How I Animated This Video
TLDRIn this video, Joel shares his animation process, starting with shooting and editing the video, then exporting it as a PNG sequence for frame-by-frame breakdown. He advises selecting frames with clear facial features to avoid common animation pitfalls like blinking or mouth movement. Using Photoshop, he outlines and colors characters, sometimes creatively altering features. Afterward, he uses software like Absinthe for rotoscoping, and Adobe Premiere for final touches. Joel emphasizes the importance of live-action practice to improve storytelling and editing skills, appreciating technology that makes art more accessible.
Takeaways
- 🎥 The first step in creating animations is to shoot the video and edit it normally.
- 🖼️ After editing, export the video as a PNG sequence to get a frame-by-frame breakdown.
- 📁 Organize the frames into separate folders for each shot to streamline the animation process.
- 🎨 Select a frame with the most facial action, focusing on keeping the eyes open and the mouth open to avoid common animation pitfalls.
- 🖱️ Use tools like Photoshop to outline and color the character, allowing for creative liberties with facial features.
- 🌿 Create custom backgrounds in Photoshop to match the style and setting of the animation.
- 💻 Utilize software like Absinthe for AI-assisted rotoscoping to simplify the animation process.
- 🎬 Import the generated frames into video editing software like Premiere and adjust the frame rate to match the original video.
- 🔧 Be prepared to redo frames if glitches occur due to blinking, mouth movement, or motion blur.
- 🎨 Add effects like VHS, hollow matrix, and camera shake in post-production to give the animation a cohesive aesthetic.
- 🎉 Embrace the use of technology in art creation, as it makes the process more accessible and efficient.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the video?
-The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate how Joel creates his animations, as he has received numerous inquiries about his process.
What is the first step in creating an animation according to Joel?
-The first step in creating an animation, as mentioned by Joel, is to shoot the video.
What format does Joel recommend exporting the edited video in?
-Joel suggests exporting the edited video as a PNG sequence to get a frame-by-frame breakdown.
Why does Joel divide the frames into separate folders for each shot?
-Joel divides the frames into separate folders for each shot to facilitate the animation process by organizing them for individual animation tasks.
What is the significance of choosing a frame with the most face action?
-Choosing a frame with the most face action, such as open eyes and mouth, is significant because it minimizes the challenges of animating blinking and mouth movements for syllables.
How does Joel handle the facial structure in his animations?
-Joel outlines the character or person in the shot, and he doesn't strictly adhere to the facial structure, allowing for creative liberties like exaggerated features or different shapes.
What software does Joel use to create the backgrounds for his animations?
-Joel uses Photoshop to create the backgrounds for his animations.
What is the role of Absinthe in Joel's animation process?
-Absinthe is used by Joel to generate frames for each shot after the keyframe is chosen and the shot folder is selected.
How does Joel address issues like blinking, mouth closure, or motion blur in his animations?
-If issues like blinking, mouth closure, or motion blur occur, Joel goes back to the original shot, selects a new frame with the mouth open and eyes open, redraws it, and repeats the animation process.
What effects does Joel add to give his animations a cohesive aesthetic?
-Joel adds effects like Red Giant's VHS, Hollow Matrix, and Camera Shake to give his animations a cohesive aesthetic and to add life to them.
What is Joel's perspective on using technology like Absinthe in the art of animation?
-Joel views technology like Absinthe as a tool that makes art more accessible and efficient, comparing it to other technological advancements in art that should be applauded for making the process easier.
Outlines
🎨 Creating Animations with AI Assistance
Joel introduces himself as the 'RPG guy' or 'Mafia guy' and shares his process for creating animations. He emphasizes the importance of shooting the video first, then editing it normally. After editing, he exports the video as a PNG sequence to get a frame-by-frame breakdown. He suggests organizing these frames into separate folders for each shot and then animating them. Joel demonstrates how to choose a frame with significant facial action to avoid issues like blinking or mouth closure during animation. He uses Photoshop to outline and color the character, and humorously notes that he can manipulate the facial features for creative effect. He then uses a tool called Absinthe to generate frames and discusses the efficiency improvements in its beta version. Finally, he imports the generated frames into Premiere, adjusts the frame rate, and addresses any glitches that may occur due to blinking or movement.
🚀 Embracing AI in Art and Improvisation
Joel expresses his appreciation for the Absinthe tool, which allows him to create rotoscoped animations solo, something he wouldn't have had the time or patience for otherwise. He views technology as a 'cheat code' that makes art more accessible and efficient, advocating for its use to democratize the creation of art. He also appreciates how Absinthe complements his improvisational style, capturing the natural awkwardness and authenticity of his performances. Joel advises aspiring animators to also work with live-action footage to improve their editing, dialogue, and pacing skills. He celebrates reaching half a million subscribers and thanks his viewers for their support, expressing his love for them.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Animation
💡Rotoscoping
💡Keyframe
💡Photoshop
💡PNG Sequence
💡Absinthe
💡Premiere
💡Green Screen
💡Improvisation
💡Aesthetic
Highlights
Introduction to the process of creating animations by Joel, who is known for his RPG and Mafia videos.
The importance of shooting the video first and then editing it normally.
Exporting the edited video as a PNG sequence for frame-by-frame analysis.
Organizing frames into separate folders for each shot to facilitate the animation process.
Selecting a frame with the most facial action to minimize challenges in animating.
Using Photoshop to outline and color the character, with creative liberties for unique features.
The challenge of maintaining open eyes and mouth to avoid common animation pitfalls.
Joel's preference for using a mouse and keyboard for the entire animation process.
Using EbSynth to create keyframes and generate frames for animation.
The efficiency improvements in EbSynth's beta version for animation workflow.
Importing the newly generated frames into Premiere and setting the footage to 24 fps.
Addressing animation glitches by redoing frames with better facial expressions.
Creating backgrounds in Photoshop to complement the animated characters.
Adding effects like VHS, Hollow Matrix, and Camera Shake for a cohesive aesthetic.
Encouragement for artists to embrace technology as a tool to make art more accessible.
The value of live-action practice in improving editing, dialogue, and pacing skills.
Gratitude expressed by Joel for reaching half a million subscribers and his love for his audience.