Whetting My Animation Appetite

When Richard Williams book "Animator's Survival Kit" came out I said I wished I would have had it thirty years ago. Now this new one has got me waiting like a kid for Christmas to come.

Book Description
Character Animation Crash Course! is a veritable Genie's lamp stuffed with everything the aspiring animator could wish for! Renowned animator Eric Goldberg's detailed text and drawings illuminate how to conceive characters "from the inside out" to create strong personalities. Classic animation techniques are analyzed and brought to life through this unique book and its accompanying CD that offers readers animated movie examples that show, in real time or frame-by-frame, the author's principles at work. Add to this Goldberg's discussions of classic cartoons and his witty, informative observations based on the wealth of knowledge he's gained during his 30-plus years in professional animation, and you have a tour-de-force guide to character animation with the classic touch.

From the Author
Foreword When I first started making films, books about character animation were rare, and most were written from the distant, historical perspective of an observer. Of the meager handful of books that actually discussed how to do animation, only two were really good: Walt Disney's Tips On Animation from the Disneyland Art Corner and the classic Advanced Animation by Preston Blair. In the half century since, many animation books have been written, but still few are considered indispensable to people interested in doing animation themselves. To that exclusive club we must add the book you now hold in your hand: Character Animation Crash Course. Among Eric's many achievements is the "Friend Like Me" sequence from Walt Disney Pictures' Aladdin, a chunk of pure cartoon magic so dense that it can be enjoyed two ways: at regular speed or one frame at a time... where every aspect of Eric's astonishing embellishments, caricature, and razor-sharp timing can be savored like fine wine. In this jam-packed book and CD Eric will show you the rules for getting the most out of your animation. If you learn them well, you'll be good. If you can internalize these rules to the point where you can call upon them without thinking, you'll be exceptional. And if you learn them as well as Eric, you might even be able to successfully break a few of these rules and add to cumulative knowledge of how to make pencil lines (or pixels, clay, stop-motion models, etc.) come to life. You might even become accomplished enough to write the next great animation book. Good thing the rest of us don't have to wait until then. We have this terrific book right now. Brad Bird -- Writer / Director, The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille

From the Inside Flap
"As Disney Animation great Ollie Johnston always told me, "It's not the tools that create great character animation, it's what you do with those tools." Eric's book is a terrific how-to that clearly explains the tools and the techniques for great animation in any medium. People always ask me, "How do I get started in animation?" Now I know the answer...read the Character Animation Crash Course book by Eric Goldberg!" John Lasseter - Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios
"Eric's book and CD are a first in the industry. They represent a one-of-a-kind bible for artists, teachers and fans of animation from one of the modern masters of the craft." Don Hahn - Producer, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast

"I can't think of anyone more qualified to put together a book like this. Eric covers everything, from basic nuts and bolts to advanced technique in a clear, simple, entertaining way, just like his animation. This should be on the bookshelf of anyone who wants to know more about this elusive art form." Ron Clements - Director, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules

About the Author
Eric Goldberg, a veteran director, designer, and animator, has worked extensively in Hollywood, New York, and London, creating feature films, commercials, title sequences, and television specials. He is equally at home with traditional hand-drawn animation and the most up-to-date computer animation, and has pioneered ground-breaking techniques in both worlds.