Working with animations - learning basic steps

As a group we have been working on how to create animations for our film title and production name. So, in order to create successful animations, we learnt how to use software called ‘flash’. This software is going to be very useful for us as it will help us create animations. From the help of an animation specialist, in groups we first worked on a few simple steps of creating basic animations.

With the help of the animation specialist we learnt how to create motion animations. First of all, before importing an animation it was important to insert a key frame (if you wanted your animation to last for 2 seconds, you have to place your key frame on the ruler marked 24) After inserting the key frame, we needed to use the selection tool; using the selection tool we then had to click on a shape tool to make and an oval. After doing this, it was important that we then click on modify to convert the shape to a symbol. After completing the first stage, it was important to keep in mind that every time we wanted to create the next step for an animation we had to click on ‘insert key frame’ – in order to create a moving picture. Lastly, it was also important to help the animation move smoothly, so in order to make this happen, using the selection tool we had to click on the previous key frame and then click on properties and click on tween motion.

We also learnt how to create shape animation. You first had to insert a key frame, using the selection tool, draw a shape – modify the shape into a symbol, insert another key frame and draw another shape using the same instructions and then go to properties – instead of clicking on motion, you had to click on shape. This allowed the shape to re-form into different shapes. We also looked at how to include special effects – you just follow the same instructions above, go to properties and you can click on different colour techniques such as alpha, or you can just hold down the shift button and re-scale shapes in proportion.

It was really important for our group to understand the key aspects of creating animations as we will need to use it to create our production name and an animation for our opening film title. This experience was exhilarating and I look forward to learning more about creating animations and further developing my skills.