Animation : Animation versus CGI by Heidi Schussman

Hi Heidi, That's probably a really small club. How is the pitching to animation producers going?

I'm thrilled to have someone with your skill set comment on this. I haven't pitched yet for a few reasons. One is the script isn't perfectly polished yet, another is I don't know who to pitch it to (animation or CGI), and I'm not willing to just randomly share it. This is an epic, high concept, full feature, Christmas movie. I want it handled by someone capable of making it in the vein of Narnia, or Tangled. It's not just the money--it's the desire to see it properly done.

Thank you, Heidi. Just know the difficulty of (live action) CGI or animation and the costs involved (200-300 mil budget). To get that, you'd be better off writing a great novel and if it sells then a movie can be made. Only make animation if it absolutely needs to be made. High quality is super hard and second by second. It takes an army. Well, keep me posted!

The screenplay is based on a very popular, very old novel. It has been made into a movie back in the day when we couldn't do it justice.

Hi Heidi, viewed the comments about your film endeavors, I myself just like to see a good movie done, it's not about the finances or profits, it does take a lot of work and there are old novels and stories that proper justice were not done to them, I am into CGI and presently working on a short film that will have CGI and will be finished soon, yes you do need lots of CGI personnel on your project, but of course perseverance is what will basically make the difference, I am interested in hearing more of your project, to assess exactly what you may need, depending on your decision eg. my advantage, for my film, is I can imagine the details of a scene and bring it to life myself so that other CGI artistes will Know "exactly" or considerably more precisely, what I need for it to be completed, etc. and therefore makes my projects far much easier, if you presently have artwork, illustrations or examples from other movies to show generally to CGI artistes, what you want to be done, that will be good for you to work on, because of probable time constraints. This is all to the best of my knowledge, hope I've been helpful!

Eon

Eon,

Thanks for the thorough answer. I am seeking advice, and appreciate yours. I'm excited about this film and can visualize it perfectly. So based on your advice, I need to find some examples from other CGI films to help along the artistic process. I have no artwork available.

I visualize this film as CGI ( Think Narnia, Avatar), however I think it would be good in an extremely well done animation. (Think Tangled, Epic)

Done properly, this film may not be a box-office hit, but it will be a movie watched year after year... the type we all expect to be replayed annually on cable channels.

I will DM you with a few more details, if you'd like.

Heidi

Heidi, of course, you can DM more info. you will most certainly need to be well organized and that will include proper clarity as to who and what organization(s) you will be working with, just to note I also do concepts, I will send you proper communication, with past work, clients, etc. and of course the presentation I'm presently working on, very soon to be completed, I am also working on a feature film and I believe it is going to make it to the top, the short film or presentation, is for its advertisement. Again, of course, at that level, you will need proper organization, I see you have good and sound advice in the commentary, this is all very good.

Eon

wow, very nice development, hope it continues!

Gary, to say the least it needs more development ;) But as you know it's a long process. Unfortunately I'm a writer, not a producer or director. The screenplay is very close to being pitched, but I need to go over it several more times. Wish me luck.

Hi guys! just a reminder, as sometimes in daily activities, diverse matters to deal with, we tend to forget! What will help generally with your presentations, my best explanations and assertions! eg. is the structure of your character(s), also in comparison, one character may match what you want, but outfit may not, therefore, gather general info. pictures, etc., on a character, send it, for a composition/your artist concept, presently I don't mind giving it some effort for advertisement. Concerning "Animation vs CGI" people tend to forget! they all came from and still require, the same concept for animations, in other words basically, frame by frame, work, just of course with modern technology, far much more advanced, hence the different names and terminologies to categorize and specify methods, etc. blockbuster films, however, employ many or "All" methods. General advice in employing agencies, look at the quality of work then decide if they "also" have the patience to get exactly what you want or suggest diverse presentations (important). Got some difficulties in messaging, probably will try later to send more info. but I think this may be adequate, for now.

Eon

Good stuff, Eon. I'll have a comparatively easy time gathering imagery for my project. I'm busily following your recommendations. Thanks for your input.

This is good! may take a little time but will work!

Eon, can you give me an example of how it would look in a screenplay to have comparisons to other films. For example, when I introduce a lion, do I write in parenthesis (LYNN: similar to Nala in 2019 Lion King)?

Heidi it's an excellent question, I’ll give a general quick answer for now, as a lot of these types of subjects, I had to do my own research. Many stories at that level are so much alike anyhow, that’s why there are relevant collaborations particularly with copyrights issues, however otherwise to be more specific and adaptive to your questions “Lions will be Lions” walk, run, play, roar, etc. unless yours features other characteristics and there are terminologies, however eg. a dancing lion, in real-life lions, don’t dance, therefore if already featured in a film, “Screenwriter’s or Animator’s concept, there is an example, where your focus and concerns, will have to be original eg. design different dance routines style or choreography etc., and reason(s) for dancing, etc., this involves some re-adaptation in certain parts with screenwriting and screenplay, (hope I don't sound crazy, with the dance reference) speech pattern, slangs a squint of the eye when sensing danger, or particular type of danger, as there are so many different versions and concepts, etc . if other characteristics have to be added, as this applies to animations generally eg. Clothing or costuming, it's just a matter of remembering, it will also have to be original and generally, sometimes slight differences will work, in other words, the answer is yes, just be careful with certain specifications and guidelines, again some re-adaptation will be the issue and here I've given relevant info. to the best of recollections, etc., otherwise “Lions will be Lions” I'll give more info. later.

Eon

Pleasant good day! Posted a video production with my work advertised, but realized still have a lot to learn in using the website, as it is in the "Browse/videos, section, thought it would have been in the conversation section, however in case you need to see my work. it's there, headlined, "Sorry for the delay folks, finally a presentation! ( Experiments in CGI, Motion Graphics, Animations, etc.,)" All the best in your endeavors! Suggestions for future projects, in-depth research in re-makes or re-adaptations. All the best!

Hi Heidi, I just saw your thread. Just about any animation studio now uses cgi animation in some form. Approaching animation producers, or those interested in doing animation with a good story/script will probably get you there. It's always about the story and what passions it invokes. Good luck!

Paul, I appreciate your response. I have another question I'm trying to get a straight forward answer to: Do I need to write the script differently for animation? I'm assuming it's the usual format, but do I need to write the description and action differently for you guys who create the imagery?

Heidi, I think there are animation scripts on line to look at, which would be the best way to answer your questions. ( here: https://simplyscripts.com/genre/animation-scripts.html ) Usually, scripts are very similar in format to live action, leaving the visuals/blocking/movement to the production people. Key is to have that great animation story vs a live action story ;)

Good day folks!, healthy discussion! hope I'm helpful! Decide what type of imagery you need and I am willing to do a sample, send info. also please observe the scene of an original concept provided from my short film, listed under my name (Eon C. Rambally) in the video section, to get an idea of the types of "Realistic" concepts I am working on.

animation producer is much better, because the animation is totally different people

Of course! but what I need is the image I have produced in graphics, animated. Which is very costly. Doing a lot of it myself, but will need to hire assistance.