Naas says, "I found the whole process of the UNICEF production to be very well organized. The director handed out scene assignments via the Website, and made the necessary model sheets, boards and animatics available for download, and I dug right in. Doing the actual animation was no different than any other production I've worked on. Once I'd finished my keys and prepared the x-sheet, I scanned the drawings and did a quick test to make sure the timing was right. Once I was satisfied, I forwarded everything on to the director, along with any related production notes I thought he should have. From there, my materials were sent to the inbetweener, who finished up the scene."

Because of time constraints for delivery of the spot to UNICEF, there was a special interest to use readily available Internet-friendly software such as Macromedia Freehand and Flash. Steve Spatucci, a New Jersey-based graphic designer and illustrator, and owner of Plasmic Studio, through his tireless efforts helped to achieve the final animation.

Steve Spatucci, graphic designer, illustrator and owner of Plasmic Studio.

Spatucci comments, "I would regularly update the piece online, sending notes to the producer on what had been added, altered or deleted with each new file posting. At times phone calls would be needed to work out more involved points, or just to have a real-time discussion rather than a volley of back-and-forth email." He adds, "I work from my home regularly, and though there is always temptation (more so than usual) to fall behind schedule this way, with a good dose of discipline and regular communication, this can be a more flexible and productive style of working than a traditional in-studio situation."

Communication is one of the biggest challenges for any virtual production. Being physically separated from people complicates the process of giving creative direction, as well as addressing technical issues. Artists who are best suited for working in a virtual studio are excellent communicators, and capable of doing a great deal of technical support and problem solving for themselves.

While working at home during odd hours can be enjoyable, freeing and rewarding, nothing can really replace working face to face with other creative people, in maintaining enthusiasm and focus on a project.

Naas says, "One of the biggest differences in collaborating online is that you never really meet or share space with the people you're working with."

"There are always advantages to working directly with someone," Spatucci agrees. "Being able to see the expression on a person's face and hear the tone in their voice allows for much more immediate and accurate interpersonal communication, and often clears up or avoids potential misunderstandings."

Screenshot of the production Website for the UNICEF "Right to Non-Discrimination" public service announcement. Courtesy of Joe Tracy.