Bloomsbury Publishing is proud to announce that The Animator’s Survival Kit Animated is coming to the Bloomsbury Video Library as a streaming collection. From January 2025, this invaluable resource will be available for a new generation to stream for the first time, giving online, on-demand access to the practical and creative insights of Richard Williams, multi-Oscar-winning animator of Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, A Christmas Carol (1971), The Little Island and Ziggy’s Gift.
For decades, The Animator’s Survival Kit Animated has been a cornerstone of animation education. The revered resource includes 16 masterclass videos and over 400 specially animated examples to demonstrate core principles, including how things move and specific methods used to make characters live, breathe, think and give a sustained commanding performance. The videos demonstrate time-honoured animation principles and techniques that are as relevant to CGI animation as they are to traditional hand-drawn and stop-motion methods.
“Richard Williams is a giant in the world of animation and his teachings have shaped the careers of countless professionals. We’re thrilled to bring these dynamic video masterclasses to a new generation of animators, students, teachers and enthusiasts, and help Richard’s legacy live on,” said Anna Wright, Digital Portfolio Director at Bloomsbury. “This collection will be a game-changer for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the art of animation.”
The collection will be available to academic institutions worldwide via subscription and perpetual access starting in January 2025, offering a comprehensive new teaching and research tool. A subscription option for individuals will follow later in the year, with more details to come.
The collection’s structure mirrors that of the original DVD set, allowing users to play the masterclasses in sequence or explore specific techniques at their own pace. Whether you are an aspiring animator or an experienced professional, these accessible videos will teach you how to make characters live and breathe convincingly.
The Animator’s Survival Kit Animated has inspired and influenced animation greats across generations. Oscar-winning director and animator Jan Pinkava (Ratatouille, Gerri’s Game) said of the collection: “When an animation great like Richard Williams offers you the fruits of his experience packed into a box and fully illustrated with moving pictures, just say ‘thank you’ and hand over the cash. Then use it.”
Fellow Oscar winner Chris Wedge (Ice Age, Bunny) described the kit as a “revelation”, saying, “What I
came out with was a complete re-structuring of animation, how I saw animation, how I analyzed
motion.”
For Rob Coleman, animation director for Star Wars Episodes I, II and III, the impact was profound: “I would absolutely recommend it for everybody. It had a fundamental and lasting effect on my work.”
The Animator’s Survival Kit Animated represents a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from one of the most respected and innovative figures in animation. By offering this invaluable resource through the Bloomsbury Visual Library, Bloomsbury is ensuring that Williams’ timeless lessons are accessible to those looking to master the art of animation for generations to come.
For more information, visit the Bloomsbury Video Library at bloomsburyvideolibrary.com.
