So, I've decided to go through my top picks for 2012!
On top of that, I have a special treat:
Chris Schweizer of Crogan Adventures fame
and
Gregg Azzopardi of the late Disney Florida animation studio, a founder of Project Firefly Animation Studios, and contributor to a list of projects too lengthy to mention
Have agreed to contribute!
These aren't in any particular order and I'll link them back to where you can get them on Amazon.com (no I'm not being paid off...though that would be swell if anyone is listening) Also, not all of these are books that came out in 2012--just books I discovered in 2012 for the sake of clarification.
by Paul Dini and Chip Kidd
A very good insight into what is still one of the most beautifully produced animated series' in western television. A brilliant noir visualized and compressed into a book. From storyboards and storyboards through character creation, animation and background; this book encapsulates an important time in syndicated animation.
by Giuseppe Cristiano
This is probably the best bullet-point book on storyboarding out there. It's concise and to the point; doesn't tell you how to draw but how to make storyboards as well as some good industry info. I was a fan of Giuseppe Cristiano's newer book on the subject (The Storyboard Artist) but honestly I dig this earlier volume much more. Coupled with "The Filmmaker's Eye", you've got all you need to start boarding.
by Jed Alger
Really great art book for a really great film. Shows concept art, storyboards and a lot of very good insight from the directors and creators.
by Maggie Malone and Jennifer Lee
Really great art book for a really great film. Shows concept art, storyboards and a lot of very good insight from the directors and creators.
Really great art book for a really great film. Shows concept art, storyboards and a lot of very good insight from the directors and creators.
by Christopher Kenworthy
These books are great for showing you film conventions within cinematography. Volume 1 shows a variety of situations and how to shoot them for the desired effect from fight scenes to love scenes. Volume 2 tackles dialogue alone, giving you many different ways to shoot besides talking heads. Dialogue can be a challenge to make into dynamic and intriguing shots so this comes in handy as a reference. Even if you're not interested in following such conventions, these books provide an excellent jumping off point to spark the imagination.
by Mark Millar, John Romita Jr, Jane Goldman, and
Matthew Vaughn
Matthew Vaughn
As far as movie books go, this one has a rather interesting take. Not only does the book go through the creation of the comic in tandem with the script for the film, it stands as one of the few books to really tackle the adaptation process of a certain film. The visuals are okay; artwork and storyboards being the more interesting of the pictures. All around, a good book.
by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard
Not only does this book cover the entire script, it includes cast and crew interviews, visuals, and a lengthy forward interview of just how the film came to be. Unlike most films, the first draft was written by the producer and director within a weekend sequestered in a hotel. This makes for a very interesting read and the dialogue makes going through the script an absolute joy.
by Blake Snyder
Great, straight-forward approach to screenwriting and story. Who doesn't wanna learn from the guy who wrote "Blank Check"? There are sequels to the book that do suggest he doesn't know what "last" means. I share this recommendation with Chris Schweizer as it fell on his list as well. He says he likes the series so I'm guessing the others are worth a look.
Walt Disney Animation Studios The Archive Series
A series of four books, sold separately, which display a wealth of pictures capturing everything classic Disney animation has to offer. The volumes include Story, Design, Animation, as well as Layout and Background, each pertaining to the subject of choice. Beautifully bound with a gallery of visual eye-candy in each, I do wish there was more text as there is very little in each large tome. I also share this recommendation with Chris Schweizer as it fell on both our lists.
by Tom Bancroft
This is one of Chris Schweizer's picks as a character book he says is "pretty awesome." This books certainly wins for longest title.
by Sergi Camara
Another of Chris Schweizer's picks presumably all about techniques in drawing for animation production. Great way to round out the list!
For Gregg Azzopardi's all-time top picks, he directed me to this section of his blog noting a plethora of resources pertaining to several topics in animation and storytelling.
Welp, that's it for now. Pretty nice stack for 2012. A lot of film and show books this year. Big thanks to Chris Schweizer and Gregg Azzopardi for lending their picks!
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