Tag: reference footage

Reference Analysis: Capture Convincing Footage

Do you ever wonder how an animator can capture such realistic and convincing movements? For most animators, it all starts with good reference. Being able to act authentically and realistically can elevate a scene from unexceptional to awe-inspiring. AnimSchool instructor and professional animator Scott McWhinne breaks down some reference from his friend and mentor, Jeff Gabor, and gives tips on how to capture convincing reference quickly, effectively, and economically.

One strength of a good animator is to extract the essence of the reference footage—keeping what’s useful and discarding what isn’t. Rather than simply copying the reference, push it further to serve the animation, emphasizing clarity, caricature, and believability. A key part of his process is camera alignment. In the example below, he ensures that the framing of his reference matches the intended shot as closely as possible. If it’s a close-up in the animation, he shoots a close-up. This minimizes the gap between reference and final output, making it easier to translate movements and poses accurately.

Jeff also keeps his shooting environment clean and clear. He avoids clutter, wears clothing that highlights body movement, and ensures the lighting is strong enough to clearly see facial expressions and physical shifts. Props are another essential part of his method—if the scene involves a hat, he uses a real hat. If the character is lying down, he lies down too—authentic interaction matters.

What sets apart a good animator during the reference process is taking a deliberate and analytical approach. In Jeff’s case, rather than recording dozens of takes in a row, he records one take at a time, reviews it, critiques it, and then makes purposeful adjustments before shooting again. This iterative method allows for real progress with each attempt. Additionally, he experiments. He’ll do takes where he restricts head movement, or emphasizes a different physical choice, pushing himself to explore a broader acting range and ensuring each take is different. This helps break creative habits and leads to unexpected, sometimes better, performances.

In the end, the goal isn’t just to imitate reality, but to enhance it through animation principles—improving silhouettes, exaggerating weight, and making sure every choice supports the emotion and storytelling of the shot. Don’t just copy the action—focus, analyze, and create something new.

Watch the full clip from an AnimSchool lecture here: 

At AnimSchool, we teach students who want to make 3D characters move and act. Our instructors are professionals at film and game animation studios like Dreamworks, Pixar, Sony Pictures, Blizzard & Disney. ⁠Get LIVE feedback on your Animation from the pros. Learn more at https://animschool.edu/

What Makes Good Reference

Whether you’re a painter or an animator, reference is essential to any artist’s creative process. In this clip from a live AnimSchool lecture, instructor Timothy Suarez explains how to film good video reference that will make animating easier. He covers the importance of proper staging, collaborating with others, and how to film when you don’t have the same props as your character. Though reference may seem like it’s taking away from your time animating in Maya, Suarez reminds us that reference is the basis of the animation so it’s important to put the time in and get it right.

Using video reference doesn’t mean copying or rotoscoping. Instead, it’s about building a solid foundation to caricature and push performance. Having real physicality and genuine acting beats to work from gives your animation weight, timing, and believability.

What Makes a Good Video Reference

  1. Cover All Acting Beats
    Reference should include every key moment — emotional shifts, physical actions, and most importantly, moments of thought. Characters don’t always move; sometimes they pause, hesitate, or react internally, and these subtle beats bring performances to life.
  2. Match the Camera Angle
    Shoot your reference from a camera angle that’s as close as possible to the animation camera setup. This helps with staging and ensures that movement translates properly in the final animation.
  3. Act It Out
    Whether the character is lifting a heavy object or reacting to sticky goo on a wall, don’t fake it. Use props with real weight, or collaborate with someone who can physically perform the motion. Your body needs to experience the mechanics for the animation to feel right.
  4. Consider a Sketch Pass
    For shots that are too fantastical for live-action reference — like a bird shooting ice from its beak — rough sketches can help block out timing and layout.
  5. Shoot Multiple Takes and Edit
    Don’t settle on the first take. Record several and review them, then edit the best parts together or pick the strongest single performance to guide your work.
Example of a sketch pass
Don’t fake the physicality, and don’t be afraid to direct the actors!

Ultimately, good reference starts with good planning. Research the shot, understand the physics and emotion behind the action and characters, and don’t be afraid to look a little ridiculous in the process. The best performances come when animators let go of self-consciousness and fully commit to creating a great shot.

Watch the full clip from an AnimSchool lecture here: 

At AnimSchool, we teach students who want to make 3D characters move and act. Our instructors are professionals at film and game animation studios like Dreamworks, Pixar, Sony Pictures, Blizzard & Disney. ⁠Get LIVE feedback on your Animation from the pros. Learn more at https://animschool.edu/