The Flash Animator

On the most simplistic level, Flash allows people to move objects around on the screen. The Flash Animator teaches even the inartistic novice how to do this in a convincing manner, while also showing the experienced animator how to utilize Flash effectively and efficiently. The range of topics covered varies from simple ball bounces to complex character design, sound, and optimization issues. Unlike a traditional animation book, this book illustrates both the concept of the animation and explains point-by-point its optimal use in Flash.

Introduction.
1. Introduction to Animation.
History of the Studio Process. History of Web Animation. Methods of the Web. Interview: Todd Uyeminami.

2. Basic Flash Animation Concepts.
The Timeline. Importance of Low File Size. Frame Rates and Timing. Tweening: Friend or Foe. Easing In and Easing Out. Interview: Teddy Newton.

3. Drawing in Flash.
Working with Tablets. Working with Scanned Artwork. Working with the Mouse. Flash's Drawing Tools. Design Tricks with the Pencil and Brush. Interview: Brad Ableson.

4. Reuse and Recycle.
Repetition of Shapes. Clustering. Background Design. Character Design. Interview: Tom Winkler.

5. The Magic of Motion.
Understanding Weight and Movement. Anticipation. Flexibility and Follow-Through. Staging with Clarity. Overlapping Symbols. Onion Skinning. No Substitute for Subtleties. Interview: Iwoa Takamoto.

6. Getting from Here to There.
Exaggeration. Arcs. Walk Like a Man. Run. Animals in Motion. Movie Clips. Interview: Mar Elepano.

7. Effects Animation.
Environment Effects. Replicating 3D. Creating Depth with Tweens. Glass. Interview: Joe Shields.

8. Sound.
Importing Sound. Manipulating Sound in Flash. Exporting Sound. Creating Sounds. Animating Dialogue. Interview: Russell Calabrese.

9. A New Process.
Storytelling Comes Full Circle. The Script. Strategy of Design. Expectations of the Animator and Client. Two Pioneers. Interview: Edgar Beals.

10. Broadcasting Flash Animation.
Flash Beyond the Computer Screen. Importing Video into Flash. Going Straight to Video. Timeline Rules. Reformatting an Existing Movie. Exporting Your Movie. Post-Production. Two Birds, Not One Stone. Final Thoughts. Interview: Everett Lewis.

Index.