Flash Cartoon Animation

You want to make an animated film. You've got the idea. You've got Macromedia Flash. But where do you start? What's the best way to script your cartoon, how do you start animating with Flash, what do you really need to know in order to get your ideas out there to make you famous? Who better to ask than two seasoned professionals, who've not only worked for Disney, but also run the hugely successful cult website, funnyazhell.com. Kevin Peaty and Glenn Kirkpatrick draw on their rich studio experience and their knowledge of Flash to show you the best way to create great Flash cartoons that look as good as traditional animated films. This book follows the professional process, taking a creative idea from storyboard stage, through layout to publishing, via a detailed look at animation techniques, that will give you the kind of insight normally only gained from years spent in the industry. In depth and detailed, the book follows the production of a cartoon from inception to final output—looking at all the decisions and skills that have contributed to its appeal. The book covers Flash versions 4 and 5 as well as MX. Whether you're completely new to Flash, or are making your first steps into the world of Flash cartooning, this book will let you work alongside the professionals to make your own animated masterpiece. With this book on your desktop, all you need is an idea! Watch and listen to 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' as created throughout the book by Glenn and Kevin. And then think how you'd have done it in your own style... All you need is Flash Cartoon Animation! If you need even further inspiration, check out the funnyazhell.com website, where there a many fantastic movies by Kevin, Glenn and others.

One of Flash’s most common uses is still animation for cartoons, games, advertising etc, and this book takes a fresh look at the topic, breaking it down pre-production, production, and post production, and looking at each section in detail. It moves on to cover topics such as storyboarding, character libraries and camera mechanics like no book on Flash has done before. It’s been written by members of the Emmy award winning ANIMAX team, who have created work for clients such as Disney, AOL, Fox, WWE, ESPN, and Sesame workshop.

In depth and detailed, this book follows the production of a cartoon from inception to final output--looking at all the decisions and skills that have contributed to its appeal.

Part animation guide, part Flash manual, The Art of Flash Animation: Creative Cartooning provides a practical primer on classic, hand-drawn 2D screen animation as well as an introduction to using Flash for creating your own cartoons. Section I discusses the terms and techniques of hand-drawn animation, character design, and storyboards, while Section II covers scanning, digitizing your artwork into Flash, and setting up scenes. Topics include how to animate a walk cycle; recording and editing dialogue, sound effects, and music; how to use recyclable symbols to make the animation process more efficient; preparing your work for video or web download.

Master Flash animation and cartooning using this complete hands-on guide. Discover shortcuts for drawing heads and bodies, developing characters, and learn to incorporate movie techniques--all from a real-world animator and video producer. Includes an 8-page color insert which details the stages of the animation process.

Two experienced Flash animators, Kevin and Glenn, draw on their rich studio experience and their knowledge of Flash to show you the best way to create great Flash cartoons, that look as good and work in the same way as traditional animated films. You will follow the actual professional process, taking an idea from script to final published film, via storyboard, art direction, and layout. Kevin and Glenn explain the fundamental theories of animation, with humor and plenty of examples, then show you how to take these principles and put them to work in Flash.

Face it, funny doesn't come in the Flash box. Alas, there's no "make funny" button. At long last, here's a book with the pure intent of helping you squeeze more entertaining bits out of Flash. If you've ever dreamt of creating your own animated cartoon, this book is a must read. In The Art of Cartooning with Flash, you'll learn how to: * Apply the 12 classic principles of cartooning to Flash * Build bandwidth-stingy digital puppets * Master the walkcycle and other intricate techniques * Craft a strong story and dynamic characters * Storyboard and layout like a pro * Create an animatic to test your ideas * Analyze a cartoon, frame-by-frame Check out the Flash-enabled companion site at www.twinkleland.com/book1.html.

Intrigued by digital animation? Know a little bit about Macromedia Flash but are ready to take it to the next level? The Flash Animator will teach you how to create traditional-looking animations faster, cheaper, and with more delivery options. Sandro Corsaro helps you to develop a solid understanding of the principles of traditional animation, and then guides you step by step through bringing those principles to life with Flash. Topics range from creating basic ball bounces to managing complex character design, sound, and optimization issues. Interviews with numerous experts in the animation industry--complete with beautiful artwork and insights from feature-film animators and Web pioneers--are included to inspire you along your Flash animation path. Interviewees include: Iwao Takamoto, creator of Scooby Doo; Brad Abelson, Storyboard Artist, The Simpsons; Joe Shields, Joe Cartoon; Tom Winkler, Doodie.com; And many other influential animators. The CD contains all source files for the book's examples, exclusive animation files, and bonus Macromedia Flash cartoons. There is also an in-depth audio interview with Iwao Takamoto.