Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tej Kohli Explains How to Format a Script for an Animated Series

Tej Kohli animation blog is a useful resource for all animation enthusiasts. In this article Tej Kohli has discussed some useful tips to help animators format a script for an animated series.


There is no difference between writing a script for animation and writing a live-action script. The format of both these scripts remain pretty much the same. To format a screenplay or script you can use various word processing programs such as word, but nowadays a variety of screenplay formatting programs are available that makes this process easier and seamless. There is a standard format for a screenplay or script that is accepted industry-wise. If you want to deliver a professional looking, quality and finished script, you would certainly need a properly formatted screenplay.

Tej Kohli offers some handy tips for the writers and animators.


1. Write an outline : Figure out the duration of the episode or the animated movie you are making. Then start writing an outline that summarizes the primary high and low points in the plot. Then, develop story points to 'beats' that are central to the plot of the movie. Weave the story around these beats.

2. Write about the characters : A common practice that a lot of screenplay writers do is to develop their characters by using a technique called back story. Back story gives a basic idea about the characters and helps a writer imagine how and why characters act and react. These stories helps the writers understand why a character reacts in a particular way. This helps the writer to take the story forward.

3. Determine action sequences using outline: A characteristic difference between animation script and a live action script is in the use of action. An animated script is full of action since the animated characters can be put in rather perilous situations than live-action actors. While an action sequence is written very clearly and concisely, an animator uses the script as a blueprint to develop the action sequences.

4. Write dialogues: Dialogues, like in live-action scripts, helps to take the story further. However, live action scripts can proceed slowly than animated ones as live actors can interpret their parts as they interpret their character. Whereas, an animation script moves faster as it is the essence of animation to keep things, characters and situations moving. As most animation characters talk in short, quick sentences, it is important that the dialogues are sharp, quick and snappy. Avoid writing long speeches.

5. Rewrite : Once you have completed the first draft, leave it for a while. Then, with a fresh mid, review the script for movement, action and dialogue. If there is any action sequence which is not clear and concise, rewrite it. Cut the dialogues short if need be. And remember to correct typos, if any.


Tej Kohli is an entrepreneur and philanthropist located in San Jose, Costa Rica. In this blog, Tej Kohli covers all the important aspects of 3D animation to help beginners start their career journey.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Information on 3D Animation Courses - Tej Kohli

Tej Kohli animation Career blog brings you another useful piece of information on 3D animation. In this post Tej Kohli has discussed about the leading Animation programs and colleges around the world.

3D animation is a creative, hi-tech animation profession which requires specialized 3D animation programs. These programs are designed to train and educate students on how to create 3D animation effects and arrange them together to tell a story. These programs educate students on how to create 3D animation movies and other small projects. These animation programs are pretty much available in almost every country and typically last for as little as a few months to a full degree four year course.

Tej Kohli enlists some of the most influential animation schools in the world:

New York Film Academy

New York Film Academy allows students to choose from three options in the 3D animation programs. These options vary from a three-week program, to a four-week program and a full one year program. The classes for three-week animation program are held everyday during the week and teaches students the basic principles of animation. The four-week program option is for students who can't dedicate a complete year but want to learn the 3D animation basics on a hi-tech computer software. The one year program, on the other hand, is an all-encompassing program that goes a step ahead by training students on using the technical and artistic tools in 3D animation.

Vancouver Film School

Vancouver film school offers a one year animation program in 3D animation and visual effects. Students may choose pursue any one of the three specialization areas i.e. 3D animation, modeling and visual effects. Students will be awarded a diploma upon the completion of this program. This program covers a variety of subjects including history of animation, classical animation, 3D animation, concept development, story telling and digital compositing.

Cogswell Polytechnic College

Congswell Polytechnic college runs a program in digital art and animation that awards a Bachelor in Arts degree to students upon completion. Students may choose from four major specialization areas including 3D animation, entertainment design, game development and modeling. The 3D animation option offer courses like introduction to 3D animation, animation principles, character rigging, drawing animation and 2D animation.

Mildred-Elley

Mildred-Elley's School of Digital Media Arts allows students to pursue a game design and 3D animation program. This program has two options – an undergraduate certificate or an associate's degree. Students can take classes either during the day, evening or on weekends and can complete their degree in as few as 16 months. Course covers drawing for digital media, 3D modeling, animation techniques, 3D character modeling and advanced 3D character rigging and animation.

Tej Kohli is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from San Jose, Costa Rica with a keen interest in 3D animation and its procedures. Keep reading Tej Kohli animation career blog for the most relevant information on 3D animation.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Tej Kohli's Free Tools for Creating 3D Characters

Tej Kohli animation career blog helps 3D beginners to learn the basics of 3D animation with the simple guides and tutorials by Tej Kohli. In this article Tej Kohli talks about some FREE tools for making 3D characters which animators can use.


In the recent times, movies like Dreamworks's 'Shrek' series and Pixar's 'Toy Story' films have motivated a lot of people to try to develop 3d characters of their own. However, the computer hardware and software required to make such characters are very expensive. Fortunately, a developing open source software clan and a reasonably priced, high end computer hardware has made it accessible for anyone willing to put in his time and effort.



  • Blender – A free, open source software, Blender offers a huge range of features that are enough to create an ideal 3-D character. The package includes modeling, sculpting, rigging and rendering features, including skeleton creation with polygon meshes, and UV maps. Blender also let artists to add animation effects to their characters. Furthermore, its compatibility with all leading OS makes Blender an attractive free choice amongst animators.


  • Anim8or – It is another popular open-source program which is also free. However, Amim8or doesn't have some of the more advanced features of blender. But, it has all the functionalities required to create a 3D characters including primitives for structure building, splines for curvature and texture effects. Images can be exported in various standard image formats like .JPG and .BMP. It also has animation options.


  • 3D canvas – Created by Amabilis, 3D canvas is available in both a free version and two, more sophisticated pay versions. While the free version provides basic introduction to 3D modeling and animation. The features include 3D primitives, real-time rendering, background images and splines.


  • DAZ Studio 3 – Basically developed for 3D character modeling, DAZ Studio 3 also comes in free and paid versions. Aimed at beginners, the free version also features the drag and drop functionality. It also comes with photo realistic and cartoon rendering options, primitives and background images. The make the character creation simpler, the software also provides free pre-made 3D models and accessories


Tej Kohli is an expert in animation and likes to share his knowledge with those just begining their career in animation. Tej Kohli blog is a place to find all the latest information about 2D and 3D animation.