What Are CBBs? (Could Be Better)

"Could Be Better"

What Are CBBs? In film-making, CBB stands for "Could Be Better". Towards the end of any production, you must final your shots in order to hit the deadline - the film must be finished on time.

But, the director may not be completely happy with all of the shots, and he or she may ask for extra improvements that may impact the production schedule. When this happens, you need a CBB list.

CBB List
As the deadline approaches, an experienced producer will compile a list of CBBs. The CBB list comprises shots which are approved, but, if there is time, could still be made better.  It's a useful way of getting production done on time, while still holding out the possibility of improvements here and there.

Your CBB list can be long or short, but the key thing is that all these shots are good enough to make it into the movie. However, they will still get worked on if time and resources permit.

"Racing Stripes"
I was the animation supervisor on "Racing Stripes", directed by Frederic Du Chau, about a zebra that wants to be a racehorse. Visual Effects were provided by Digiscope in Santa Monica, headed up by producer Mary Stuart. As we neared the deadline, it became clear that we weren't going to make it on time - unless we increased the rate of approvals. Hence, the creation of a CBB list.

The CBB list enabled us to get shots approved and completed, but left open the possibility that we could still make fixes later on. In practice, many of the CBBs never got actioned, but some did, and overall Frederic was happy with the work that was done.

Film-making Resources
For more information on making animated short films, follow the links below:

• Why Animators Need Mood Boards
• Why Animators Need Colour Scripts
• Managing Group Projects
• Why Animators Must Wreck Their Rigs
• How to Record Voice-Overs
• What are CBBs? (Could be Better)
• How to Create the Perfect One-Sheet Movie Poster (and why you need one)
• Getting Listed at IMDB

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects. To apply for our BA/MArt in 3D Animation, follow this link.  To apply for our storyboarding evening class, visit this page here.  For the next 12 week animation course, click here.