5 top tips for creating a cinematic sequence

Inspired by Jumbla’s project? then follow project lead cal woolcock’s tips to create your own animations

1. Be resourceful

If budget and time is your concern, look for free/cheap stuff you can use from the internet. We used a ton of 3D models from Turbosquid and other websites that were free or cheap to use. Get onto Element 3D – it can’t do everything but it is damn good, and it’s fast – and much cheaper than traditional 3D software! For characters, Fuse and Mixamo will save you hundreds of hours trying to figure out how to create, rig and animate characters if that’s not something you’re familiar with – and give you a heap of animation presets to work through.

2. Be consistent

Trying to schedule this project into our studio was a nightmare. It was on and off, which you don’t want. Instead, try to get a clear run at it for days or weeks in a row. This will build up motivation and excitement for the project that can get you on a roll. If you are constantly interrupted, you’ll find it difficult to pick up again and that’s a real killer.

3. remember story is King

We can often get caught up with making things look nice without having any real substance. If everything is just style, it’s not that meaningful or memorable. Yeah it might look cool, but it’ll just fall into this void of contemporary design and you won’t even remember it in a year’s time. I see so many things that look awesome, and I love – but for me the films that really make you feel something have a good, emotive story.

4. Know your tools

This might sound a little strange, but try not to get too caught up with what software people use to make some other production – stick to what you know, or what you’d like to know, and use it to the best of your knowledge. I don’t know how to use 3D software and for me to learn it would take me years, but I know After Effects like the back of my hand and I’ve known how to use Element 3D since it was released. If you really know your software, this allows you to push the boundaries of what is possible. You’ll also be faster with the tools you know!

5. trust your instincts

I had a good conversation with my director friend about what made good films stand out, and one thing he said was that good directors really stick to their instincts. Even if people just don’t understand what it is you’re trying to do – you do. Stick to it. It’s good to get advice and listen to people, but do what you believe is right. It’s your story after all, not anyone else’s. In the end, the most important thing is that it’s told the way you want it to be told.