Ed Hooks - Acting for Animators

An Illusion of Life: The New Normal

ehooks — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:42:24 -0800

The Illusion of Life: It is no longer a hat trick. Are you able to do it?

Rise of the Guardians – Why Did It Flop?

ehooks — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:54:47 -0800

“Rise of the Guardians” is almost as big a flop as “Mars Needs Moms”. What is wrong with this picture? Ed Hooks takes a look and points to significant animation industry trends.

What's Wrong with Wreck-It Ralph?

ehooks — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:12:00 -0800

Ed discusses his problems with Wreck-It Ralph as well as the issues of "empathy," "sympathy" and animators as actors with pencils.

The Artist and the Politician

ehooks — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:06:14 -0700

Ed Hooks celebrates the role of the artist in a divisive and politically hostile environment. A presidential campaign stresses our differences; art seeks common goals.

Animators – The Next Generation

ehooks — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:04:12 -0700

We have enough people that can do hat tricks with computers. What we need are a few visionaries and dreamers.

The Significance of Rango

ehooks — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:31:08 -0800

Rango opens the door for U.S.-made animated features for adults. Ed explains why acting styles are evolving from the Disney silent film model to the 1950’s Method acting model.

Empathy Matters

ehooks — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:43:19 -0700

Suddenly, books and on-line discussions about empathy are popping up like spring flowers. Since performance animation is all about establishing a sense of empathy with the audience, Ed Hooks weighs in.

The Willing Suspension of Disbelief

ehooks — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:07:22 -0700

Ed Hooks (Acting for Animators) discusses the willing suspension of disbelief in theatrical transactions.

What’s Wrong with The Illusionist?

ehooks — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:26:07 -0800

Ed Hooks explains why Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist is a frustrating near miss. The lack of dialogue is not the biggest problem with the film. More significantly the girl’s character is not fleshed out.

Show, Don’t Tell

ehooks — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:48:36 -0800

Ed Hooks explains why too much dialogue and voice over narration can weaken your animation.