"TALENT NOT INCLUDED"

One afternoon while we were discussing reviews of 3-D computer animation software programs, Vince Backeberg (lead animator and 3D modeler at COMPUTOONS) remarked that maybe more companies should add the following advisory to their packaging: "Talent Not Included." But why? Can't just anyone be a computer animator? Isn't everything you need right there in the box? In the past the animation was done by computer programmers, who were doing the work on advice from the artists. The artists, unfortunately, were limited by the complexities of the computers themselves, so while they were able to tell the programmers what they wanted, the finished product was still very much a flat "computer generated" look.

Today, however, animation software has become much more accessible to those artists who are not necessarily computer geniuses. It is user friendly, enabling an artist to more readily put his or her ideas into motion. Characters are becoming more lifelike and appealing and can do much more. But where does that leave us now that, technically, anyone can do it? It's always been my firm belief that no matter how much the software can do, and how easy it becomes to do it, it's what you do with it that will make the difference. That's where the talent and artistry come into play.

Now that just about every home has a personal computer in it and animation software can be found at the local computer store, more and more people are seeing themselves as amateur animators. Moreover, people within the animation industry itself are focusing solely on the computer as the tool. I, however, feel that the best computer animation will be done by those with strong artistic backgrounds-who have been creative in other media before turning to the computer. They will be the ones who will be able to see characters and scenes in an original way and who will be able to manipulate the software in such a way as to produce cutting-edge animation. Pixar took this approach in its production of Toy Story, by hiring animators with strong backgrounds in 3-D animation, three of whom were former colleagues of mine at Will Vinton Studios. Each had years of traditional art training, as well as animation experience.

Anyone can read an animation user manual and make software do what it's supposed to and, they'll find themselves with computer animation that looks pretty much like everyone else's. (After all, paints, chalk and colored pencils have always been available to everyone, but just using them doesn't make you an artist.) In order to create that cutting-edge look, original problem-solving skills are needed. The artist will ask himself, "How can I get this software to produce the look I need?" By bringing the creative process into play, he'll come up with an original solution to the problem.

Which brings us back to Vince's favorite advisory: "Talent Not Included." A package of animation software includes all the technical things you need to create animation, but YOU have to supply the talent and creativity.

Written by Robert Terrell, President of COMPUTOONS. Used by permission of Oregon Screen Monthly Magazine, March 1996 issue, page 22.

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