Nonfiction of the Week for July 27: Animation Unleashed (Part 1)
The fantastic book that was my portion of the blog is the animation/illustration guide entitled: Animation Unleashed. This book is the product of two people, the author Ellen Besen and the illustrator Bryce Hallet. Today's blog will focus on my interview with Ellen and later in the week I will blog about my interview with Bryce.
Ellen Besen has had an amazing life with her experience as an illustrator, both as a teacher at Sheraton college and as an illustrator herself. I spoke with Ellen on the phone for this interview and she was an absolutely dynamic woman with great insights, a wonderful sense of humour and she had some amazing stories about her involvement in the world of animation. I doubt that I will be able to convey how dynamic she is, but I hope that by giving you some snippets of her answers to my questions you will get a sense of who she is.
Question # 1: What is your writing process? When approaching a book/manual like "Animation Unleashed" what sort of research did you do?
Answer: Teaching was a great deal of her process, the research that she did, the problems that the students brought to her, watching films in class and analytically discussing them in a group. Working with people on making films and the patterns that occur and show up during these projects, similar road blocks, how these road blocks are addressed. The book was written as a way of addressing common road blocks that many animators run into, get concrete ideas that solve or help, or you that get you to think - a memory jog.
The writing process was delivered orally with an audience (her classroom) that helped to fine tune the material and refine it. What works for film making, what doesn't work. Writing takes a long time, starting with a huge and ugly first draft and then refining it with following drafts, the first draft stimulates so that the editing process will become more refined and finite for the themes and patterns are already there. Third edit takes away some detail and adds some, and the fourth edit is about finding what you mean and how is it best stated? Each essay/chapter has to make a clear and distinctive point and fit in with the other points and chapters. Making points that grow on each other and being clear on the different facets.
Question #2: What are some of your reading/writing influences?
Answer: In terms of animation Disney and Warner Bros. films were major influences, the classics of those two studios. NFB [National Film Board of Canada] and great Canadian animated classics. The film that galvanized the love of animation was the Beatles film "Yellow Submarine" and the music videos and songs, especially Lucy in the Sky with Diamondsand the incredible magic there.
Broad reading interests, including the short story genre, (which she hopes will make a comeback) and the process of teaching helps you to understand and learn more from the students. Great amounts of reading from many of the American classics, including Dorothy Parker (she and I both agree that Dorothy was a woman way ahead of her time) and F Scott Fitzgerald (especially his novella "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), which she feels would have worked better as an animated film, as the living backwards creates a dilemma that animation could have better solved as animation can create a better fourth wall.
Question#3: Did animation have an influence on you when growing up? What are some of the major pieces of animation that influenced you the most?
Answer: Animation was always there for her, great works that she viewed as a youth, but were really intended for adults but still viewed by children without edits. There was great benefit for her by figuring out the animation meant for adults as she developed critical thinking skills quite early on. In North America the status quo expected you to give up comics or animation at a certain age (usually about age 12) but animation was something she still enjoyed immensely. Around the early 70's little was happening in animation around the world except for some television programming. Ellen aimed for Sheraton college school of design and when applying thought she had to include a second choice on her application so she put down animation as there were no other programs there she wanted to take. She applied to the NFB and other animation avenues as a sideline, but she got into Sheraton on the spot with an interview and her portfolio and it did not occur to her that she would not be accepted. A month into the program she decided academia was not necessarily her thing at the time, but drawing and illustrating were, sitting and drawing were magic! A theatre and art background, along with dance and music (all of which animation use). She came into it by "accident", along with many other animators of her generation
Question #4: What other projects are you currently working on?
Answer: They are all animation related, working on a film that is organized by TAIS (Toronto Animation Image Society) with a grant to bring 11 animators to life. Of course there is promotion for the book "Animation Unleashed" which includes a book tour, she is on her way to New Orleans in a month for promotion and other destinations include Los Angeles.
A second book is in the works with a more comprehensive theme in terms of classic animation features and analyzing them in terms of production and how they work. Using the same kind of analysis as this book and applying it toward other forms of media.
So there you have it, the summary of my interview with the lively author of Animation Unleashed. I have to say that I immensely enjoyed myself for this experience and I wish I could interview people like Ellen everyday!
Jr. Mint is a youth librarian with the Toronto Public Library, mainly because he refuses to grow up. He reads as much esoteric stuff as he can.
142 thoughts on “Nonfiction of the Week for July 27: Animation Unleashed (Part 1)”
Animation + story = darling combo!
Animation + story = darling combo!
Isn’t it “Sheridan College”?
😛
Isn’t it “Sheridan College”?
😛
Pretty unique!
Pretty unique!
I wanna read this one too!
I wanna read this one too!
wow looks really good that i want to read it i enjoy reading books that looks interesting
wow looks really good that i want to read it i enjoy reading books that looks interesting
The fact that i absolutley love the title is because its called “Animation Unleashed” And that its not an anime, its a regular nonfiction!Kudos on the title pick!I used judge book by their cover (earned me the wall of shame..kidding) i always used to judge book by their cover like that covers with black and white or ugly drawings or no drawing at all and i always used to pick the cover with good art or has sparkles and has cool stuff (this was in grade 4 or something) and i realzed on my own that it was totally wrong for me to do that because the author might want to spend more time on the book then on the cover right? so that occured to me and i felt so mad at my self cause judging a book by its color is like judging a person by there looks! So ever since that day that i realized my mistake, i began going to the library more, and becoming more active in reading books and let me remind you i am probably the book-worm in my home! “Animation Unleashed” sounds great and the interview gives me more info about the book!I’ve never read a book by Ellen Bese so hopefully i’ll see this book somewhere! I also encourage more interviews with authors more of the books you recommded!
The fact that i absolutley love the title is because its called “Animation Unleashed” And that its not an anime, its a regular nonfiction!Kudos on the title pick!I used judge book by their cover (earned me the wall of shame..kidding) i always used to judge book by their cover like that covers with black and white or ugly drawings or no drawing at all and i always used to pick the cover with good art or has sparkles and has cool stuff (this was in grade 4 or something) and i realzed on my own that it was totally wrong for me to do that because the author might want to spend more time on the book then on the cover right? so that occured to me and i felt so mad at my self cause judging a book by its color is like judging a person by there looks! So ever since that day that i realized my mistake, i began going to the library more, and becoming more active in reading books and let me remind you i am probably the book-worm in my home! “Animation Unleashed” sounds great and the interview gives me more info about the book!I’ve never read a book by Ellen Bese so hopefully i’ll see this book somewhere! I also encourage more interviews with authors more of the books you recommded!
Hey. LOL, this is a fun book to read
Hey. LOL, this is a fun book to read
I want to read this book!
I want to read this book!
And i like the cover!!
And i like the cover!!
wow that book looks cool and i think i have read one just like that i really that book b it’s cover
wow that book looks cool and i think i have read one just like that i really that book b it’s cover
Sounds COol =)
Sounds COol =)
it’s pretty gud i think
it’s pretty gud i think
I love animation!
I love animation!
I really want to read this book.
I really want to read this book.
This book looks so interesting to read!!
the fact that the cover draws you towards the book right away makes it so outstanding!!
This book looks so interesting to read!!
the fact that the cover draws you towards the book right away makes it so outstanding!!
I find it so funny that a novella “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was made into such a long movie!
I find it so funny that a novella “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was made into such a long movie!
it’s a really good book. Very well writen. quiet intersting.
it’s a really good book. Very well writen. quiet intersting.
I wanna read this one also!
I wanna read this one also!
I love animation and it’s really cool how this book is about animation and even entitled animation unleashed yet it’s a non-fiction book full words though it is very interesting.
I love animation and it’s really cool how this book is about animation and even entitled animation unleashed yet it’s a non-fiction book full words though it is very interesting.
I wanna check this out.coz it sounds really interesting …
I wanna check this out.coz it sounds really interesting …
oh this is AWESOME , the title totally caught my eye and i definitely find it interesting, plus i love animation this is probably going to go in my to read list lol
oh this is AWESOME , the title totally caught my eye and i definitely find it interesting, plus i love animation this is probably going to go in my to read list lol
I love anything anime. so i’ll for sure look tis book up.
I love anything anime. so i’ll for sure look tis book up.
Righnow i started reading a book called ‘Twisted’ by Laurie Halse Andreson. any books by this author is A W S O M E. I personally adore her books. One of my favourite author. And so far this book is so good!!!
Righnow i started reading a book called ‘Twisted’ by Laurie Halse Andreson. any books by this author is A W S O M E. I personally adore her books. One of my favourite author. And so far this book is so good!!!
I personally recommend a book called ‘Snowed In’ by Rachel Hawthhorne. Those teens who love reading Romance book will surely aodore this one. If you are looking for a romance novel then this one is the one to go to! 😉
I personally recommend a book called ‘Snowed In’ by Rachel Hawthhorne. Those teens who love reading Romance book will surely aodore this one. If you are looking for a romance novel then this one is the one to go to! 😉
Oh and any books by Rachel Hawthhorne are always romance novels. So if you like romance books look for a book by this author
Oh and any books by Rachel Hawthhorne are always romance novels. So if you like romance books look for a book by this author
I’ll defentenly look up Rachel’s book becuase i’m a huge huge fan of romance books.
I’ll defentenly look up Rachel’s book becuase i’m a huge huge fan of romance books.
But i think the best romance authors out there are still sherrylin kenyon, and Christine Feehan. though they’re adult it’s still very intresting. But right now i’m looking for teen romance authors so if anybody knows one please post their name
But i think the best romance authors out there are still sherrylin kenyon, and Christine Feehan. though they’re adult it’s still very intresting. But right now i’m looking for teen romance authors so if anybody knows one please post their name
Recently i’ve been reading more and more non-fiction books. and i have to say they’re quite enjoyable becuase i get to learn something while still have fun reading.
Recently i’ve been reading more and more non-fiction books. and i have to say they’re quite enjoyable becuase i get to learn something while still have fun reading.
and i think more and more people should think about reading more non-fiction books because as long as you have a topic you like you’ll always be interested in what you’re reading. Take this book for example though i’m not interested in the topic that much i have a friend who is but doesn’t like reading but loved it when he read this book. So it’s all about the topic
and i think more and more people should think about reading more non-fiction books because as long as you have a topic you like you’ll always be interested in what you’re reading. Take this book for example though i’m not interested in the topic that much i have a friend who is but doesn’t like reading but loved it when he read this book. So it’s all about the topic
i don’t reall like animation, but im going to read it
i don’t reall like animation, but im going to read it
I love all nonfiction books especially those that focus on today’s society. Animation’s going to be a cool topic too, for those who like graphic novels and have drawing as a hobby. Happy Reading!
I love all nonfiction books especially those that focus on today’s society. Animation’s going to be a cool topic too, for those who like graphic novels and have drawing as a hobby. Happy Reading!
The cover of this book is attractive. This is great..I hope I can put a hold on this one.
The cover of this book is attractive. This is great..I hope I can put a hold on this one.
Well when you put it like that, it does sounds quite amazing though i’m only a mediocer at drawing i still like doing it. maybe i’ll take a looka at this book later
Well when you put it like that, it does sounds quite amazing though i’m only a mediocer at drawing i still like doing it. maybe i’ll take a looka at this book later
Though i’m terrible at it, i think now i kinda want to take a look at this if only to give it to my sister who actually does love to draw big time
Though i’m terrible at it, i think now i kinda want to take a look at this if only to give it to my sister who actually does love to draw big time
I think the artistic gene in my family just skiped me and went on to her. but ya i’ve decided to atleast get this for her sake
I think the artistic gene in my family just skiped me and went on to her. but ya i’ve decided to atleast get this for her sake
It is attractive isn’t it. it’s amazing the artistic talent some people have
It is attractive isn’t it. it’s amazing the artistic talent some people have
But then i guess everyone has their own talent no matter how big or small it may be
But then i guess everyone has their own talent no matter how big or small it may be
I’ms starting to see hpw great non fiction books are
I’ms starting to see hpw great non fiction books are
They are a source of such need information esxpecially for those who have a tough time paying attention in class and like learning at their own pace
They are a source of such need information esxpecially for those who have a tough time paying attention in class and like learning at their own pace
hmm just like me. eh soon i’ll read this
hmm just like me. eh soon i’ll read this
Well i’ll be checking the library today. hopefully it’ll be there so i can see for sure if the book is good or not
Well i’ll be checking the library today. hopefully it’ll be there so i can see for sure if the book is good or not
Ok for sure i’ll be going to the library today and i can’t waut i hope my books are there though
Ok for sure i’ll be going to the library today and i can’t waut i hope my books are there though
Anime is wonderful and i really like it. every firday i watch it with my sisters all in my room and we laugh and enjoy it as much as i can
Anime is wonderful and i really like it. every firday i watch it with my sisters all in my room and we laugh and enjoy it as much as i can
When i was younger my favorite movies to watch were from disney and today i still love watching some of the kid animated movies.
When i was younger my favorite movies to watch were from disney and today i still love watching some of the kid animated movies.
lol oh cool, same here i still lvoe watching lion king and aladin and such movie like that
lol oh cool, same here i still lvoe watching lion king and aladin and such movie like that
I love watching all types of stuff
I love watching all types of stuff
Same
Same
I think my favorite is Animation indeed
I think my favorite is Animation indeed
Animation is becomeing huge, and i think it’ll only get bigger
Animation is becomeing huge, and i think it’ll only get bigger
Very true indeed, i mean anime has only incresed throughout the years
Very true indeed, i mean anime has only incresed throughout the years
And we all know it’ll only get better and more. mostly from the japanese animators though
And we all know it’ll only get better and more. mostly from the japanese animators though
I’ve noticed that more people are watching anime and less cartoons
I’ve noticed that more people are watching anime and less cartoons
Also cartoons are jsut plain getting terriable each month. it’s actually been probaly a whole year since i watched a cartoon and liked it
Also cartoons are jsut plain getting terriable each month. it’s actually been probaly a whole year since i watched a cartoon and liked it
Ya it’s been months since i liked watching cartoons as well
Ya it’s been months since i liked watching cartoons as well
Yup
Yup
Same, i think that the animation Age is coming or who knows could be already here
Same, i think that the animation Age is coming or who knows could be already here
Every where i see it’s animation. so i think it’ll become huge.
Every where i see it’s animation. so i think it’ll become huge.
I can’t wait to see the next big anime hopefully there will be some romance fingers crossed.
I can’t wait to see the next big anime hopefully there will be some romance fingers crossed.
Animation will become a huge corpartion, if it isn’t already
Animation will become a huge corpartion, if it isn’t already
And for those people who are really good at it, just keep on trying and soon you’ll get your lucky break
And for those people who are really good at it, just keep on trying and soon you’ll get your lucky break
Ya, just looking at this cover get’s me inspired to start drawing
Ya, just looking at this cover get’s me inspired to start drawing
Even though i can’t at all
Even though i can’t at all
Yup that’s true, the cover is very well done
Yup that’s true, the cover is very well done
Ya, i’ve found myself just taken time to stare at it
Ya, i’ve found myself just taken time to stare at it
I’ve even been doodling while staring at it
I’ve even been doodling while staring at it
So it’s true, the cover page does inspire creativity
So it’s true, the cover page does inspire creativity
hmmm guess soo
hmmm guess soo
Actually i wonder who drew it
Actually i wonder who drew it
Was it one person or a group
Was it one person or a group
Hmm most likely a Group, ’cause it’s so cleaverly drawn out
Hmm most likely a Group, ’cause it’s so cleaverly drawn out
It could be one person though, they’re many that are very talented as well
It could be one person though, they’re many that are very talented as well