Make Cool Flash Animations in 5mins Hundreds of Effects and Templates
www.SwishMax.com/DownloadFreeTrial
I draw Storyboards & More for Your Project, Pitch or Presentation
jeffcoatney.com
Amazing Flash components,animations flv videos and much more, from $1
www.stockfuel.com
Learn to Draw & Animate in Flash Free Lessons & Free Files
www.CartoonSmart.com
Chinese animation films, Television cartoon series, animated movie DVD
www.cgcmall.com
Animation studio services include Flash animation, web site design, 3D architecture rendering, 3D modeling, and computer animation presentations.
www.1animationflasharchitecture3dwebflashanimation.com
Studio specializing in claymation, including the "Wallace and Gromit," "Angry Kid" and "Chicken Run" franchises.
www.aardman.com
Is a design and production company specializing in electronic media.
www.adtechinc.com
Developer of multimedia, interactive entertainment content, based in Oregon.
www.aftermathmedia.com
Licenses and releases Anime titles in a broad variety of genres, in both dubbed and subtitled form, on video. Also sells "character goods" and animation cells.
www.animeigo.com
Thousands of video backgrounds, video loops & flash animations from $0.55 a clip. Royalty Free, Instant downloads in flash and broadcast formats.
www.anistock.com
Provides consulting, research and educational services tailored to the needs of individuals and organizations, ranging from representation for foreign companies in the US and Canada, to market research and in-house seminars. Based in Canoga Par...
www.awn.com
Boutique animation house based in San Francisco Bay Area.
www.bluelightanim.com
Holland, Ohio, based company whose services include: website creation, internet branding, cd-rom multimedia, digital video production logo/identity creation, layout and print media, music composition, computer, and traditional animation.
come.to
A boutique studio specializing in claymation, stop-motion, model animation, as well as 3-D computer animation and digital effects.
www.cycho.com.au
Studio producing digital effects for filmed entertainment, based in Los Angeles,California.
www.d2.com
DC Comics, a Time Warner Company, consists of: Paradox Press, Vertigo Comics, Superman, Batman, and MAD Magazine.
www.dccomics.com
Provider of computer animation services, specializing in character animation for entertainment and commercial applications. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.dnahelix.com
Broadcaster of computer video animation as well as graphic design and electonic prototyping and manufacturing.
www.edd.cc
Creator of corporate logos, character enhancement, cartoons, animation and models for videogames.
www.eyejam.com.au
Produces imagery, animation, Light wave 3D animation, Macromedia Flash animation, web site interface, and much more.
www.flay.com
Provider of content in the form of video and film production, 2D and 3D animation, digital video and computer media and web design. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.flying-rhino.com
Their core business is in the conceptual development and production of animated films.
www.fredwolffilms.com
A complete video and audio production company for broadcast programs, commercials, sales, training, and marketing tapes, with the latest in video and multimedia technology.
www.g2video.com
Combines layers of film, animation and digital effects in producing their work.
www.gulture.com
Services range from interactive Internet applications to video and commercial film spots. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.
www.hammondcg.com
Provider of humorous illustration services for greeting cards, logos, parties and caricature entertainment for trade shows.
www.justinjest.com
From television to feature film, home video to commercials, publishing to music, this company specializes in cutting edge animation. Based in Hollywood, California.
www.klaskycsupo.com
Los Angeles based studio offering original content, and premiering a new series every month that showcases the best in Macromedia Flash and 3D animation technology.
www.mandalay.com
Integrated children's entertainment company that develops, produces, markets and distributes media content and related products to children worldwide.
www.nelvana.com
Pacific Title/Mirage Studio, one of Hollywood's oldest and most respected visual post-production and effects houses, provides a full-range of Optical and Digital services. PTM's Digital Division focuses on cutting-edge realism in character devel...
www.pactitle.com
Creator of animation, special effects and graphics for media. Based in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania.
www.pixelmixers.com
A complete design firm specializing in the television industry. Based in Boston, Massachusetts.
www.pixelsoup.com
A Santa Monica, California based company that is a full service multimedia studio.
www.popstudios.com
Los Angeles based film production studio specializing in visual effects for feature films, television commercials, theme park rides, music videos and interactive games.
www.rhythm.com
Glendale, California based animation house specializing in Web cartoon shows, comic strips, commercials, videos, and books.
www.spumco.com
California based information source for animation art, with a specialty in animation art restoration. Offers art for sale through a gallery and auctions.
www.srlabs.com
San Francisco based firm that services the world of video and multimedia through: Web development, CD-ROM, and DVD; Film; Custom Music; and Animation, Duplication, Production and Post Production.
www.strangefilms.com
A media company based in Hollywood, California. Creates "advertainment" for online companies. Advertainment is the convergence of entertainment and advertising: Interactive entertainment that integrates and promotes brands and products as it bui...
www.swankytown.com
Full-service graphic design agency creating everything from advertising and design to cartooning and writing - all with a humorous or whimsical bent. Other services offered include: art direction, storyboards, composite artwork, signage, trade s...
www.thelooneybin.com
Developer of tx-transform, a film technique that can show chronological events simultaneously.
www.tx-transform.com
Is now owned by the incubator, eCompanies, and they serve as their in-house creative design and development team.
www.venu.com
Studio specializing in dimensional animation, all forms of stop-motion and CGI-based character animation. Projects include film, television, advertising, brand-building and character development.
www.vinton.com
Viz Communications, Inc., is a U.S. publisher of Japanese animation and comics (anime and manga) for English-speaking audiences.
www.viz.com
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Make Cool Flash Animations in 5mins Hundreds of Effects and Templates
www.SwishMax.com/DownloadFreeTrial
Knowing animation guide basics gives you an edge when working in nearly any business that needs publicity or focuses on art and creativity. Whether you are creating a film or hiring someone to advertise your business, knowing the basic guidelines of animation will assist you in professional output.
The animation business is constantly evolving so it's important to keep current in techniques and styles. When working with animation you might want to:
1. Filter through various animation services to decide which style of animation works best.
2. Use your knowledge of animation guide basics to negotiate with potential animation companies.
3. Consult with animation studios to determine the best use of animation programming.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Determine which type of 3D animation is best for your project
Each computer animation company specializes in a specific type of animation, whether it's two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D). You could also play with animation programs on your own to create your own project. Whichever way you go about it, it's important to determine an animation style that matches your project goals.
I recommend: Inside Graphics offers online tutorials that teach students how to do simple animation online. It uses Photoshop and demonstrates how to liven up a Web page with the animation. Apex Web Media offers training videos covering animation in addition to other topics. World leading experts teach the tutorials, and students can try the tutorial for free.
Have knowledge of the subject before you approach animation services
Learn the ins and outs of digital animation as well as video animation so you can talk with animation experts with some authority. This helps you communicate your project goals more effectively to them in a way they can understand. Most companies will incorporate ideas based on their expertise until you achieve a final project that satisfies everyone.
I recommend: The New York Film Academy offers schooling in 3D animation. Sign up for classes or workshops. Digital Media Online offers a wide selection of tips and techniques and hands-on offerings for animation. It allows you to sample small animation tasks so you become familiar with different animation styles.
Talk with experts in the animation studios to determine market needs
Many animation houses carefully watch the market to see what new developments become available. They know trends on what consumers look for and might be able to offer insight into new technology that would enhance your project.
I recommend: Guideline offers Intota, a business that connects professionals. Business owners can easily scan through its database to find experts to consult with in fields like computer animation. Winder Consulting offers services to a variety of clients ranging from venture capitalists to producers. It works with a network of industry specialists to assist you in animation development at any stage of your project.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Work with animation agencies that offer classes and tutorials to keep animators current on technology.
Sometimes it is not enough to tell someone what your company can do for them; you have to show them and that is where animation for business communication needs come into play. The written word is not always enough. Utilize the animation services of an animation specialist or choose from a variety of animation companies to grab your audience.
The animation business has grown up over the years since the introduction of the Internet. You can find a computer animation company to meet every need imaginable. Your business know-how coupled with the creativity from any number of animation studios to meet your specific needs and your business will stand out from the rest. Here's what to look for:
- Animation houses that meet your needs from marketing to training, whether you count on your website to represent your business or you need to take a presentation on the road.
- Specialty animation houses to present 3D animation information for medical and scientific business needs.
- 3D animation studios with a focus on advertisements when your business requires video animation that will brand your company fast.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find an animation house to meet a multitude of needs from websites to business presentations
It used to be the only way you could make an impression was to hit the pavement and make a sales call. Today you can leave your mark on the Internet. Once you have their attention, close the deal with an animated business presentation. Various multimedia applications are the next generation in marketing tools.
I recommend: Sandlewick Online Studio offers many animation services from banner ads to business presentations. Framework Media has something for your website, trade show and sales training needs. Its 3D animation services also include creating legal re-enactments.
Use a specialty animation house for industry-specific needs
Animation for business is available for niche-specific markets, so there is an animation business for you no matter what your industry is, from product and service providers to employee training to medical and engineering communities.
I recommend: DDA Medical creates marketing solutions in the pharmaceutical, health care and medical device manufacturing industries. Eyemaginations provide 3D animation design and custom software development. Look to Tedopres International for animation and simulation solutions to train employees in a safe environment on simulations of technically advanced machinery.
Look for 3D animation studios to position your company among the leaders on television or the web
Commercials aren't for TV anymore; one medium can reach two markets now. 3D animation studios can brand you on the Internet and on television. You website can become a virtual client resource using webmercials for advertising your company on a daily basis to hosting special promotions on the fly.
I recommend: See CG4TV Animation Studio for webmercials and distinct computer animation of product visualization to digital architectural representations. For fun solutions, refer to Cats Animation if you want to animate your logo or create special promos.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • The results of a successful business image or brand identity are measurable, especially any success garnered on the Internet. Find animation agencies that can name their successes, especially any that you would already be familiar with.
- • As in print marketing, you need choices to make the best one. Work with animation houses that provide a package to pitch you more than one idea.
The animation business has expanded far beyond the simple process of painted plastic celluloids being shot one frame at a time. Television shows, movies and computer games are full of computerized, three-dimensional animated images, requiring studios and experts that can create those images.
Animation education and training changes quickly with every passing day. New methods of video animation, 3D animation and digital animation are constantly being developed, and animation companies need people who can keep up with new trends. Your training can include:
1. Getting a degree in animation to give you a leg up in the animation business, and a start in animation studios.
2. Taking your animation education to the next level with a graduate degree.
3. Finding training for the newest computer programs used by animation houses.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Start with a degree from animation schools
If you're thinking you'd like a job that involves animation, find a school that offers a degree program. Having an associate or bachelors degree in animation can get you started in the industry, whether you're just starting out or looking to change careers.
I recommend: The University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, offers a variety of programs in animation including a minor or bachelor degree in the field. Learn how to use animation to create movies and games at the Los Angeles Film School. The Art Institutes International has a Pittsburgh location that includes an online division for distance education, along with the school having several locations across the country. Westwood College offers a Bachelor of Science in Animation you can get online.
Continue with a graduate program to increase your knowledge and become a better animation specialist
Searching for animation schools with postgraduate programs are a little more difficult to come by, however you can find a few colleges within the U.S. offering master programs in animation-related fields.
I recommend: The Academy of Art University offers a Fine Arts masters degree in animation and visual effects that teaches specialty skills in games, modeling, storyboarding and compositing. The University of Pennsylvania offers a masters degree in computer graphics and gaming technology providing detailed education on animation skills for game designers.
Boost your animation services with training sessions that teach new technology
Don't expect your education to end once you've hooked onto a major computer animation company or other business. You'll need to branish new design skills all the time. When new methods of computer animation develop, find training sessions to learn how to use them.
I recommend: The Sessions Online School of Design has several training courses in graphic design, including working with Flash and Dreamweaver. Toon Boom Animation has multiple training sessions on how to use many animation programs.
Guide to Animation Key Terms
Understand animation key terms to increase knowledge of animation film production techniques
By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor
There are many techniques used to create animated films and there are key terms for each of them. These key terms describe each of these techniques and serve as creative shorthand in the creation of animated films. It is vital for all those who work as professional animators and animated film distributors to take the time to learn animation key terms.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Traditional animation
Traditional animation is sometimes called hand-drawn or cel animation. It is one of the oldest forms of animation. Images are hand-drawn on paper and then transferred to acetate sheets, called cels, where they are lined and colored. They are filmed one by one until it appears that the images are moving naturally. Some traditional animation films include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Pinocchio (1940).
I recommend: Learn about traditional animation by reading the article at Animation Arena.
Limited animation
Limited animation uses less intricate images than other forms of animation. This technique also uses fewer images and less movement than other kinds of animation. Hanna-Barbera created limited animation cartoons including The Flintstones (1960) and The Jetsons (1962).
I recommend: Find information about limited animation by reading the tutorial at Flash Devils.
Rotoscoping
Rotoscoping is a process in which an animator traces live action images to create realistic movements with a rotoscope projector. Today, there are computer programs that make this process easier to accomplish. Films created using rotoscoping include American Pop (1981) and Waking Life (2001).
I recommend: Read the information about rotoscoping at Colour Lovers.
Stop-motion
Stop-motion animation is a technique in which three dimensional objects are moved slightly and then shot one frame at a time until the finished sequence gives the illusion of movement. Some of the more famous stop-motion films are The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and any of the Wallace and Gromit films.
I recommend: Find information about the various techniques of stop-motion animation at Pharos Productions.
Cut-out animation
Cut-out animation is a stop-motion technique. Images can be hand-drawn or cut-out from magazines or art books and used to create visually exciting animated films. Monty Python's Flying Circus and the television show South Park both use cut-out animation.
I recommend: Gather information about cut-out animation and read the tutorials at Alan's Image Factory.
Computer animation
Computer animation gives animators the ability to create realistic scenes and characters for their films. Computer animated images are used to create special effects in many live action movies. Examples of computer animated films include Toy Story (1995) and The Incredibles (2004).
I recommend: Read about the processes involved in computer animation at Pixar.
