For your consideration, Watchcat Episode 2

As I write this, I can't believe we have finally come to the end of this project. What started off as a webseries to introduce Watchcat in episode 1, only hinted at what this cat could do. A Batman in cat form, a mysterious protector of the neighborhood on the watch for crime and criminals alike. 

Could we tell a story about a crime fighting cat in animation, with editing and original music? A mini motion picture of a cat hero that people would want to follow in every episode? Would we find an audience, get millions of hits and maybe even fund more episodes using a crowd funding situation? All these questions take time and effort to answer, but hopefully we will find out what you, our audience thinks about all of this.

We made Episode 2 to continue to follow the characters we introduced and and how our cat would deal with them. Both parts equal a whole and if people like it enough, we will do more. Maybe not 3 minutes an episode, but shorter situations could add to this cat's tale. 

And so, for your consideration, please enjoy Watchcat Episode 2.

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Borrow from the Best!

When you start to layout an animation scene and not sure how to do it, this is a good time to see how other people have solve this problem. I have been working on this short called "WatchCat" and there are a few sequences were we have a fight between the hero and the bad guys. 

Believe it or not, I'm not a Martial Artist expert, so to animate a flying kick I need to find an expert in the form of visual reference. Bruce Lee was probably the best reference when it comes to doing this action and makes it look cool at the same time.

Stop reinventing the wheel!

I did a little research to see how a good fight sequence is cut together. At first, my scene was too much little a dance and lacked any kicks or punches in the editing. Luckily, there are a lot of people fighting each other in films and so here was the result of my research.

Chen vs Susuki - Chinese Connection Scene study from Toondini on Vimeo.

Here's the animation based off the reference footage the scene is still in production, but the timing is looking better.

http://watchcatfiles.blogspot.com/2016/08/borrow-from-best.html

So whenever you find yourself fighting to figure out how to put a scene together or make an action work, borrow from the best reference images and videos you can find.

Freelance Animation 101

In between full time animation work is a world known as "Freelance". This is often an exciting place when the job you have taken on is working in your favor, however it can turn into a dangerous place when things aren't going so good. I think everyone should freelance now and then to help them use their knowledge and talents they have gained during those full time years of employment.

I have discovered that there are two different laws of Freelancing. One Law is when you really need to find a job, it seems impossible to actually find one at the time. The other Law, is when you finally find a job, several other job opportunities pop up.  I always grumble,"Where were you two months ago?!" I'm sure there are other laws on the subject, but these two seem to be the most common.

When you first are contacted by a potential client, you must find out as much information as you can without sounding too desperate. You're at a party, people are interacting with one another and some approaches you in casual conservation. You aren't going to talk their ear off by telling them everything you did that week and so with the first contact email or phone call, you need to let them tell you what they want.

Here are three important questions you need to find out first. 

1) What is the job? 2) How long will the job last? and 3) What is the budget?

Depending on the job, the last two questions may be answered by the first question. If they are look for an animator to be a part of a team, they will usually ask you what your rate or day rate is. This is where you can loose the job if your rate is higher than what they are willing to pay. By asking if they have a budget sometimes gets them to tell you what they are willing to pay. You should also have some idea already what people are making for the job they are offering.

Here's a really good blog for Animators or any creative freelance person showing why you need to have some sort of contract before you start any project. After you have a contract, you should sent up a payment schedule to make sure you will be paid for the work you do. A good payment schedule is to start with 1/3 of the payment upfront. This will let you know if your client is as honest as you are. You shouldn't start the project until the check is cashed and everything is a-OK.

Be wary of animation jobs or gigs on websites like craigslist. You really have to be careful and make sure you understand the terms of the work. A lot of ads promise that you will be paid on "the backend". This means, you do the work now for free and later, when the theme park opens, you will get a % of the profits. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a bunch of BS. Not all ads are posted by bad people, you will find a few hidden jems out there every now and then. Bottom line, always have a contract of some kind. If they don't want to sign it, you probably don't want to work with them.

Recently, I began a freelance job, have gotten thru all of the above and now, I'm waiting for my first payment to arrive. Yes, "the check is in the mail," only 8 days and counting. Then I get that email, "What's your address again and how much is the first payment?" Welcome to Freelance..

Next Time: The check arrives...
http://animateducated.blogspot.com/2015/01/freelance-animation-102.html

WatchCat in Progress!

I thought I would let you know about a new web series I'm working on called "WatchCat". Every Wednesday, I am posting a "Making Of " blog entitled: The WatchCat Files. Without spoiling our first webisode, Its a little behind the scenes and attempt to document the animation progress of this project.

So take a look and see what you think. Any comments or suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated...