7 votes

I'm developing an animation web series. Any advice on keeping it engaging and interesting?

5 comments

  1. [2]
    Markrs240b
    Link
    Not really specific advice, but general writing advice: Weird Al has a rule: the funniest part of a parody song should be verse 3. In other words, if you have a good concept, you should build up...

    Not really specific advice, but general writing advice: Weird Al has a rule: the funniest part of a parody song should be verse 3. In other words, if you have a good concept, you should build up to that concept, rather than going for it at the very first opportunity. A great example of doing this wrong is any SNL sketch that starts out funny but the drags on for another several minutes. They had one good concept, used it immediately, then struggled to keep it going. The alternative would be any Monty Python sketch that got abandoned halfway through. They could tell when they'd run out a concept and were quick to abandon it.

    In the case of a long running series, I'd recommend saving your best concepts as finales to long build-ups, rather than entry points to long run-outs.

    8 votes
    1. StrangeOldMan
      Link Parent
      very good advice. instead of going for the huge spectacle immediately, build up to it

      very good advice. instead of going for the huge spectacle immediately, build up to it

      2 votes
  2. [2]
    unknown user
    Link
    I like your camera directions, feels very cinematic. Only a minor comment from me is maybe you can trim the duration of shots with static poses a bit more. It's tempting linger frequently for...

    I like your camera directions, feels very cinematic. Only a minor comment from me is maybe you can trim the duration of shots with static poses a bit more. It's tempting linger frequently for drama but too many shots like that can cause the video to feel dragged. Live actions can afford more leeway because actors can have micromovements but less so with animation.

    5 votes
    1. StrangeOldMan
      Link Parent
      point taken. was probably taking too much inspiration from samurai jack for those long drawn out shots!

      point taken. was probably taking too much inspiration from samurai jack for those long drawn out shots!

      2 votes
  3. StrangeOldMan
    (edited )
    Link
    Additionally, it is inspired by a rather niche franchise and I'm curious to know what a person totally unfamiliar with the franchise thinks about the quality and appeal of the animations on their...

    Additionally, it is inspired by a rather niche franchise and I'm curious to know what a person totally unfamiliar with the franchise thinks about the quality and appeal of the animations on their own.

    p/s: I also suggest a creating an 'animation' subgroup for the creatives!

    4 votes