I've only recently come to the world of animation, and have devoured nearly every book on the subject, most of which have focused on the "how-to's" of drawing, etc.
But, I've haven't found anything that says, "Ok, so once you decide that you're going to create an animated film, and have your production tools and story in hand, here's how you make it happen." Until now. "Producing Animation" is the missing link in the evolution of books on the topic.
Other reviewers, most of them apparently animators and other creatives, take issue with the book's emphasis on production management and the life-long battle of the "creatives" vs. "the suits." I can completely understand that argument, and have seen it first hand in the live action film and television business. It's always been there, and it isn't about to change anytime soon.
What I found valuable about this book however, I found from the standpoint of someone who wants to be a one-man animation studio. Someone who is simultaneously the writer, the animator, the designer, as well as the director and producer. If I have any quarrels with management, I'll be quarreling with myself. (I'm the guy in the corner muttering to himself. Just leave me be, I'll be done in a minute :
For me, the valuable information here was in the practical how-to's of production and scheduling, the generous use of charts and forms, and the chapter on distribution and licensing. While some of it was much more applicable to a corporate environment where you have a team of managers supervising a team of animators, it still gave me a perspective on how to run an efficient production cycle, even if I'm the only one doing it.
I have no allusions of being the next Disney or Pixar, but I do have plans to produce quality animation now that the tools for doing so have created a level playing field for all who are interested in the art, and not just the big guys with the big bucks.
I consider this book a valuable tool for anyone who's either interested in hands-on animation production, or in the inner-workings of the business process.
