"Is It Good?" by BNU Animation Grad Lee Caller

"Is it good?" from Lee Caller on Vimeo.

Above is a fine acting shot animated by BNU animation graduate Lee Caller, who now teaches animation at Escape Studios in London.  The shot above is one of a number of pieces of animation that Lee has started as a student demo, but - as he puts it - "rarely gets to finish".  In this case, the purpose of the demo was to show students that great animation it not always all about over-the-top super-exaggeration, but more about subtle facial expressions and understated, believable acting choices. 

Lee Caller

Lee Caller

Lee Caller is an award-winning animator who teaches the Short Course, Advanced Animation and MA Animation students at Escape Studios.   

Lee took our online Master's Degree in 3D Animation at BNU, graduating with a Distinction.

Lee is a talented animator who combines technical skill with a strong story-telling element - the perfect ingredients for a great animation performance.

The acting reference for Lee's shot was taken from the TV series Killing Eve - you can see the original shot here: youtu.be/HDdhotN0Dnw?t=223

Resources on Planning Animation

Alex Southcombe Acting Pose

For more resources on how to plan animation (including how to use thumbnail sketches and live action), follow these links:

• Medusa Thumbnails by Milt Kahl
• Why thumbnail sketches need facial expressions
• Thumbnail sketches by Pixar's Victor Navone
• Thumbnailing Mrs Copperbottom from "Robots"
• Thumbnailing "Boog" from "Open Season"
• How to Animate a Dialogue Shot
• How to Plan a Pantomime Shot
• How to Plan a Creature Animation Shot
• How to Use Live Action Reference to Plan Animation
• Body Language for Animators

For more on the experience of studying at Bucks New University, come and visit us at one of our Open Days,  take a virtual tour of one of our animation studios, check out what our students think of our course, and see why we're ranked in the top 12 creative universities in the UK.