Shoot and edit better video reference for animation
The Gnomon Workshop has released Character Animation and Video Reference, a good-practice guide to animation workflow, recorded by Method Studios senior character animator Sarah Arduini.
The three-hour workshop sets out Arduini’s own workflow for shooting and editing video reference material for character animation, using a range of commercial and open-source software.
Essential tips for shooting and editing better video reference for animation projects
Proper planning saves a lot of time over the course of an animation project, and obtaining good video reference material is one of the key steps in this process.
In the tutorial, Arduini sets out how to shoot your own video reference, from technical aspects like choosing appropriate camera settings, lighting and props to tips on how to act in front of the camera.
Arduini also explores how to improve the quality of video reference through editing, stripping away unnecessary elements to focus on the main poses, timing and weight shifts.
Software covered includes Premiere Pro, QuickTime, Fusion and open-source compositing tool Natron.
The tutorial also shows Arduini’s complete animation workflow inside Maya, from blocking to final polishing, explaining the reasoning behind each creative decision.
About the artist
Sarah Arduini is currently senior character animator at Method Studios, having previously worked at a range of other leading visual effects studios, including MPC, Framestore and Industrial Light & Magic.
Her resume includes work on The Lion King, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and The Jungle Book.
Pricing and availability
Character Animation and Video Reference is available via an online subscription to The Gnomon Workshop, providing access to over 300 detailed tutorials. Subscriptions cost $49/month or $490/year.
Read more about Character Animation and Video Reference on The Gnomon Workshop’s website
Full disclosure: CG Channel is owned by Gnomon.