The Art of Iterations
One of my favorite parts of the animation and VFX process is iterations. It takes time to get comfortable with, and how often it’s done depends on the team and project. But a good review session? That’s one of the most rewarding and uplifting aspects of the industry.
My First Review Experience
The first project I worked on, I was a fill-in animator—essentially a seat-warmer so the team could take breaks without leaving gaps. I didn’t get to sit in on review sessions with the Director. Those happened in a soundproof, glass-walled room where I could only watch from the outside. After each session, the Lead Animator would gather us and break down the Director’s feedback. If you walked in with an ego, it didn’t last long.
But I was just thrilled to be part of an animation project, so I took the feedback and applied it to my shots as best I could. That collaborative environment is where you really grow your skills, and I’m still grateful to that Lead for taking the time to guide me through the technical side of the job, even though I was just a fill-in. What was supposed to be a one-month stint rolled into six months, eventually leading me to another project.
Daily Reviews on Feature Films
When I worked on feature films, we had daily, hour-long sessions with the Director. The team would gather in the theater, notebooks in hand, and go through each shot, frame by frame. It’s amazing how much you can discuss about a shot that flies by on screen in mere seconds. But when you have a passionate team, that level of care and detail shines through to the audience.
Feedback Isn’t Personal—It’s Progress
Now, whether I’m giving or receiving feedback, I always remind myself: Feedback isn’t a personal attack. It’s about helping the project reach its full potential. When feedback feels repetitive, it’s usually a sign something isn’t being communicated clearly or with enough detail. In creative work, communication is everything, and the review process helps shape the project into its best version. Effective feedback mechanisms are vital in animation. For strategies on managing client communications, see Tips On How To Effectively Manage And Communicate With Clients.
Navigating Time, Budget, and Quality
I’ve been on projects where a single shot was tweaked and polished for months. Big budget and lots of time make that possible. No budget and compressed deadlines? Shots get pushed through without proper review. Balancing these three factors is crucial, as discussed in our article on The Holy Trinity: Production Balance - Time, Cost & Quality.
I look back on some of those projects and think, If only we had more time, we could have made it better. But not every project is meant to be polished to perfection. Some quietly slip into the world, never to be discussed again.
Join the Conversation
Do you have a project you’re passionate about that hasn’t received the attention it deserves? Share it with us on Remember Kate’s Facebook page. We might feature it in an upcoming video blog!