Lighting for Animation

Lighting for Animation

by Jasmine Katatikarn, Michael Tanzillo
Released December 2016
Publisher(s): Routledge
ISBN: 9781317699934

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Book description

Lighting is one of the most technical (and difficult) aspects of animation, yet it is of the utmost importance if you want to be an effective storyteller. Lighting masters at Blue Sky Studios, Jasmine Katatikarn and Michael Tanzillo go beyond software packages and equip you with the foundational skills you need to be a successful lighter. Lighting for Animation explores core fundamentals such as creating mood, directing the viewer’s eye, visual shaping, color, shadows, and materials. Learn how to create meaningful images and make informed aesthetic decisions about your work with this book’s holistic approach to lighting.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Table of Contents
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. Introduction
  7. 1 Why We light
    1. The Role of Lighting
    2. Creating Visual Shaping
    3. Directing the Viewer’s Eye
    4. Final Thoughts
    5. Interview with Chris Wedge—Director :: Blue Sky Studios
  8. 2 Observing the World Around Us
    1. The Importance of Reference
    2. Gathering Reference
    3. Processing Reference
    4. Utilizing Reference
    5. Organizing Reference
    6. Final Thoughts
    7. Interview with Sharon Calahan—Lighting Director of Photography :: Pixar Animation Studios
  9. 3 The Lighter’s Toolbox
    1. Common CG Lights
    2. Basic Properties of Light
    3. Shadows
    4. Final Thoughts
    5. Interview with Andrew Beddini—Technical Supervisor of Imaging :: Blue Sky Studios
  10. 4 The Lighter’s Workflow
    1. Pre-lighting
    2. Understanding the Roles of Each Light
    3. Let There Be Light!
    4. Render Layers
    5. Render Workflow
    6. Final Thoughts
    7. Interview with Michael Knapp—Art Director :: Blue Sky Studios
  11. 5 Dissecting a Well-lit Shot
    1. Telling the Story by Emphasizing the Mood
    2. Directing the Viewer’s Eye
    3. Visual Shaping
    4. Final Thoughts
    5. Interview with Josh Staub—Visual Effects Supervisor and Lighting Supervisor :: Walt Disney Animation Studios
  12. 6 Lighting Scenarios
    1. Character Lighting
    2. Eyes
    3. Interior Lighting
    4. Exterior Lighting
    5. Final Thoughts
    6. Interview with Haji Uesato :: Blue Sky Studios
  13. 7 Materials and Compositing
    1. Materials
    2. Simulating Specific Materials
    3. Common Adjustments to Shaders in Lighting’
    4. Compositing
    5. Layering
    6. The Final Touches
    7. Final Thoughts
    8. Interview with Brian Hill—Supervisor of the Materials Department:: Blue Sky Studios
  14. 8 Honing the Artistic Eye
    1. Image Breakdowns
    2. Interview with Gabriel Portnof—CG Supervisor :: Dreamworks Animation
  15. 9 Lighting Walkthroughs
    1. Lighting Scenario One :: Character Beauty Lighting
    2. Lighting Scenario Two :: Character and Environment
    3. Lighting Scenario Three :: Multiple Characters
    4. Final Thoughts
    5. Interview with Yann Mabille—Creative Director/Partner :: Interstate
  16. 10 Master Lighting
    1. Lighting Pre-production
    2. Look Development and Master Lighting
    3. Creating a Clean Rig
    4. Final Thoughts
    5. Interview with Eldar Cholich—Lighting Lead :: Blue Sky Studios
    6. Interview with Kurt Kaminski—Lighter :: Walt Disney Animation Studios
  17. 11 Closing Statements
    1. Getting Started as a Lighting Artist
    2. Thriving in the Industry
    3. Final Thoughts
    4. Interview with Deb Stone—Manager of Recruiting and Talent Development :: Blue Sky Studios
  18. Index

Product information

  • Title: Lighting for Animation
  • Author(s): Jasmine Katatikarn, Michael Tanzillo
  • Release date: December 2016
  • Publisher(s): Routledge
  • ISBN: 9781317699934