The Art of Making Award-Winning Animated Short Films

In the fast-paced animation and visual effects industries, achieving success often requires a blend of talent, dedication, and the willingness to learn from both triumphs and setbacks. Ryan Grobins, a seasoned CG Supervisor with over 27 years of experience in VFX and animation, is a testament to this journey. His work spans acclaimed projects such as the Academy Award-winning Happy Feet and the Emmy Award-winning Game of Thrones (S08).

Despite his demanding full-time career, Ryan has spent nearly 15 years crafting award-winning animated short films. In a recent presentation, he shared a wealth of insights gained from this dual career path. Here’s a distilled look at his advice on making standout animated shorts.

The Journey of a Thousand Frames: Ryan’s Background

Ryan’s career is a remarkable blend of high-profile VFX work and personal passion projects. His involvement in films and TV shows like Eternals, Snowpiercer, and Halo reflects a deep understanding of the animation and VFX landscape. Alongside this, his personal projects have earned over 150 festival awards and amassed millions of views online. This impressive track record isn’t just a testament to his skill but also to his ability to juggle a demanding day job with his passion for filmmaking.

Key Lessons from Ryan’s Animated Short Films

Sneeze Me Away (2010)

Avoid Lengthy Projects: Ryan’s first major short, Sneeze Me Away, taught him the hard lesson of brevity. A 13-minute film proved to be a monumental task, illustrating the challenge of maintaining quality and engagement over an extended runtime.
The Value of Live Music: Integrating original live music added a unique touch to the film but also came with significant costs. It’s a reminder of the impact that sound can have on a project’s overall quality.
Choosing the Right Style: Opting for a simpler animation style could ease production challenges. Ryan’s experience underlines the importance of aligning the style with available resources and time constraints.
Balancing Personal Life and Work: The challenge of being a director while managing personal responsibilities highlighted the need for support and balance in both professional and personal spheres.
Festival Circuit Realities: Early encounters with the festival circuit made it clear that community support is not always guaranteed. Additionally, paying collaborators fairly is crucial for maintaining professional relationships.

The Rose of Turaida (2013)

Shorter Films, Better Impact: Learning from his previous experience, Ryan created a shorter film, which streamlined production and improved focus.
Personal Connection: A more personally connected story resonated better, emphasizing the value of heartfelt narratives.
Animation Style: Introducing a new style extended the development time but also added depth and character to the film. This experience reinforced the importance of style choices and their impact on production timelines.
Efficient Crew Management: A smaller, more focused crew reduced bottlenecks and enhanced workflow efficiency. It’s a practical lesson in managing team size relative to project scale.

Cyan Eyed (2021)

Online Release: Choosing to release Cyan Eyed online first allowed for greater flexibility and exposure. This approach proved successful and highlighted the importance of adapting distribution strategies to current trends.
Expanding Crew and Resources: The film’s increased detail required a larger crew and more resources, demonstrating the need for careful planning and scaling of production efforts.
Skywalker Sound Experience: Collaborating with Skywalker Sound was a career highlight, though costly. This experience underscored the importance of high-quality audio and its role in the overall impact of the film.
Festivals After Online Release: The decision to submit the film to festivals post-online release revealed that even after initial online exposure, festival participation can still be beneficial.

Motivation and Mindset

Ryan’s insights into motivation and mindset are invaluable for anyone undertaking creative projects:

Internal vs. External Motivation: Finding personal inspiration is crucial, but external factors such as feedback and competition also play a role in driving creativity.
Guilt and Rivalry: Sometimes, motivation can come from a sense of obligation or the desire to outshine others. While these can be powerful motivators, they should be balanced with intrinsic passion and creativity.
Finishing Your Film: Completing a project is essential. As Peter Jackson famously said, “You’re never finished with a film. You run out of time.” This sentiment is a reminder that perfection is elusive, and progress is what truly matters.

The Pros and Cons of Festival Circuits

Submitting films to festivals can be a double-edged sword:

Pros: Winning awards and gaining recognition can enhance your profile and credibility. Attending festivals can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Cons: Festivals can be expensive and time-consuming. They often require films to be exclusive for a period, which can delay public release and limit immediate exposure. Additionally, rejection is a common part of the process.

The Annecy Problem

The Annecy International Animated Film Festival, known for only accepting premieres, poses a particular challenge. Filmmakers often face long wait times and intense competition, making it essential to have realistic expectations and understand that acceptance can be highly subjective.

Practical Tips and Final Thoughts

Adjust Expectations: Understand that not everyone will be as invested in your film as you are. It’s important to manage expectations and foster a dedicated team.
Do Something Bold: Don’t be afraid to take risks and push boundaries. Bold decisions can set your work apart and make a lasting impression.

Ryan Grobins’ journey through the world of animated short films offers a treasure trove of lessons for aspiring filmmakers. From the practicalities of production to the emotional rollercoaster of festivals, his experiences highlight the complex interplay of creativity, perseverance, and strategy. For those looking to dive into animated filmmaking, Ryan’s insights serve as both a guide and an inspiration.

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in animation, visual effects, or video game design, VANAS Online Animation School offers comprehensive programs that can help you launch your career. With a focus on providing practical, hands-on training, VANAS equips students with the skills needed to succeed in these dynamic fields. Explore our programs and start your journey today at VANAS.

Whether you’re aiming to create award-winning short films or embarking on a different animation path, Ryan’s advice and experiences provide valuable guidance. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and always keep creating.