PK 153: How to Make an Animated Short Film

 

Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/

“You can teach yourself so much from the internet these days” ~ Michael Cawood.

Want to know how to make an animated short film?

In this week’s interview, we speak to Michael Cawood, creator of the award-winning Devils, Angels & Dating, about his exciting new project, The Wrong Rock.

You'll hear what it was like to work on big name movies, such as The Mummy, Happy Feet, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, but you'll also get a fascinating insight into what it's like to work on your own animated short film.

So, if making an animated movie has been a dream of yours for some time (but you just didn't know how to get started), then check it out...

Because you just might pick up all the advice and motivation you need to start work on your passion project right now.

Interview Chapters

 [00:37-08:21]

Introduction and Overview

Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, UK-based artist and animator, Michael Cawood.

In this chapter, you’ll hear how he got started using his dad’s computer, and how the skills he learned at college eventually led him to work on big name movies such as The Mummy, Happy Feet, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

[09:07-20:01]

What was the Idea Behind Making The Wrong Rock?

In this chapter, Michael reveals the ideas behind his new animated short film, The Wrong Rock.

You’ll hear how he developed his initial concepts and characters, and why reaching out to creatives across the world helped him put together a team to bring his project to life.

[20:36-21:05]

How can you get Started on Your own Short Animated Film?

Want to get started on your own short animated film but don’t know what your first steps should be?

In this section, Michael talks about all the resources available to artists online, and why learning new skills are now within everyone’s reach.

[21:24-03:41]

What Motivated Michael to Make The Wrong Rock?

For Michael, making The Wrong Rock is an opportunity to express his creativity and tell a story that resonates deeply with him. But is he expecting to make money out of this project, too?

In this chapter, you’ll hear why his reasons for making this film go beyond financial matters, and why working on so-called ‘passion projects’ can actually lead to well-paid career opportunities.

You’ll hear why members of his team volunteered their time and experience, and why it’s so important for people to lend their support to independent creative projects.

[34:43-43:34 ]

Where can you Find out More About The Wrong Rock?

Want to find out more about The Wrong Rock and how you can support this project? In this chapter, Michael points you in the right direction and talks about all the perks available to people who want to get behind him and his team.

For example, if you’re interested in making your own animated short film, you’ll be able to follow along with the project at every stage and see how it was developed.

By the time his film is finished, Michael says there’ll be around 100 different edits for people to choose from, so you’ll be able to see how every single aspect of The Wrong Rock came together.

[43:35-45:38]

Conclusion

Mitch wraps up today’s interview and Michael talks about the final preparations for launching his short animated film, The Wrong Rock.