To
animate a character is to bring that
character to life, or actually, to create the illusion of life from a
static rigged model. Working from the storyboards, with sets and
animatics provided by layout, the animator creates movement and
performance that will support and further the story and storytelling.
A good animator is a keen observer of human and animal behavior and
real world physics, understands concepts of acting and mime and also
has a good eye for composition and graphic design.
The
animation
department is responsible
for interacting with character designers, modelers, and riggers.
Animation is the “end user” of the character building process and
must take a leading role in guiding characters through development.
