PDA

View Full Version : Animation demo reel questions

LunaticuMaster
12-03-2006, 07:27 PM
1. Is it better to have an interesting cartoony (not too much wacky,balanced) walk cycle or a realistic human walk cycle?What do employers apreciate more?

2. Is it important what kind of a model i have in a demo reel? Is it better to have a one-piece model like Ollie for maya, or something like Low man (multi piece character)

3. What books or tutorials would you recomend me to get an advanced level for walk and run cycles animation?

Thanks
Baothebuff
12-04-2006, 01:57 AM
1. I'd say it depends on where you wan't to go. If it's something like pixar than cartoony would be good but realistic would be good for effect houses like ILM, I assume. I'd say if you can, have a variety.

2. The model is only important if you are making a modeling reel. If it's animation then anything will do, as long as it's not too distracting. Both of the rigs you mentioned will work fine.

3. I think the gnomon workshop has some great videos regarding character animation in maya.
Dszerox
12-04-2006, 03:50 AM
Hey, iam also an animator and it has been my experience from my teachers and peers that one, Put you best work first and your worst last. big and small companies dont have time to sit down and watch your entire reel. They have to go through hundreds of disks full of animation. Make is short, not too short but maybe a minute at best. If all you can do is walk cycles then id suggest learning more about animation before applying to any companies. There is no rush, especially if your not ready all your going to do is waste your time when you could be learning to animate better. Another thing you might consider is coming up with a short story that is interesting and fun to watch. And above all make sure it is something that YOU like. Because it has also been said to me from many sources that what is on you reel is most likely what you'll end up doing once you get a job. They hired you because you are good at "that", you going to probably do "that". I attent Animationmentor.com and i love it. Its expensive and i wouldnt reccomend it unless you are very serious about getting job in animation. You can learn animation by practice, like anything else but Am.com is a great teaching tool that takes about a year and a half and will cost you a quarter of what a university would charge you. and seriously you get so much more from animation mentor then you would from a regular art school. Hope this helps and doesnt sound too blunt :\

Mike

o lastly, if your work on your reel isnt you best, dont put it on there, i know i said best first worst last but, i mean your best_of_the_best first and your, still_awesome_but_not_as_good_as_the_first, last.. hahaha if that makes sense.
CGTalk Moderation
12-04-2006, 03:50 AM
This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.