The Fundamentals of Animation: (Fundamentals)

The Fundamentals of Animation by Paul Wells offers an illustrated and visually stimulating introduction to the key elements of animation. It discusses the key principles and processes involved in animation, exploring the entirety of the creative process from finding and researching a concept, through the preparation and techniques used, to the execution of the work. Each stage is presented in an engaging visual style, accompanied by examples and analysis of contemporary student and commercial animation. The book also discusses the links between animation and the styles and narratives of other areas of popular culture, aligning theory and ideas to practical advice. It includes a section for aspiring animators examining career paths, portfolios and the structure of the creative industries.

Table of Contents:
Key principles and processes Introduction Concept Research Preparation Technique The animator as interpreter The animator as performer The animator as editor The animator as director Applications and outcomes Introduction Drawn and cel animation 3D stop-motion animation Digital animation Alternative methods Contexts Introduction Post-production Critical evaluation Portfolio Collaboration Working as an independent Postgraduate opportunities Making an independent film Screening opportunities

About the Author :
Paul Wells is a professor of animation at Loughborough University, UK. He has also lectured extensively in universities across the world on animation and has spoken at numerous animation festivals and events.

Review :
The book is terrific. Beyond being a textbook, it strikes me as being a very rich resource for animators and film-makers ... The material is serious yet highly approachable ... The book is a bargain, especially as an academic text. Intelligently organized and lavishly illustrated, The Fundamentals of Animation is distinguished from most how-to-animate guides for being multidimensional in approach and multivalent in function ... Wells's book teaches its users not only to do, but to think animation. Very impressed. Seems clear and concise. I think my students will find it very useful and informative. Visually pleasing with bite-sized bits of information. A good introductory text to animation. Very useful tips on creating characters and storylines. Practical tutorials to engage students in practice. Well designed. Very readable language. This is a great book, particularly for beginners. I particularly liked that it includes contexts that lead students to explore next steps ... The interviews with animators are also helpful, as they provide another voice and perspective. I really like the layout. The stills are a definite strength. Excellent publication ... really well researched, written and designed ... extremely reader friendly.