Product Description

The first edition of The Animation Book, published in 1979, became the authoritative guide to making animated movies. Now, as we enter the twenty-first century, the explosion in computer technology has created a corresponding boom in animation. Using desktop hardware and software, animators can easily produce high-quality, high-artistry animation and mix the aesthetics of traditional cel animation with dazzling 3-D effects. Kit Laybourne's digital revision to The Animation Book brings you to the cutting edge of animation technology. Richly illustrated with frame-grabs, production stills, and diagrams, this volume shares Kit's infectious enthusiasm for the limitless possibilities of today's hybrid techniques, and it provides beginning animators with all the information they need to jump in and start their own animation projects. More advanced animators will find The Animation Book to be an invaluable resource with detailed descriptions of filmmaking gear, computer hardware and software, art supplies, plus Internet and other resources.

Using an innovative case-study approach, Kit deconstructs how a range of digital projects were carried out at some of today's hottest animation studios, including Wildbrain, Blue Sky, Protozoa, Fantome, Broderbund, Nicktoons, and Klasky Csupo. These step-by-step studies show how desktop animators can follow the same creative process in their own films.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80139 in Books
• Published on: 1998-11
• Released on: 1998-12-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780517886021
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"After 'Why is the sky blue?' one of the most important questions we ask is 'What is a cartoon?'. This is the definitive book that tells all about the process closest to our hearts--animation."
--Albie Hecht, President, Film and TV Entertainment, Nickelodeon

"This book is great! If ever there was the ultimate textbook for animation, this is it. The Animation Book is the perfect starter kit for anyone interested in entering the animation business or learning about the art of animation."
--Terry Thoren, CEO/President, Klasky Csupo Inc.

"I love the new edition of Kit Laybourne's The Animation Book. As with the first edition, he manages to give a world-eye view on the art and craft of my favorite medium with extra emphasis on personal styles and techniques, while including studio styles and techniques. I'm especially impressed that computer animation has been folded into the blend without overwhelming the mix."
--Henry Selick, Director of The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach

"A very essential book for any animator. I wish I'd read this book before I started out in animation."
--Bill Plympton

"I read one chapter on stop-motion animation and then went and made a little film with my seven-year-old son. When he finally saw the thing moving and come to life, he giggled for solid half hour. I love this book."
--Peter Hastings, Writer/Producer of Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain and Creator of Disney's One Saturday Morning

"The Animation Book is a classic. If you can afford to buy only one book on animation, this is the one to buy--it has it all."
--Gunnar Willie, Head of the Animation Department, The National Film School of Denmark -- Review

Review
"After 'Why is the sky blue?' one of the most important questions we ask is 'What is a cartoon?'. This is the definitive book that tells all about the process closest to our hearts--animation."
--Albie Hecht, President, Film and TV Entertainment, Nickelodeon

"This book is great! If ever there was the ultimate textbook for animation, this is it. The Animation Book is the perfect starter kit for anyone interested in entering the animation business or learning about the art of animation."
--Terry Thoren, CEO/President, Klasky Csupo Inc.

"I love the new edition of Kit Laybourne's The Animation Book. As with the first edition, he manages to give a world-eye view on the art and craft of my favorite medium with extra emphasis on personal styles and techniques, while including studio styles and techniques. I'm especially impressed that computer animation has been folded into the blend without overwhelming the mix."
--Henry Selick, Director of The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach

"A very essential book for any animator. I wish I'd read this book before I started out in animation."
--Bill Plympton

"I read one chapter on stop-motion animation and then went and made a little film with my seven-year-old son. When he finally saw the thing moving and come to life, he giggled for solid half hour. I love this book."
--Peter Hastings, Writer/Producer of Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain and Creator of Disney's One Saturday Morning

"The Animation Book is a classic. If you can afford to buy only one book on animation, this is the one to buy--it has it all."
--Gunnar Willie, Head of the Animation Department, The National Film School of Denmark

From the Inside Flap
The first edition of The Animation Book, published in 1979, became the authoritative guide to making animated movies. Now, as we enter the twenty-first century, the explosion in computer technology has created a corresponding boom in animation. Using desktop hardware and software, animators can easily produce high-quality, high-artistry animation and mix the aesthetics of traditional cel animation with dazzling 3-D effects. Kit Laybourne's digital revision to The Animation Book brings you to the cutting edge of animation technology. Richly illustrated with frame-grabs, production stills, and diagrams, this volume shares Kit's infectious enthusiasm for the limitless possibilities of today's hybrid techniques, and it provides beginning animators with all the information they need to jump in and start their own animation projects. More advanced animators will find The Animation Book to be an invaluable resource with detailed descriptions of filmmaking gear, computer hardware and software, art supplies, plus Internet and other resources.

Using an innovative case-study approach, Kit deconstructs how a range of digital projects were carried out at some of today's hottest animation studios, including Wildbrain, Blue Sky, Protozoa, Fantome, Broderbund, Nicktoons, and Klasky Csupo. These step-by-step studies show how desktop animators can follow the same creative process in their own films.

Customer Reviews

I adore this book.
I make short films and teach film and video, (as well as computer art), and "The Animation Book" made me weep gentle tears of joy.

Not only is it full of the information that both the beginner and the more advanced animator will use, it is an inspiration. It has stills from some of the best independent animations around, as well as pages Laybourne prompts the reader to draw in and rip out.

After reading the intro and flipping faster and faster through the pages, I felt a very powerful need to animate - right now! I haven't felt this excited about what I do in years, and I can't say I've ever found a book that has thrilled me so.

Just to make certain I wasn't being overly sentimental, I put this book in the hands of several non-animating, and highly cynical individuals. One by one, each succumbed to the charms of the little drawings of equipment and then distractedly searched around for a pencil, so they too could begin the exercises.

This was written in 1979, and Laybourne does quite an admirable job of discussing computer technology of that time. But this book rightly focuses on hands-on, experimental work with garage sale equipment; the wonderful animations an individual can make in his/her kitchen.

I want every student, every friend, to get this book, especially those working with new technology. It's a terrific antidote to the superficiality so often imposed by the ever-changing computer. "The Animation Book" encourages playing with ideas and aesthetics, a delightful reminder of what makes moving images amazing.

Very general, not enough updated info
Although it is almost impossible for a book to provide the most up-to-date info, this book tries it's best. I really think that an animation book should be specified (ie 2d, stop-motion, 3d, etc) in order to not "cheat" the reader out of more intense knowledge. However, if a broad introduction is what you seek, then this book will work (but there are less expensive books that will do just the same).

GREAT INTRODUCTION TO ANIMATION TECHNIQUES
This is a great book for both students of animation and anyone out there who just wants to know more about that thing called animation. Laybourne is very easy to read and goes step-by-step through various animation processes in such an accessible way that its almost entertaining.

If you have a serious interest or just a passing interest, this is a great book!