Animation Field Notes

Animation Field Notes

Truth before Technique

Technique impresses, but truth is what stays

Todd Shaffer's avatar
Todd Shaffer
Dec 22, 2025
∙ Paid
a woman sitting on top of a mountain next to a dog
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

Great performances are not about showing off technique for the sake of technique. Uta Hagen said outstanding actors (and animators) create truth in every moment.

Snappy, broad movements and exaggerated poses can generate plenty of energy, but if they don’t come from the story or character, they ring hollow. Every react…

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