

Although it seems there doing what all production companies are doing and not accepting scripts because they have too many!

Oh - sorry about that. Worth keeping in touch with them though. I understand Prunella Scales did some stuff for them.

Quote: Bam @ March 2 2010, 9:32 PM GMT

Although it seems there doing what all production companies are doing and not accepting scripts because they have too many!

View original

Booooooooo!

Anything you can do to get your script out there is a good thing, Pumpkin, whether it be writing something you can film on a webcam, recording your own radio show or putting together an animation. Scripts alone are becoming increasingly inert as a means to showcase your writing abilities. Give yourself a leg up and take it to the next level. At the very least you'll learn something about the production process, which can never be a bad thing.

Quote: David Bussell @ March 3 2010, 11:27 AM GMT

Anything you can do to get your script out there is a good thing, Pumpkin, whether it be writing something you can film on a webcam, recording your own radio show or putting together an animation. Scripts alone are becoming increasingly inert as a means to showcase your writing abilities. Give yourself a leg up and take it to the next level. At the very least you'll learn something about the production process, which can never be a bad thing.

View original

Mr Bussell is quite correct and wise.

Quote: Gavin @ March 3 2010, 11:34 AM GMT

Mr Bussell is quite correct and wise.

View original

Not so much wise as shaped by regret and bitter experience.

Quote: David Bussell @ March 3 2010, 11:27 AM GMT

Scripts alone are becoming increasingly inert

View original

You're inert.