There is a belief among some animators (especially inexperienced ones) that computer software has become so good that all they have to do is push a couple of buttons and BAM! They have a character, ready for his close-up. But the fact remains that there is artistry needed to create characters, particularly how they move and act on screen. Action! Acting Lessons for CG Animators covers the basic elements of acting for CG animation, as well as advanced acting techniques that apply directly to CG animation. These techniques focus on externalizing, or making physical, internal intent and motivation, fundamentally important aspects of acting and character animation. It also covers tools that allow the computer animator to work with actors in a professional production pipeline. The book use Autodesk's Maya--the leading software package used by the industry and educational institutions--as the primary animation tool discussed, but the techniques discussed are readily transferable to other animation software. Other acting books focus on the real world and/or the world of traditional, hand-drawn animation. This is the only book that focuses on acting techniques selected specifically for computer-generated characters.

About the Author

John Kundert-Gibbs is associate professor of Animation in the Theatre and Film Studies Department at the University of Georgia. In addition to numerous books on Maya and 3D animation, John writes, designs and directs for the theater. Kristin Kundert-Gibbs has worked as a producer, director, vocal coach, and actress in theatres such as The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, Crossroads Rep, Porthouse Theatre Company, and others. She teaches in the theatre program at University of Georgia, and has also taught at Duke, William and Mary, and Indiana State University.

Table of Contents:
1. What Is Acting? 2. Foundations of Animation. 3. Stanislavski's System. 4. Commedia dell'Arte. 5. Bioenergetics. 6. Using the Work of Michael Chekhov in Animation. 7. Essences. 8. Laban. 9. Alba Emoting. 10. Voice Performance for Voice-Overs. 11. Lip Synch and Facial Performance.