Friday, July 13, 2012

The Animated Animator


Way back on Beauty & the Beast I was told that some of Gaston's  gestures and expressions look like me (of all the characters!!).
The truth is that an animator can't help but inject some of his or her own physical characteristics into the character. Sometimes this is intentional (when studying yourself in the mirror), other times it is not.
Disney story man Vance Gerry told me once that he thinks that all of Milt Kahl's characters have Milt's eyes. Ever so slightly cross-eyed, they look like they are up to no good. I think Vance has a point.

The following frame grabs show Frank Thomas as he explains animation principles during a TV show from the 1980ies. What an expressive face, Frank could have been a great live actor.
I couldn't help myself and searched for (Thomas') animation drawings that somewhat reflect Frank's grimaces.















15 comments:

  1. I think a lot of it has to do with acting the scenes out and feeling where the tensions and masses are moving on your face

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  2. I'd never realized that about Kahl's eyes, but it's true! Sheriff of Nottingham, Medusa, Mim, they all have it. It even rubbed off on Don Bluth!

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  3. That's one great drawing of Hook! Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Hahaha! So funny and so true :D

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  5. These are wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing. I love Frank :D

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  7. I can now see why Chuck Jones once described Frank Thomas as 'the Laurence Olivier of animation'. He has natural acting chops, and was able to translate it to his characters so well. As far as dance moves, I don't think there's an animator yet who can top Frank's dance moves he gave to King Louie!

    Andreas, of all the characters you've animated over the years, which is your personal favorite? For me, that would be Lilo.

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    1. I don't have one favorite. I enjoyed them all. Gaston was the toughest because of the realism.

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  8. This is cool! Very natural and awesome works. I spent almost half hour just to look those interactive art works and comparing them to Frank.

    2D animation in Philippines

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  9. Andreas! Keep the inspiration coming! You wouldn't happen to have any thoughts or examples of Franks work with Robin Hood as The Stork, would you? Love reading this stuff first thing in the morning!

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    1. I do have copies of a Frank scene with Robin as the stork. I'll try to pencil test it.

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  10. Would like to see some of your expressions that reflects on your charcters too :)
    This was a very interesting post ! thanks .

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