The Flash Animator (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Intrigued by digital animation? Know a little bit about Macromedia Flash but are ready to take it to the next level? The Flash Animator will teach you how to create traditional-looking animations faster, cheaper, and with more delivery options. Sandro Corsaro helps you to develop a solid understanding of the principles of traditional animation, and then guides you step by step through bringing those principles to life with Macromedia Flash. Topics range from creating basic ball bounces to managing complex character design, sound, and optimization issues.

Interviews with numerous experts in the animation industry-complete with beautiful artwork and insights from feature-film animators and web pioneers-are included to inspire you along your Macromedia Flash animation path. Interviewees include: Iwoa Takamoto, creator of Scooby Doo; Brad Abelson, storyboard artist, The Simpsons; Joe Shields, Joe Cartoon; Tom Winkler, Doodie.com; and many other influential animators.

This book's CD contains all source files for the book's examples, exclusive animation files, and bonus Macromedia Flash cartoons. There is also an in-depth audio interview with Iwoa Takamoto.

From the Back Cover

Intrigued by digital animation? Know a little bit about Macromedia Flash but are ready to take it to the next level? The Flash Animator will teach you how to create traditional-looking animations faster, cheaper, and with more delivery options. Sandro Corsaro helps you to develop a solid understanding of the principles of traditional animation, and then guides you step by step through bringing those principles to life with Macromedia Flash. Topics range from creating basic ball bounces to managing complex character design, sound, and optimization issues.

Interviews with numerous experts in the animation industry-complete with beautiful artwork and insights from feature-film animators and web pioneers-are included to inspire you along your Macromedia Flash animation path. Interviewees include: Iwoa Takamoto, creator of Scooby Doo; Brad Abelson, storyboard artist, The Simpsons; Joe Shields, Joe Cartoon; Tom Winkler, Doodie; and many other influential animators.

This book's CD contains all source files for the book's examples, exclusive animation files, and bonus Macromedia Flash cartoons. There is also an in-depth audio interview with Iwoa Takamoto.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: New Riders Publishing (June 11, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735712824
• ISBN-13: 978-0735712829
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,249,917 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant and useful., September 20, 2002

By	Marius Cipolla - See all my reviews

I have read several other introductions to Flash cartooning. In this area, unfortunately, many books are written on dubious pretences -- by authors who have never been professional animators, or by authors who have a poor grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of Flash. The books by Mark Clarkson and Ibis Fernandez are both weak in this regard, and offer little inspiration.

Sandro Corsaro is a real animator with both the education and the job experience to offer sound advice. His own work is highly professional (and exemplary.) This book contains both useful practical tips and valuable discussions of the general topic. There are also interviews with some of the most influential animators.

I am finding this book a real source of ideas, and that is what I shelled out my hard earned $$$ for! Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, July 2, 2002

By	Gabe (Manchester, NH) - See all my reviews

I must say, I was hesistant at first when I heard about this book. I figured it was going to be similar to the awful Flash Cartooning Book from last year. Upon opening it, I realized I was wrong. This is not your typical flash book. The structure of the book is very unique, I didnt feel like I was reading some technical manuscript. The author's tone was very light and easy to understand. I have been using Flash for some time now. After reading the first three chapters, I found myself going back to my old projects and trying these techniques. Chapter 4 was particularly insightful, especially how the author explains the concept of reusing animation was terrific. The idea of reusing not only "parts" but the actual "motion" was a whole new concept for me. And I must say, the "Stella" file on the CD was an impressive demonstration the chapter's title..."reusing and recycling".

-The artwork and interviews, absolutely hilarious and insightful.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST on the market!, July 1, 2002

By	"jibjab_media" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This is by far the best book on the market for anyone interested in using Flash as an animation tool. It is superbly written BY an animator, FOR animators!!! Final, a book that cuts throught the technical mumbo-jumbo and gets to the heart of what artists, not programmers, need to know. The author obviously has a deep understanding of animation as an Art form and relays tips and tricks on how to use Flash for what it is... a FANTASTIC tool for animators!

The book is filled with amazing artwork and clear illustrations (not to mention great characters!) I have not seen a book out there that can compare.

From the computer savy to the traditionalist, if you are an animator this book is an absolute MUST!