Meet Alex French: 3D Character Animator, Pre/Post-Visualization Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex French and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
When I started learning animation, I discovered a layer of the filmmaking process that is used in most major motion pictures and shows, but is never seen in theaters— and that’s pre-visualization. Pre-Visualization is a method of pre-production that involves creating 3D animated film sequences that act as rough or closely-followed blueprints for filmmakers. Essentially, everything is roughly animated before the production is filmed in person. Creating these previs sequences allows for broad experimentation with story and technical decisions, giving directors the ability to pre-visualize and test out shot ideas, camera moves and stunts within a virtual environment through 3D animation. One of the most important practices in virtual cinematography is to ensure that animated camera movements are realistic and replicable for the final production camera operators on-set. Along with films, Previs is used in the production of television, videos games, theme park rides and immersive entertainment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was first introduced to the art of animation when visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando with my family, where they formerly had an operating animation studio in the backlot of MGM/Hollywood Studios. Being able to get a glimpse at the 2D animators at work, taking the drawing classes and seeing the Multi-Plane Camera used on the original Disney films was a huge inspiration in my choice to pursue Character Animation. Along with that, I was enamored by the use of animatronics and projections in the rides at theme parks, leading to my interest in immersive animated storytelling. I constantly studied Saturday morning cartoons to learn what animations I liked and why, and would pause Looney Tunes and Goofy How-To shorts to draw copies of the animations frame-by-frame. While pursuing animation I have also worked within video production, motion graphics and editing, which has been a valuable background when creating animated shots for a production. Animating believable characters with personality requires an understanding of how people walk, run and move around, which leads to quick acting sessions to figure out how a specific movement physically works, so that I can properly animate it. Studying acting techniques, performing stunts for reference and constantly creating and watching animation and film helps inform and develop my creative choices, and I am most proud to have discovered a career that is rooted in providing entertainment through visual storytelling, where I can contribute to projects that will bring people joy and inspiration in the same ways that animation has always done for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the best aspects about living in Atlanta is the incredible music scene, and in normal times I would always recommend checking out shows at some of my favorite Atlanta venues like Terminal West, Ravine and The Tabernacle. Getting out to explore national and nearby state parks is one of my favorite activities, so a visit would be sure to include hiking at Tallulah Gorge, Cloudland Canyon or Arabia Mountain to take in the awesome outdoors scenes in Georgia. And finally, my preferred method of transportation is by skateboard, so we’d hop on the BeltLine to explore some of Atlanta’s best graffiti art, indulge in some To-Go food, and afterwards hit up some of the local shops around Grant Park (especially Grant Park Market’s Impossible burgers!). The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Animation requires time, practice and acting out stunts as reference for animated shots, so I would shout out my parents, brother, family and friends for the endless support, feedback and mutual understanding that I’m not breaking things, talking to myself or jumping around for no reason while filming reference for an animation. My girlfriend Nicole is my: cinematographer/actress/creative director, who always supports my goals and wacky antics, as well as lets me know when my funny shot ideas aren’t quite as funny as I seem to believe. I am especially appreciative of all the educators and mentors at UGA and Animation Mentor, along with the classmates, coworkers, and countless others that have helped me develop my technical skills and creative eye for film production and animation.

Website: https://www.alexfrench.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexfrenche/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-french/

Other: Animation Reels: https://www.alexfrench.net/animation-reels

Image Credits
Image Credits to Nicole Bradley