Live Action Ref Shd Match Camera Angle in Maya

Anim Ref and Anim by Elin Berrio Pena

Most experienced animators know about the importance of shooting live action reference to create great animation. 

However, to get the best out of your reference, you should always be sure to match the correct camera angle in your shot. If you don't, the reference you shoot won't be nearly as useful.

 

Live Action Should Match The Camera

Animation by Daniel Amor. Animation ref matches camera

One of the first things that any animator does when working on a new shot is to create a camera.  If you're working on a TV show or a movie, this will be done for you. If it's your own shot, make sure to create a camera first.  

Then, when you shoot your live action reference, make sure that the reference footage matches the camera you have selected in Maya. This way, when you import the reference footage onto an Image Plane in Maya, your reference will match the camera view. This makes it much easier to animate your shot and match the reference accurately. 

How to Use Live Action Reference

Dance animation with reference by Emily Lim Sarrias

To see how to use live action reference to create animation in Maya, read this blog post. All you really need is an inexpensive tripod and a smart phone. 

Find a Quiet Spot

To get started, find a quiet spot (your bedroom will do), close your bedroom door and do multiple takes until you feel comfortable. Delete the bad takes, import the best take into Premiere, sync it with the audio, and then export the footage into Maya. Now you have a basis on which to start planning your animation.

Live Action Reference Resources at Escape Studios
For more resources on how to use live action reference for animation, follow the links below:

• Live Action Tutorials at Vimeo Channel
• Animate a Character Dancing Using Live Action
• Using Live Action Reference to Create Animation
• How to Film Animals for Live Action
• Animate a Character Throwing a Ball Using Live Action Reference
• Endless Reference for Animators
• How do Animators use Live Action to Create Believable Animation?
• Tripod for Recording Live Action

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects.
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