Some Assembly Required

Animation Production | Thesis Project | 30 Week Project | October 2023 - April 2024

Thesis Overview

In the fall of 2023, MAKE Visuals hosted a commercial animation workshop open call to students to kick off a 6-month collaborative project with animation students nationwide. Two teams, each consisting of 8 students and MAKE mentors, were given an industry brief and tasked with delivering a 15-second character-based commercial. One team decided on a 2D approach, and the other opted for a 3D deliverable. 

This project allowed me to gain additional professional experience working concurrently as a remote production coordinator for multiple projects. My responsibilities included managing both production teams and ensuring all work was completed correctly and on time.

Step One: Establishing Team Communications

As the producer, my first task was assembling the methods of communications. Each team member was coming from different points in our education, and was used to different work flows. Communication ensured things got done in a timely manner and without confusion. 

Step Two: Mapping the Production Process

  1. Production Schedule

  2. Asset Management

  3. Gathering Brand References

  4. Script and Shot Breakdown

  5. Character and Set Designs

  6. Animation and Lighting

  7. Final Renders and Compositing

Final Rendered Shots - Full Spots Coming Soon

DURACELL - 3D Animation

TABASCO - 2D Animation

Step Three: Testing and Learning

Based on my experience with the MAKE Visuals workshop, I learned a lot about the actual practices of being a production coordinator. However, there are a few things that I learned simultaneously that I want to showcase. I created two mock budgets for how much I estimate each animation to cost. I also researched templates and programs for task management and scheduling that a producer would use. 

Step Four: Reflection

Post Assembly Notes

  • Gained experience producing more than one project at the same time

  • Experienced real-time production schedule changes and how it can change pipeline output

  • Learned the unique challenges of managing remote teams, including communication and conflict management

Assembly Partners

DURACELL - 3D Animation

Production Team:

  • Danny Robashkin

  • Cole Pinato

  • Emma Mathews

Creative Team:

  • Amanda Rabade

  • Fabian Sanchez

  • Galina Bovykina

  • Jerry Tennison

  • Josephine Ikehara

  • Kathrine Fan

  • Selin Gray

TABASCO - 2D Animation

Production Team:

Creative Team:

  • Danny Robashkin

  • Cole Pinato

  • Emma Mathews

  • Erica Chernne

  • Jaimi Qui

  • Joanne Jian

  • Lily Cantillo

  • Lydia Leiwang

  • Mandy Lin

  • Mariana Souza

  • Sijia Huang