POSTED ON Tuesday, October 24, 2006
.:: Cars Q & A and the "Animation Life"

Carlos Baena, Brett Schulz and Michal Makarewicz

Ahhh. I am such an uber nerd. How many other people do you know that would be all pumped about spending the evening in front of the computer watching 3 other guys sit in front of a computer and talk about software programs, splines, silhouettes, workflow, etc, etc....

Well, if you know ANY other animators, then I am not the only nerd you know. However, if you don't then, yeah I fill that niche in your life.

In all seriousness, anyone would have enjoyed the Q & A that I got to take part in tonight. AnimationMentor.com founder Carlos Baena, my buddy Brett Schulz and Michal Makarewicz sat down to dissect their experience in working on Cars. The whole session was amazing and a ton of fun. The guys were very laid back and just spoke their mind. They told the aspects they enjoyed, the challenges, the parts they did not enjoy, as well as giving some insight as to how they attacked their shots.

For someone still in my shoes, an "animator wanna-be", it is always refreshing to hear the guys already in the industry telling about how they attack a shot. It is even more refreshing to hear of the challenges they face, if only to help reaffirm that the challenges never end. That animation is a beast you can never tame. There is always something new around the corner, always something new to push you in a direction you have never gone. And I consistently find myself having the following conversation with people.

Them: "So, what are you up to?"
Me: "Going back to school."
Them: "Oh, what are you studying?"
Me: "Animation"
Them: "Oh, wow. That sounds so neat. That must be so much fun! You must enjoy that so much!"
Me: (curls up in a fetal postion and cries)

Ok. Maybe that is a bit exagerrated. In all honesty, I am in love with animation. But that doesn't mean you enjoy every second of animating. I mean, don't interpret that wrong. I do not want to do anything else in life. I enjoy nothing more in terms of a career and hobby than animation. However, animation will kick your ego out the window in a heartbeat. It is definitely not "easy". It is a challenge.... But one that I am happy to take on.

It's so easy to get lost in a character or scene when you are watching an animation and to not notice everything it took to get it to that point. And well, that's the point! You aren't supposed to notice all the little things per se. That is when animation is most successful. When it communicates the emotions and purpose of the scene correctly, the little things just make sense... and support the rest of the scene. But getting a shot to that point is a fine art. One that changes constantly, with every shot, with every idea, with every character. Animation is the most difficult thing I have ever done. Yet, for me at least, is the easiest thing to want to do. I love animating. It keeps life poppin'. So all I can say, is those of you who love watching animated movies, shorts, tv shows.... the next time you see an animator, give 'em a hug. And tell them "Thanks" for allowing you to not think on 12's, or in breakdowns and especially for allowing you to not consider spacing and timing.... Tell them "Thanks" for just allowing you to escape and enjoy.