Animation Reference: How To Use Video Reference for Animation

Why do Animator’s use reference for animation?

Animation reference allows animators to observe the natural movements of humans or animals they are animating. This can help ensure that their animation looks sincere and delivers the story point of the scene in the most convincing way possible. Animation is a complex art form that involves both imaginative thinking and technical expertise. For animators, using video reference can be an invaluable tool for creating more believable animated scenes. 

In this blog post, we will explore eight essential tips for animators on how to use video reference to create animation that captures the nuances of life. From understanding the main story point in a scene when viewing video reference to knowing how to analyze and utilize the reference material, these tips will help any aspiring or experienced animator maximize their animation potential. 

Here are eight essential tips for using video reference for animation: 

1. Find the main story point of the scene.
2. Record your own animation reference.
3. Pay attention to details.
4. Utilize multiple sources of reference.
5. Take notes and thumbnails.
6. Take advantage of editing software.
7. Avoid over-referencing animation.
8. Analyze and push the animation reference material.

1. Find The Main Story Point Of The Scene:

Finding the main story point of an animated scene is essential for animators to tell the story in the most compelling way possible. Animators must remain cognizant of the narrative’s main point, and look for ways to add subtle nuances that further convey this concept. Assessing which elements within the animation need extra attention can give animators an idea as to how best to emphasize a story moment. For instance, if a character is feeling sorrowful in one scene; by studying body language associated with sadness, an animator can use this knowledge to construct reference videos that highlight these emotions and then apply it in their animation. 

The story point on production is usually relayed to the animators by the Director. It is the animator’s responsibility to watch the animatic sequence of scenes leading up to the assigned scene, and the scenes after to get a feel of what the acting, pacing, and continuity are in their scene.

2. Record Your Own Animation Reference:

Recording your own reference material is a great way to ensure that you have the exact material you need to create animation that feels natural. Acting out your own video reference for animation allows animators to take the nuances and details from their movements and apply them to their animated characters. This helps create motions that feel more natural and believable, as opposed to if the animator had just watched someone else’s reference material and guessed at the specifics. An animator will be able to “feel” if a movement is contrived or forced, or if they are trying to pack too much in the designated frame count. Lastly, acting out your video reference also allows animators to test out different versions of acting for the same scene to find the approach that works best for their scene.

3. Pay Attention to the Details:

When studying video reference for animation, it is important to observe all of the small details that make a movement look natural. This means studying things like how the eyes move, how the weight shifts, and even subtle facial expressions. Animators can then use these details to create animation that looks more natural and believable. When using video reference for animation, it’s essential to pay attention to the small details. This can include everything from body mechanics and movement to facial expressions and gestures. Paying attention to the details can make all the difference when it comes to animation. 

4. Utilize Multiple Sources of Animation Reference:

While it’s important to have your reference material, it’s also important to use additional sources of video reference for animation. Watching live-action films can provide a great starting point for animation, as well as offer insight into different acting approaches, staging techniques, and practices. 

5. Take Notes and Thumbnail:

It is also important for animators to take notes when watching video reference material to note all of the most important elements that should take priority within a scene. Thumbnailing will benefit those who have the drawing skills for it. It allows the animator to isolate the key poses from their reference video, and push them with drawings  (Thumbnails) to get the best graphic representation of the pose for clarity and stronger storytelling.

6. Take Advantage of Editing Software:

Finally, it’s important to take advantage of animation editing software when using reference for animation. Editing software can be used to quickly and easily make adjustments to animation reference, ensuring that you have the most information possible when approaching your scene. Non-linear editors such as Adobe Premier will allow an animator to speed up the timing of their reference, edit out unusable takes, and composite multiple-character scenes. Open Shot is free/open-source software that you can use if you are on a budget.

7. Avoid Over-Referencing Animation:

It is important for animators to not rely too much on the original video reference, as it can often lead to a scene that looks robotic or stiff. The best animation comes from animators who understand the underlying principles of animation and how they can be applied to their reference material. Animators should use their instincts and creative vision when creating animation, rather than merely replicating what is on the video reference.

8. Analyze and Push the Animation Reference Material:

Once you have recorded your reference material, it is important to analyze it carefully to understand what makes certain motions look natural. This means analyzing not only how the body moves, but also the nuances of the motion such as facial expressions, and hand and eye movements. Animators can then use this knowledge to push their reference material beyond what they have recorded on video which allows them to create animation that “reads” clearly to the audience, than if they had just used their reference material as is. 

When pushing your poses in animation, it is important to keep in mind that natural motion does not always look realistic. It is the subtle details and nuances of motion which convey emotion and story points more clearly. Animators should strive to push their poses beyond what they have recorded on video reference by utilizing the principles of animation such as squash and stretch and exaggeration to make the animation feel more alive and believable. 

By following these Eight tips, animation projects can be completed more quickly and efficiently, while still maintaining a high level of believability and clarity. With the help of video reference, animation can be taken to the next level and become true character animation and not just movement.