Basic Animation 2D - Dragonframe

Basic Steps for Shooting Animation

GEtting ready

1. Setup the lab for shooting:
   1. Power up the computer
   2. Turn on the camera and table lights
   3. Turn off all other room lights
2. Launch Dragonframe from the Dock.
3. Select New Scene from the dialog box, or open a previously created scene with Open Scene
4. Name your production, 5 characters maximum, and click OK
5. In the new window that opens select a folder on the Storage drive.

Configuring Dragonframe

1. If you do not see the live camera feed from the animation stand press R to refresh the live camera feed.
   • a red outline will appear around the window signifying that live view is enabled.
2. Set the aspect ratio for the project.
   1. Go to View > Composition Guides
   2. In the Broadcast Safw section check Show Broadcaast Overlay
   3. Choose High Def. 16:9 (rectangular), or Std Def. 4:3 (square) depending on the requirements for your assignment
   4. Set Size To: to Aspect Mask
   5. In the Aspect Ratio Mask section set the Aspect Ratio to match the 16:9 or 4:3 setting above.
   6. Click OK
3. Set the frames per second for playback speed:
   • 1's = 30fps
   • 2's =15fps
   • 3's = 10fps
4. Arrange your artwork on the table.
   • Adjust the framing by moving the camera up or down the column, and position the table using the cranks.
   • Check framing so that the artwork overfills the screen and make sure any content, and titles, fall within the boundaries of the Action/Title Safe reference guides.
5. Set the focus by first placing one of focus guides on the table.
6. In Dragonframe click on the camera icon on the top right of the screen to enter the Cinematography window.
7. Click the focus check button. While watching the computer screen slowly turn the focus ring on the lens until everything is sharp. Click on the focus button again to zoom back out.
8. When using the multi-plane, rotate the outer polarizing filter until there is a reduction in glare.
9. While still in the Cinematography window confirm the camera settings are:
   • Picture Style - NEUTRAL
   • Image Quality - MEDIUM FINE JPEG
   • White Balance - TUNGSTEN ISO
   • External Flash - OFF
   • Stretch - NONE