In this lesson we learned the key principles in animation production. Firstly, the importance of animation layout and composition is emphasized, especially in character placement and scene composition, including the use of camera angles, perspective, light and shadow, character dynamics, entrance methods and audio. Secondly, the principles used in designing different shots are discussed, including the correlation of long, medium and close shots, and the importance of emphasizing picture flow, timing and visual objectives, while focusing on the potential impact of shot selection on production. Finally, it focuses on the importance of background and scene, including the harmony of aesthetics and characters, the beauty of the background, complexity and clutter, the design and action to avoid distraction, and the proportion of subject objects. Overall, these principles play a key role in animation production, ensuring that the audience’s concerns are properly directed to create a more engaging and coherent animation.
- Definition of Screen Direction:
- Screen direction refers to the perceived movement of actors or objects on the screen from the camera or audience’s perspective.
- Rules of Continuity and Film Grammar:
- The rules of screen direction are fundamental in continuity film editing and film grammar to maintain consistency during shot transitions and avoid audience confusion.
- Camera Positioning and Movement:
- Camera positioning and movement must adhere to the rules of screen direction. “Camera left” or “frame left” indicates movement towards the left side of the screen, while “camera right” or “frame right” refers to movement towards the right side.
- Pre-determination in Pre-production:
- Screen direction decisions are primarily made during pre-production, specifically in storyboarding and animatic production stages, to ensure precision in scene timing and flow.
- Maintenance of Screen Direction:
- Once established, screen direction must be maintained in each progressive shot. This includes the direction in which performers move, face, or look, even when they are not in motion.
- Tools for Maintaining Screen Direction:
- The Imaginary Line, Axis of Action, or 180-Degree Rule is a key tool used by filmmakers to maintain consistent screen direction. This involves drawing an imaginary line through subjects in the direction they move or face.
- Working Example:
- An example illustrates how shots filmed from the same side of the imaginary line cut together seamlessly, preserving consistent screen direction and matching eye lines.
- Challenges and Audience Confusion:
- When screen direction is not adhered to, it can lead to challenges such as actors appearing not to face each other in conversation or changing direction abruptly, resulting in audience confusion.
- Subject Movement Across the Screen:
- Subjects are free to travel cross-screen, toward or away from the camera, as long as the camera doesn’t cross the action axis. This ensures directional movement integrity.