Other Finalised Backgrounds

Finalised Backgrounds 

The additional backgrounds where done in the same why as the opening shots; by using the Manga Studio software I achieved a style I was hoping for in it's simplicity.

(Landing Shot, the door to the baby's room)

(Close up shot of the Child's Toy box)

(Child's Room)

(Staircase, leading up to the bedrooms)

Finalised backgrounds - Opening

Finalised backgrounds - Opening

The backgrounds for my animation where designed in Manga Studio, a software that I found gave the most cartoon-like style to the type I had in mind. The backgrounds for the opening scenes are some of the more detailed ones as they appear longer in the shot.

(Establishing Shot)

(Kitchen Scene)

(Hallway Pan-In)

Environment Concepts

Background Concepts and Perspective Shots

(Overhead view of Kitchen)

(Hallway)

(Kitchen)

(Overview shot of the Child's Bedroom)

(Staircase)

Finalised Character Design - Mother

Character - Mother

The design for the Mother changed by shape rather than her clothing in terms of appearance. The mother is the character who mistakenly calls the wrong babysitting service and hires Creak to look after her child.

(Concept art)

(Finalised Mother)

Finalised Character Design - Creak

Character - Creak

This is the finalised design for the main character of my animation, Creak, a Zombie hired by the family to look after the baby.

(Concept Art)

(Finalised Design)

Finalised Character Design - Baby

Character - Baby

The Baby is the other main character of the story. He is the main cause to much of the trouble in the film as he refuses to sleep and causes problems for the zombie.

(Concept Art)

(Finalised Design)

Industry Report - 2D Animator - Email Responses

Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>

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Student Inquiry 5 messages

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Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>	31 January 2018 at 13:14
To: meabh@mooshku.com
Hello. My name is Kelly Herbert, I am a Degree animation student in Colaiste Dhulaigh in Dublin and I am currently working on a report regarding which career path I wish to follow after graduation and information on that career and the people involved in it. The career path I am mainly interested is 2D character animation. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions based on your experience in the industry, or if you could, put me in contact with someone. I look forward to your reply, Regards,  Kelly Herbert

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Graham Scott <graham@mooshku.com>	31 January 2018 at 14:20
To: "kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie" <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie> Cc: Meabh Tammemagi <meabh@mooshku.com>
Hi Kelly My name is Graham and I'm the Production Co-Ordinator at Mooshku. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Fire away. Graham Scott Production Co-Ordinator From: Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie> Sent: 31 January 2018 13:14 To: Meabh Tammemagi Subject: Student Inquiry [Quoted text hidden]

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Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>	31 January 2018 at 14:24
To: Graham Scott <graham@mooshku.com>
Hello, Thank you for such a speedy reply! It helps a lot. How did you get into the animation industry? What are the day-to-day situations you are faced with? What motivates you in your career? What can be considered the most enjoyable aspect of this career? What Skills are valuable as 2D Character Animator? What are the pros and cons of your career? What skills should I develop to have a better chance in the Industry? In terms of a showreel, what should a 2D Character Animator present in their own showreel? What software is primarily used to animate 2D characters? Was this software hard to learn and where there any technical difficulties while using it? What part of 2D Character Animation can be considered the most difficult part? Is there any other software that you use for Character Animation, such as in-house software? What are the pros and cons of such software? Any answer for these questions would be a major help and I look forward to your reply. Regards, Kelly [Quoted text hidden]

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Graham Scott <graham@mooshku.com>	31 January 2018 at 15:04
To: Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>
Hi Kelly,  It's no problem at all.  How did you get into the animation industry? After school I did a portfolio course at Colaiste Dhulaigh, I then went into second year of Animation  at Colaiste Dhulaigh, then I went and did the Animation Degree at IADT. So four years of studying animation in total. After that I got an internship at Geronimo Productions (then called Monster) because the director knew me from Twitter. The internship was production work but I showed an interest in animation and showed I was willing to learn to I got an animator role on their next show and the one after that. When production wound down I then went on to be an FX animator at Kavaleer. After that I decided to go into more of a production role and was approached by Meabh and Jay at Mooshku about working on their current project.  What are the day-to-day situations you are faced with? As the Co-Ordinator it's up to me to make sure everything is running smoothly. I'm Meabh's right hand man, so any day-to-day issues that come up are mine to solve. IT issues, office problems, scheduling quirks are usually the sort of things I come up against. "Production" is essentially "management". But my experience of working in animation gives me a great sense of the battlefield, I wouldn't want to do this job without having worked across other areas first.  What motivates you in your career? I got into animation because I was really into creative stuff as a teenager and dreaded the idea of working a regular job. But as I get further into my twenties I'm far more interested in the business end of things so I've moved way more towards production and management.  What can be considered the most enjoyable aspect of this career? Working on cool projects is probably the best part of the job. You meet really interesting people and you get to be creative. Because the industry in Ireland is so small you can move around and try out many different jobs so it's as varied as you want it to be. You're never tied down anywhere and everything changes often.  What Skills are valuable as 2D Character Animator? Being able to listen is huge. There's plenty good animators out there that don't get kept on at studios because they can't take direction or critique. The best animators will be responsive and positive. They're always willing to learn and always find joy in whatever they're working on. So I'd list communication and a positive attitude as the best things an animator can have.  What are the pros and cons of your career? Pros: It's fun, you're always learning, you've lots of freedom, you meet lots of people, you get to work on cool projects, you get to do something you're really passionate about. Cons: There's quite little job security, the money doesn't scale too well over the years.  What skills should I develop to have a better chance in the Industry? Keep an eye on what software people are using. Flash is always a safe bet for 2D. Knowing ToonBoom won't hurt either. Animation Skillnet are frequently doing courses in various skills and softwares which are really handy if you feel weak on anything. Beyond that I highly recommend having a good attitude. People will be kept in studios because they're easy to be around, and very skilled artists will be let go because they're too difficult to work with. Soundness goes far in this business. In terms of a showreel, what should a 2D Character Animator present in their own showreel? Different people have different opinions on this but mine is keep it snappy and have your best stuff at the start and the end. Try not to include too many college exercises because you don't want your reel blending into someone elses. My general rule of thumb is 90 seconds of your best work with music that isn't annoying (I like to use spanish guitars), you don't want to throw something like The Killers on there only for the Director to hate them and want to turn it off again. What software is primarily used to animate 2D characters? Flash has always been the most reliable. Some say it's going away but the last three Animator job openings I've seen are for Flash. Toonboom is great too but harder to learn. Some studios use CelAction but it's cheap garbage that you should avoid.  Was this software hard to learn and where there any technical difficulties while using it? Flash is super easy. There's loads of stuff on YouTube about it and it's very intuitive. ToonBoom has a lot of rigging stuff in it so it's a bit harder to pick up and get going but there's some decent books on it. With Flash and ToonBoom all you really need is a laptop and a tablet to get going. CelAction is a nightmare to learn, because it's terrible.  What part of 2D Character Animation can be considered the most difficult part? Some animators are really good, some are really fast, very few are both. Sometimes if a project is badly managed the animators will have to work extra fast or long hours and it sucks. You're at the mercy of storyboards, riggers and directors and they definitely get the brunt of the labour. But generally animators are always improving and getting faster so things get better.  Is there any other software that you use for Animation, such as in-house software? At Mooshku we work exclusively with Flash (which is actually referred to as Animate now (sorry!)) so no other animation software is used. As far as I'm aware very few studios in Ireland use their own software.  What are the pros and cons of such software? Generally studios avoid using their own software because it's expensive to maintain and you'd have to train each new hire. Whereas with stuff like ToonBoom you just hire people who are already good at it and will sorta just slot into production. I hope at least some of that was of use to you. If you have any more questions or want more clarity on anything just hit me up. Cheers!  Graham Scott Production Co-Ordinator From: Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie> Sent: 31 January 2018 14:24:16 To: Graham Scott Subject: Re: Student Inquiry [Quoted text hidden]

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Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>	31 January 2018 at 15:53
To: Graham Scott <graham@mooshku.com>
Hello, Thank you for replying!  Your help is greatly appreciated, thank you so much for answer my questions. Good luck in your future work! Regards, Kelly [Quoted text hidden]

(Appendix A)

Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>

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Student Inquiry 6 messages

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Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>	31 January 2018 at 13:11
To: info@kavaleer.com
Hello. My name is Kelly Herbert, I am a Degree animation student in Colaiste Dhulaigh in Dublin and I am currently working on a report regarding which career path I wish to follow after graduation and information on that career and the people involved in it. The career path I am mainly interested is 2D character animation. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions based on your experience in the industry, or if you could, put me in contact with someone. I look forward to your reply, Regards,  Kelly Herbert

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Info @ Kavaleer <info@kavaleer.com>	31 January 2018 at 14:45
To: Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>
Hi Kelly, Thank you for getting in touch. Unfortunately we are currently between productions and don’t have animators in-house to answer your questions at the moment. I have forwarded your e-mail on to a friend of mine named John Peavoy, an animation supervisor in cartoon saloon who said he would be willing to answer some questions about being a 2D animator Best of luck with your report! Kind regards, Rachel Feury Studio Coordinator  Kavaleer Productions,   Baggot Close,   Dublin 2. _________________________ Phone: +353-1-661-8585 Email: rachelfeury@kavaleer.com Web: www.kavaleer.com

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Timothy Dowling <aquatimtim@gmail.com>	31 January 2018 at 16:37
Cc: "kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie" <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>
Hi Kelly,  Got your email from Rachel at Kavaleer.  I'm happy to answer your questions. Just email me and we can take it from there.  All the best  Tim :)  ps: here's an old reel and some other stuff :-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbHG9b9gJfg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrhSueYY-gs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEgApYnKo-8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw9GpYMHhGk&t=214s [Quoted text hidden] -- Tim Dowling Artist - Animator - Teacher Art House St. MaARTen St. John's Estate Commercial Center | Unit 5, St.John's Estate Road  | St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean +17215224180 arthouseSXM@gmail.com https://www.arthouseSXM.com/

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Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>	31 January 2018 at 16:57
To: Timothy Dowling <aquatimtim@gmail.com>
Hello Tim, Thank you for your reply! Here are the questions, It helps a lot. If you have any additional advice or information then it is very much welcome! How did you get into the animation industry? What are the day-to-day situations you are faced with? What motivates you in your career? What can be considered the most enjoyable aspect of this career? What Skills are valuable as 2D Character Animator? What are the pros and cons of your career? What skills should I develop to have a better chance in the Industry? In terms of a showreel, what should a 2D Character Animator present in their own showreel? What software is primarily used to animate 2D characters? Was this software hard to learn and where there any technical difficulties while using it? What part of 2D Character Animation can be considered the most difficult part? Is there any other software that you use for Character Animation, such as in-house software? What are the pros and cons of such software? Is there anything else I should know? Any answer for these questions would be a major help and I look forward to your reply. Regards, Kelly [Quoted text hidden]

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Timothy Dowling <aquatimtim@gmail.com>	31 January 2018 at 17:46
To: Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie>
On Wed, Jan 31, 2018 at 12:57 PM, Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie> wrote: Hello Tim, Thank you for your reply! Here are the questions, It helps a lot. If you have any additional advice or information then it is very much welcome! How did you get into the animation industry?  After graduating at BFCE  (about 14 years ago)I applied for several jobs in Dublin in the few animation studios that were out there but unsuccessfully. I worked in several jobs for about 1 year and then when Bouldermedia got its first major gig, they needed animators and I guess it was good timing because I applied for the job and got it.    What are the day-to-day situations you are faced with? Deadlines and staying active. Animation isn't everything, so it's important to get out and do something else each day so you want to come back to it.  What motivates you in your career? Working on projects outside of work I guess, it's different and keeps the artist in me happy! What can be considered the most enjoyable aspect of this career? Seeing it on television or cinema and hearing people talk about it. It weird in a cool way.  What Skills are valuable as 2D Character Animator? Drawing naturally is the answer, draw each day and you'll save yourself such a hassle when you're in a job. It's hard at the start but worth it in the end as it'll be easier. Also get designing ASAP, having a good eye for design is pretty important as well. Disney isn't everything, and throw away all the manga crap, no one wants to see it or copies of any other style.  Also attitude is important, hang your ego outside and never get married to your own ideas.  What are the pros and cons of your career? People and deadlines are the cons and pros are the nice people!  What skills should I develop to have a better chance in the Industry? The all around is the most employable person, I wanted to do FX animation but now I only do character, at first I was resistant to it but overall I enjoy it now.   In terms of a showreel, what should a 2D Character Animator present in their own showreel? Walkcycles, acting (11 second club is great for that) runs and also put the stuff in the showreel that YOU want to do.  What software is primarily used to animate 2D characters? Too many to mention and depends on your style. Flash, Opentoonz, Animestudio, Tvpaint.... Was this software hard to learn and where there any technical difficulties while using it? It is at the start, it's like looking at the pilot's control panel... What part of 2D Character Animation can be considered the most difficult part? Hair and clothing....let all characters be bald and stick figures :)   Is there any other software that you use for Character Animation, such as in-house software? NO What are the pros and cons of such software? N/A Is there anything else I should know?  Draw draw draw - have fun - draw and watch your spacing, arcs and breakdown poses! For goodness sake, learn about tangents ! :)   (Appendix B) Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie> Questionnaire from Rachel 3 messages John P <john.peavoy@gmail.com> 31 January 2018 at 15:01 To: kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie Hi Kelly,  Rachel has forwarded me your Email concerning your questionnaire. My name is John Peavoy and I am an animation supervisor in Cartoon Saloon. I work in Digital 2d (not hand drawn) and my credits include The Breadwinner and Puffin Rock.  I hope I can help with some of your questions.  Regards,  John P Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie> 31 January 2018 at 15:31 To: John P <john.peavoy@gmail.com> Hello, Thank you for your help!  What routes into the industry can be considered if one wished to become a 2D character animator? What could the day-to-day situations a 2D character animator could be faced with? What do employers look for in a 2D character Animator? What motivates you in your career? What can be considered the most enjoyable aspect of this career? What Skills are valuable as a 2D Character Animator? What are the pros and cons of this career? What skills should I develop to have a better chance in the Industry? In terms of a showreel, what should a 2D Character Animator present in their own showreel? What software is primarily used to animate 2D characters? Is there any such software that I should invest in learning? Was this software hard to learn and where there any technical difficulties while using it? What part of 2D Character Animation can be considered the most difficult part? Is there any other software that you use for Character Animation, such as in-house software? What are the pros and cons of such software? Again, thank you for replying. Any answer for these questions would be a major help and I look forward to your reply. Regards, Kelly [Quoted text hidden] John P <john.peavoy@gmail.com> 31 January 2018 at 20:21 To: Kelly Herbert <kellyherbert@student.cdcfe.ie> Hi Kelly,  I tried to answer as best I could, I hope it helps.  What routes into the industry can be considered if one wished to become a 2D character animator? College, skills training with animation skillnet/animataion mentor are the most common. What could the day-to-day situations a 2D character animator could be faced with? Time management is one of the biggest. Knowing how much you can get done in an allotted time period. Also problem solving for repetitive tasks. What do employers look for in a 2D character Animator? Strong posing, polished work, doesn't matter if it is professional or personal, make it look like something you might see on tv/movies. 1 minute for a show reel is enough. Having friends in companies who can recommend you, personal references are very important. What motivates you in your career? I love to work on things that can make people laugh and send a good message.  What can be considered the most enjoyable aspect of this career? Coffee, money and the people you meet. Seeing your name on the screen. Your friends seeing your name on the screen! What Skills are valuable as a 2D Character Animator? Patience and persistence.  What are the pros and cons of this career? As above, it's a great environment to work in and meet people from all over the world. There is not a lot of job security.  What skills should I develop to have a better chance in the Industry? Strong understanding of drawing and the principles of animation. Keep up the practice of figure drawing and drawing from life! The ability to be self critical in a productive way.            In terms of a showreel, what should a 2D Character Animator present in their own showreel? 1 minute or less. Acting, posing and principles. Doing an awesome piece of Sakuga doesn't tell us much about you as an animator. Most shows and features have very little in the way of action seq animation so we are not often looking for this in a reel. I always say The 11 second club is a good place to start if you want to build a reel.  What software is primarily used to animate 2D characters? Depends on studio and production. Toon Boom and TV paint are the most broadly used at the moment. Although any software can be learned, so again strong basic skills of animation are better to have than knowledge of a particular software. Is there any such software that I should invest in learning? Toon boom will often run free training courses, check with ANIMATION SKILNET for times and dates of this or any other animation related training courses.  Was this software hard to learn and where there any technical difficulties while using it? I have never used it, so I don't know. In fact I will be attending a training course in it! What part of 2D Character Animation can be considered the most difficult part? Being subtle with the acting, bringing in real life behaviors. Time management. Retakes, a lot of retakes. A lot of people who are new to the industry can find the amount of feedback a little disconcerting. Is there any other software that you use for Character Animation, such as in-house software? MOHO is our in house software. It has featured use on all our  films and was used exclusively for puffin rock and current productions. What are the pros and cons of such software? Every software has pros and cons. Moho is easy to pick up and learn and offers a very flexible production pipeline and the ability to complete significant amounts of footage a week for the animators. It is quite customizable therefore we can build in house solutions for productions. I Hope that answers your questions.  If you have anything else you would like to ask you can email me here.  Good luck! John P (Appendix C)