Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts summary

Understanding the Basics of Animation

In Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts by Nancy Beiman, we embark on a journey to understand the basics of animation. Beiman, an experienced animator, begins by explaining the significance of storyboarding and character design in the animation process. She emphasizes the importance of these elements in conveying the story and engaging the audience.

We learn about the different types of animation, including 2D, 3D, and stop-motion, and how the principles of animation apply to each. Beiman provides an overview of the animation pipeline, from concept to final production, and the role of storyboarding in this process. She also discusses the importance of understanding the target audience and genre when developing characters and storylines.

Storytelling through Storyboards

The author then delves into the art of storyboarding, detailing its purpose and structure. She explains how storyboards act as a visual blueprint for the animation, allowing the team to visualize and refine the story before production begins. Beiman highlights the importance of conveying the story's mood, pacing, and emotion through the arrangement of shots and the use of camera angles.

We learn about the different types of shots used in storyboarding, such as long shots, close-ups, and extreme angles, and their impact on the narrative. Beiman also discusses the use of transitions, such as cuts and fades, to create seamless storytelling. She emphasizes the need for clarity and economy in storyboarding, ensuring that the visuals effectively communicate the narrative.

The Art of Character Design

With a solid understanding of storyboarding, we move on to character design. Beiman explains the process of creating memorable and relatable characters, stressing the importance of their visual appeal and personality. She discusses the use of shape, color, and costume to convey a character's traits and motivations.

In addition to visual design, Beiman explores the importance of character development in storytelling. She explains how a character's backstory, relationships, and growth contribute to the overall narrative. Beiman also discusses the significance of character consistency, ensuring that the character's visual and behavioral traits remain constant throughout the animation.

Bringing it All Together

In the latter part of the book, Beiman brings together the concepts of storyboarding and character design. She explains how the two elements work in tandem to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. Beiman emphasizes the need for a strong story structure, well-developed characters, and effective visual storytelling to captivate the audience.

Throughout Prepare to Board!, Beiman illustrates her points with examples from classic and contemporary animations, providing insights into the creative processes behind these works. She also includes exercises and assignments to help readers apply the concepts discussed in the book. By the end, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical role of story and character in animation, and the techniques to effectively convey them through storyboarding.