Animation

I am still trying to figure out where I can watch this and Flow.

I found the integration of AI in Critterz interesting, especially how it blends traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology. It’s exciting to see how AI can enhance animation while still preserving creative vision. This could open new doors for filmmakers while redefining the animation industry’s future. Thanks for sharing Amanda Toney !

Some beautiful AI content there. Funny, I watched it with the sound off because other people were around. Try watching it that way if you can, and you might notice something...

...

Notice how much it relies on the audio? As astonishing as it is, it doesn't tell a story with visual language. All the characters move a little, but don't interact. There's no shot progression or intention to the cuts. Looking forward to a day when AI can take direction.

I haven't seen this animation but google says it's currently on Netflix and Prime. I didn't see it on Netflix when I checked (I don't have prime anymore) Also mentioned Vimeo. Might have to do some digging as far as where to locate it, which is weird being that it won an Oscar, I feel like it would be available pretty much everywhere (the Oscar may change that though). What animations were nominated for an award?

Not on my Netflix either.

Looks like you can rent it on Vimeo. $6.00 Here is a short interview with the creators.

https://vimeo.com/1032095092?share=copy

It's a great short film, they beat us at quite a few festivals last year. The first time I watched Cypress was when we all screened at Tribeca together. I was a big fan of Yuck and Wander to Wonder as well.

Thanks for sharing this, Cyrus Sales! It’s fascinating to see how professional animators break down proportions, poses, and expressions to ensure consistency.

That sounds like a great plan Maurice Vaughan. Model sheets can really help solidify character designs and make pitching your scripts more effective. Let me know when you start looking for someone to create model sheets—that’s right up my alley! I’d love to help out or point you in the right direction. Glad you found the video helpful!

It’s always great to see how professionals approach it. Glad you found it interesting Ashley Renee Smith

Ok, great, Cyrus Sales. I'll let you know when I start looking for someone to make model sheet. Thanks.

This is a good share.

Robbie McCord I love Creature Comforts, we played that for days at the studio when it was first released. From what I understand of the process used for this, the artists just used AI to create the key visuals and exported it into another program with more controls.

There is no replacement for human nuance (in all creative endeavors), I think we are heading to a place where there will be distinct "content" made on the fast and cheap with AI and "artist generated" films. We were already seeing a shift to that with the playdough factory of CG animation vs. 2D.

It is imperative for animators to survive the future of the industry is not only to understand AI , but how the biz actually works and see if there is a place for them in the new paradigm, or create their own.

Laurie, I absolutely love when you pop in and mic-drop some knowledge. Your insights always bring so much clarity to these conversations. The AI debate in animation is fascinating, and I appreciate the perspective that technology should serve the story, not replace it. It’s exciting to see the resurgence of 2D animation alongside new tech, and I completely agree that storytelling should always come first. Thanks for sharing these links; I’ll definitely be diving into them!

It's almost as if I saw the future. :-) This podcast just dropped today, when I said there will be a distinct AI studio made on the fast and cheap. Here it is, the plan is 30 films a year. However, it does seem they are focused on story first, and admittedly a lot of what is discussed here makes sense, https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tkHd33zKD3VKTDkHmvLRq?si=GVowwugYTlOZU...

Here is the studio promo as well as the introduction to their first feature. The visuals are impressive, but I am very particular about lip sync. Not only in animation but in localized filmed entertainment. I can't watch anything where the lip sync is off. To my critical eye, it's not there yet. https://youtu.be/sJD4MaEHUJo?si=BL3E2K21SFp6Y38o

I completely agree, Bob Harper! Whether artists choose to embrace AI as a tool or push back against its influence, understanding how it fits into the industry is crucial. Staying informed about its applications, ethical considerations, and potential career shifts will help animators and storytellers navigate the future. Thanks for sharing this article!

I've recently started incorporating AI into my animation business, and it has been a valuable tool, especially for a smaller company like mine. It’s easy to stick to traditional methods, so I appreciate seeing schools embrace AI and integrate it into their courses. This approach helps current animation students stay up to date with the industry's evolving landscape. Thanks for sharing Bob Harper

Looking forward to hearing more about it when you're ready to share, Robbie McCord!

I've got this one saved in my wish list Maurice Vaughan.

Great, Leonardo Ramirez. I plan on getting the book again and rereading it.

Cool share, Maurice Vaughan!

Thanks, Ashley Renee Smith.

I didn't know there were so many types of explainer videos in Animation, Cyrus Sales. My favorite styles are Whiteboard Animation, 3D, Stop-motion, and Claymation! I think they'd be great styles for a mood reel for an animated movie or show.

Maurice Vaughan I had no idea either until my business partner shared this video (we were looking to do a spec explainer video).

I've worked on many for a variety of companies in 2D animation style.

Bob Harper I haven't had the chance but would love to do one for a company in the near future. How did you find/locate people/companies in need of an explainer video?

Cyrus Sales I didn't search for companies that needed explainer videos; I worked for a few that provided them. They advertise and do direct marketing and post on LinkedIn, Fiverr, etc.

It's great to see an indie studio win on such a big stage, Kevin Jackson! I think this is going to have a big impact on the indie world and indie animation!

It definitely will @maurice, it is already motivating small teams all over the world to press on with the original IP instead of waiting to be green lit.

Kevin Jackson - This is now week 2 or 3 that I've heard about this animation (haven't watched it yet). Glad to see an independent studio win on a low budget. What was the budget and timeframe for production for this animation?

$3.6 million according to Collider magazine. It was done in Blender. https://collider.com/flow-best-animated-feature-winner-oscars-2025/

THANK YOU Bob Harper for sharing. I'm at the stage of getting on social media to enhance brand awareness and build a community but I never know which direction to go specific for animation content. I don't necessarily want to be the educator of animation but would like to still add value. I'm going to comb through this article and see what applies to me and see how I can implement it into my everyday process and workflow.

Hi, Ben Htoo. I'm not an animator, but I think you did a nice job on the animations! I was impressed by the movements.

Ben Htoo nice work. Keep practicing. A few things to take into consideration to really sell your movement is timing and weight. Human beings don't move completely fluid. Think about the arcs and momentum behind each movement. Also research contrapposto (Counter Pose). The way the shoulders and hips are oriented in relation to each other really helps to sell the weight of an object.

Think about all the 12 principles when animating. When the character runs or jumps on every landing of the feet, remember the character is fighting gravity and so there is a dip before the character settles into their intended position.

I like the dancing character, because I see you did a good job with overlapping action in the movement. That really helped sell it. There is a small hitch in the upper body. Left shoulder on the very first move of that dance, but other than that, it was nice.

Ben Htoo - Kevin nailed the feedback. The animations are nice, continue with focusing on the 12 principles when animating. I would suggest reviewing reference material. An example of this could be something like a real human walking (youtube), a break down of a walk cycle, or you physically doing the motion to understand the key movements. I'm not too sure if this applies to 3D Animation however with 2D I know adding in between shots also help with motions and making everything look smoother and more cohesive.

Some direct links to the scholarships...

Aaron Blaise animation filmmaking award:

https://ctnfoundation.org/aaron-blaise-award

Mary Blair design award:

https://ctnfoundation.org/mary-blair-award-1

Sam Koji Hale stop motion award

https://ctnfoundation.org/sam-koji-hale-award

Many more:

https://ctnfoundation.org/active-programs

Looks like great opportunities, Mike Boas! Thanks for sharing!

Very cool share, Mike Boas - flagging for my network.