Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

Animation: Creating an Illusion of Life, an Interview with Daniel Floyd

By Megan Harr
posted Aug 16, 2012, 14:41

Animation is a field that is critical to the production of some major works including classics such as �Snow White� to more recent films such as �Rango.� It includes the rapid display of a sequence of images which creates an illusion of movement either created through hand rendered art, computer generated imagery, three-dimensional objects, or some combination of these methods. Daniel Floyd, an animator at Pixar�s new satellite studio in Vancouver, BC shares his experience in working on various projects with different techniques. In addition to his work at Pixar, Floyd also produces and provides the voice for a small weekly web-show called "Extra Credits."



Can you tell us a little but about your favorite or most labor intensive past project? Any future projects that you�re currently working on?
DF:
My favorite projects so far have been the �Toy Story� shorts I've had the chance to work on, �Small Fry� and �Partysaurus Rex.� Incidentally, those also happened to be the most labor intensive. Not only was it a great chance to work on a beloved property and characters I'd grown up with, but the shorts themselves are great fun. �Small Fry� has this wonderful mix of dry humor and visual gags, and �Partysaurus Rex...well, you'll see why when it gets released in September. As for future projects, Pixar Canada's primary focus so far has been shorts set in the �Cars� and �Toy Story� universes. We've got some fun stuff lined up but, unfortunately, nothing I can talk about.

How did you go about pursuing a career in animation?
DF:
Animation caught my interest as a potential career halfway through college. After getting a crash course in 3D animation at the University of Georgia, I briefly attended the Savannah College of Art & Design before transferring to the Animation Mentor online program. After finishing there, I somehow managed to luck out and land this awesome job.

What animation (2D and 3D) software packages do you prefer to use?
DF:
Until arriving at Pixar, I generally preferred Maya for animating. Since coming here and working with their proprietary software, I've grown very comfortable with it. Now that my workflow has been adapted so completely to this way of working, I don't know if I'd ever want to go back.

Do you prefer traditional animation which initially includes the photographs of drawings which are transformed during a labor and time extensive process or computer animation which includes working with automated computerized versions of traditional animation which is them manipulated? Why?
DF:
In terms of which I prefer working in, computer animation all the way. I've done some traditional work in the past, but my drawing skills just aren't up to the task. In terms of which I enjoy watching more, I really couldn't say. They each have their strengths and I love both kinds. Speaking as one who grew up on Disney animated films, I would love to see traditional animation make a big comeback someday.

What does a typical work day include?
DF:
At some point in the day, we'll have a session with the director in Emeryville via video chat, so he can get a look at the work in progress and offer notes. There's also usually at least one chance in the day to have the animation lead look at our work and give additional notes. Depending on the day, there may be some other events scattered throughout: company meetings, animation team huddles, intense Mario Kart sessions...but the bulk of the day is always spent at the desk. I don't mind. It's a nice desk. Plus, I'm animating Pixar characters, so hey.

There are numerous techniques that some animators prefer to use in animation outside of traditional and computer techniques, however, these are the most widely used. Animation has been shaping film study and production since before the 1940 and it is apparent through the prominence of these films and their successes at the box office and beyond, that animation is a field that will continue to thrive.