CG Channel Store - Camera Fundamentals for Layout

Chapter List

Layout camera basics: coverage, blocking, camera motion and axis
Layout camera basics: Breaking out beats, motion graph, zoom factor and depth of field
Layout camera basics: Action sequence strategy, camera rig setup, staying 'with' a character
Layout camera basics: Shooting for dramatic effect and F-stop
Camera Do's and Don'ts: Motion curves, flybys and camera shake

Whatcha gonna learn?

In this DVD, director Aristomenis (Meni) Tsirbas covers the basics of one of CG animation's least understood components: camera and staging, specifically in the context of effective storytelling. By breaking open one of his award-winning short films Meni reveals his creative process for designing a sequence to play clearly and dramatically. Story beats are broken down, camera motions are developed, and important narrative tools such as zoom factor and depth of field are explained. A detailed Do's and Don'ts section guides the viewer to create polished, compelling, and tasteful camera animation by addressing proper use of motion curves, avoiding the 'digital curse', and overlaying the right amount of camera shake.