In the ever-changing world of computer animation the job of the Layout department is continuously evolving. From the early days of black and white cartoons, to color and sound, through the development of the multi-plane camera, right up to computer generated imagery, we have re-thought and re-worked ourselves to meet the requirements of our current production — always with one goal in mind — to tell a great visual story.

Our team is responsible for the appearance of the film, shot by shot, as well as the production as a whole. Using sketches of the action provided by a story artist, we work with the director on staging, cutting, continuity and composition of each shot. Early on in production we establish the shooting style for the film.

We’ll plan a sequence in a thumbnail drawing or rough sketches first, solving any issues such as screen direction, jump cuts, and general sequence flow hitches. We’ll also plan the light direction in the sequence insuring a clear read of the characters in each shot.

Then, using a 3D set, we’ll suggest the character's path of action, camera and cutting that will tell the story in the most entertaining and exciting way. The shot choices that are made here will affect the mood of a sequence and greatly influence the audience's perception of the action, the characters, and the story.

We are the first step in transitioning the imagery from 2D to the 3D world; a task that requires much interaction with Design, Modeling, Animation, FX and Editorial to guarantee that all the concerns are met in the planning of a sequence. Once our work is completed, the 3D files are distributed to other departments for finishing touches.