Modern 2D animation techniques are much easier and faster than traditional Disney 24 frames per second hand drawn styles. By using digital filmmaking software you can now create a Southpark style animated show or movie for very little money. This low budget 2D look is great for making your own films as cheap and fast as possible. If you are just a one or two person movie studio this modern 2D production style is a perfect choice. You may also want use this style for a scene in your film to communicate something in a fresh way.
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Many software editing and special FX programs have 2D animation tools. Our favorite is After Effects. Flash and Maya are also used for doing 2D films. Even though Maya is known as a 3D program, it can be used for 2D taking advantage of all the advanced 3D animation controls.
"Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive."
– Walt Disney
How To Do A Low Budget 2D Animated Film
Learn a simple step-by-step process for creating your own 2D animated digital films. Many 2D programs work in similar ways so your can take the ideas in this example and apply the techniques to whatever software you are using. After Effects is used to show how the film "Goth Grrls" was made.
Thinking In Keyframes
What are keyframes in 2D animation and how do they save you lots of time?
2D Animated Story Ideas
How can you plan your story ideas around things 2D animation does really well?
2D Animated Scenes
Are there any places in your film idea you may want to add a 2D scene or animation to show something in a new way?
The Disney 12 Principles Of Animation
Keep these 12 ideas in mind while creating your own 2D animated films.
Step 1: Thinking up a great film idea and writing the script
Check out the free sample "Writing A Great Script Fast" online class (94 minutes). The focus is on low budget digital filmmaking ideas you can create yourself or with a small team. Download the workbook for this online class and watch sample movies from it below.
Follow along and create a great film or story idea fast! Download the Workbook PDF fileor DOC file to edit. You can also use a notebook or paper and the Online Workbook or watch it in 20 Steps.
Sample Movies
Below are some sample movies from the 94 minute version above on Storytelling Goals, Creating Themes and Using Symbols and Metaphors. These short films are part of the new 20 hour step-by-step "Writing A Great Script Fast" DVD Workshop:
Learn how to include themes in your films and stories in this free sample movie from the new step-by-step "Writing A Great Script Fast" DVD Workshop:
Learn how to use Metaphors and Symbols in your films, animations or stories from the new step-by-step "Writing A Great Script Fast" DVD Workshop:
Writing A Great Script Fast Makes Screenwriting Easy!
