Backgrounds

[MrMshr00m]

And hello again,
I really do not fully understand the development to detailed background artwork for animated films. I'm not looking for necessarily a "method" of achieving nice backgrounds -- but is there some type of process in which one goes about doing this? I came across some nice videos here while looking for basic animation physics, while the site is organized I paid close attention to the clean backgrounds.

http://animationphysics.pbworks.com/w/p ... 0Exercises

Here is one video I enjoyed: http://animationphysics.pbworks.com/f/M ... n+3%29.mov

It looks like everything was done with a ruler. Now is this something that was done on a grid? "Okay, the street post is placed at so much % of the paper", how do you go about creating something like this in TVP?

I read somewhere there is a process of placement in which background designers work with. I'm not sure the correct "wording" or "terms" for this, but things like vanishing points etc.

In TVP are you able to curve a straight line or manipulate points placed on the ellipse, or rectangle tools?

Is there a development method taught for background designers? Any "rule of thumbs?"

Anything you guys can share will be appreciated.

[idragosani]

Well, yes, if you want decent backgrounds you have to pay attention to basic layout ideas using perspective, composition, etc. If you have a scence where characters move around (like, say, a house), you'll want to work out a floor plan of the house so you are consistent. Same goes for a town or city (at the very least, create a street map of the area where your characters will be). Take a look at how backgrounds are laid in live action films and professional photographs, to a feel for how different objects relate to each other in space, how your scene is composed, visual focus, etc.

I have another book to recommend It's called "Setting the Scene", and it just came out in the past year:

http://www.amazon.com/Setting-Scene-Evo ... 139&sr=8-1

It's kinda focused on Disney but there are examples from other studios as well.

[MrMshr00m]

You know, I think this is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
(PS. If you have any other books you do enjoy, please feel free to send them my way!)

Darius