Directing Animation [Paperback]

David B. Levy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 2010 | ISBN-10: 1581157460 | ISBN-13: 978-1581157468 | Edition: 1

Both experienced and aspiring animation professionals will find Directing Animation a comprehensive and entertaining guide to understanding the director’s creative role in managing the entire animation process. An animation director doesn’t simply direct animation. He or she directs people who animate and must be equally able to relate to the crew, producers, writers, creators, and clients. Readers will learn how to:

-- direct commercials, TV series, feature films, and Web features and series
-- land their first big directorial break
-- create realistic schedules and pipelines
-- assemble the best crew for any job
-- motivate animators and crew members
-- give constructive feedback and notes
-- maintain good relationships with producers, creators, writers, and network executives

 In addition to over eighty photographs and illustrations, Directing Animation includes insider tips and firsthand experience from animators, directors, and producers, revealing the best ways to manage the production process while creating a workplace that is both efficient and fun.  

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dave’s book is a terrific collection of real stories from the animation world. Many of them are proof that a director needs to think with both sides of her or his brain. I don't think they teach this stuff in art school.”—Brown Johnson, president, Nickelodeon Animation  
 
“Directing Animation is as much a book on management, leadership, and people skills as it is a book on animation. Any person leading a creative team in any field (or hoping to lead one someday) will be inspired and surprised by David Levy’s keen analysis of the human side of the business of directing animation.”—Linda Simensky, vice president, children’s programming, PBS  
 
“The most comprehensive book on directing animation from one of the best writers in the business.”—Bill Plympton, Oscar-nominated indie animation director  
 
“Q: How many books on directing animation does it take to screw in a lightbulb?  
A: One—David Levy’s! And if you read this funny and informative book, you’ll learn how to get other people to screw in the lightbulbs FOR you—and love doing it!”—Tom Warburton, TV animation director, creator, Cartoon Network's Codename: Kids Next Door  
 
“Once again, David Levy has written a book that is an absolutely vital read to anyone interested in starting, or already in the midst of, a career making animated films. Levy has compiled essential information from the industry’s top talents, as well as the independent filmmaking community, telling it like it is and offering strong advice from decades of practical experience. A must-have!”—Jerry Beck, coeditor of CartoonBrew.com and author of The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons

About the Author

David B. Levy has been an animation director for six series to date, including Nick Jr.'s Blue's Clues and Cartoon Network's Assy McGee. On his own, Levy has completed six award-winning independent animated films, most recently Owl and Rabbit Play Checkers. His previous short, Good Morning, has been featured in many film festivals, including the Hiroshima International Animation Festival and The New York International Children’s Film Festival. Levy has served as President of ASIFA-East since September 2000. He teaches and lectures regularly at schools such as Parsons School of Design, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Pratt Institute, and the Rhode Island School of Design. Levy is married and lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1 edition (November 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581157460
• ISBN-13: 978-1581157468
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Animation

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Insider's Look February 11, 2011

By Man of La Book

Format:Paperback

"Directing Animation" by David Levy is a non-fiction book in which the author talks about...directing animated movies. As a teacher and veteran director of episodes on Adult Swim, Assy McGee, Blue's Clues and more Mr. Levy shares many stories of his personal experience from working as an animator to running the whole show.

The book is divided into logical chapters which build upon one another. After the introduction the reader gets a rundown on what it takes to make an animated movie, the roles involved (animators, stylists, background artists, production assistants, etc.). The following chapters talk about the director's job in either independent films, commercials, TV series, feature films and the Internet. The last chapters deal not only with directing, but management of people as well.

Mr. Levy peppers the book with fascinating, enlightening and mostly funny anecdotes from his experience working in the industry. The author even goes beyond his own experience and quotes industry big wigs such Ralph Bakshi, Don Hertzfeldt, Yvette Kaplan, Xeth Feinberg and others.

As an avid animation fan I really enjoyed this book even though it is not geared towards me.

Most people have no idea the amount of work involved in making an animated clip, even it it's "just" a 30 seconds commercial. Reading on the amazing process of creating animation, even if it's just a short, has always fascinated me to begin with. Reading about the process from an industry expert with a mind to teach rather than just boast, is enlightening to any fan of animation.

"Directing Animation" is easy to read and can be skipped around as necessary if used as a reference book. I, however, read it straight through and enjoyed the technical aspects as much as the personal and pointed stories which tactfully drive the Mr. Levy's point home.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for animation directors December 21, 2010

By arcook

Format:Paperback

Directing Animation is not just for those who want to direct animation. The information about working with (and for) people can easily be applied to almost any occupation. Anybody that works in a manager type position should read what Mr. Levy has to say.

This is not a boring textbook, but a book filled with lessons learned from firsthand experience. David Levy includes not only his experiences, but knowledge that has been passed on to him by other outstanding people in the animation field. Directing Animation contains numerous stories about David's experiences while working in various phases of animation production.

There is a considerable amount of advice in the book that is geared specifically toward the animation field. Those in the industry will understand what he is talking about, but the animation specific information is not so technical that "outsiders" will feel completely lost. Those outside of the industry will gain a new appreciation as he gives some insight into what goes into making an animated film.

Overall, I found Directing Animation to be not only a well written and informative book, but one that was written by an author with a passion for his work. I would suggest that the reader or potential reader take some time to view some of Mr. Levy's animation work that can be found on the internet.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

2.0 out of 5 stars Same thing over and over February 5, 2013

By KGS

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book hoping it would be a little more in-depth regarding the processes in an animation pipeline, but that wasn't the case. Levy has a humorous tone throughout, but didn't get into the nitty-gritty technicality of animation film or tv making. However he makes a point at building your confidence when managing a team of artists.