Setting the Scene: The Art & Evolution of Animation Layout Hardcover – November 16, 2011

"SETTING the SCENE the art and evolution of animation layout” is an informative book on a key aspect of making an animated cartoon film. It comes from a Scottish author, Fraser MacLean, who has dedicated a lifetime working in the field. Oh yes and it is fun to read and lots of artwork to enjoy. Richard Keith Wolff

This book is gorgeous. Beautifully made and filled with great art. It's also wonderfully written. Fraser Maclean is incredibly knowledgeable and shares generously. This is an in-depth view into the art of "creating a world on a sheet of paper". I took my copy in to class yesterday and my computer animation graduate students we're knocked out. I'm so glad this book exists!

Alas, the book has a lot of commentary and not enough visual information, what it lacksit the how and the why. I feel some of the information is redundant, and without the behind the scene visualsit unlikely that a creative person can get much use out of the book...its a pretty good attempt to discussionson the animated process, but it sort of "Misses the Mark'. :(

Amazing book! I would recommend this gem to any budding animator or anyone just interested in the art of layout and designin animation.

pretty cool, acknowledges how the visdev or layout industry has evolved with the use of 3D animation.

If your looking to set up a scene in film or 3D this book will help you understand the basic principles! It's really helpful to showcase a scene the way you want it to be scene!

I loved it. Great animaton. The book was actually a gift to my boyfriend. He is in the animation industry and he totally loves it. There is a scene from Princess and the Frog in the book that he made.

Well written, thoroughly researched book. Tons of beautiful illustrations. Kind of amazing how much information is here in this book. Worth every penny and more.

I was lucky to attend a lecture by the author and considered buying the book ever since. The only thing that was stopping me was the price. However, when I got the chance to hold it in my hands and skim trough the pages I knew I needed to buy it. The price is a bargain for an inspiring and informative content. Everything from the original high quality cover of the book (it has 2 layers, the colour paper cover overlapping the black and white hard cover) to the pleasant writing manner and excellent illustrations is perfect. The only thing I regret is not buying it earlier.It is a must have resource which has a lifetime value and will be used again and again.

Layout is easily the most underestimated and undervalued part of the animation process.The process of planning the shot and its moving components is easy to forget when it doesn't translate into a single tangible thing in the final product. Yet, Without layout the final product wouldn't look like itself at all.That's a very shallow description of it but where my review falls short this excellent book will cover everything you need to know.

The first book on this subject of its kind, Setting the Scene does for animation layout what The Animators Survival Kit did for animating characters! Comprehensively researched, not only is the author's vast knowledge of layout art (and it's often unrecognized importance) apparent through a multitude of interviews and illustrations highlighted but his deep passion for it too. A passion animation students and fans alike can only aspire too! A must read!

Fascinating insight into a world that has passed many CG animators by. Makes life behind a CG 'lens' seem easy in comparison but also makes you aware of what that ease makes you overlook. Highlights both the benefits and pitfalls of modern techniques by retracing their history. A great way for any animator who works with storyboards, camera's, lighting and environments, to refresh their view of their own work. Highly recommended.

Very useful, and professional! Full of informatio and inspiration!If you want to work in the animation world this book should be a must on your library!