Creating Boards and Animatic in Record Time

Todd Hampson

Company
Timbuktoons, LLC.

Occupation
Founder / Producer

Location
Augusta, GA


Biography

Todd Hampson founded an animation development and production company called Timbuktoons, LLC in 2003, was the Executive Producer for 5 independent direct to video DVDs, has produced over 30 hours of animated content for other companies, and has developed several show concepts, licensed characters, and has been a professional artist for over 20 years in both the Washington, DC, and Atlanta, GA metro areas.

I had a 3 minute short I had to board in 2 days. Without reading any documentation or training materials I dove in with Storyboard Pro and LOVED it! I couldn’t believe how intuitive it was. I finished the boards and animatic in record time and have been using it ever since.

How long have you been in this profession? 

20 years.

What are your most important accomplishments?

• Animated a series of commercial spots for the Discovery Channel’s Myth Busters program.
• Visually developed and animated 2 show concept pilot episodes for JellyTelly.
• Developed and produced a line of cartoon shorts and DVD products called Scripture Shorts.
• Produced and animated over 30 hours of content for other companies.
• Developed several proprietary show.

What kind of projects do you create storyboards for?

Mostly animated and some live action.

History with Storyboard Pro

We’ve done boards digitally for 5+years now, mostly in Flash. I recently purchased Toon Boom Storyboard Pro after talking with an industry veteran who swears by it. I had a 3 minute short I had to board in 2 days. Without reading any documentation or training materials I dove in with Storyboard Pro and LOVED it! I couldn’t believe how intuitive it was. I finished the boards and animatic in record time and have been using it ever since.

Do you create your storyboards using Toon Boom Storyboard Pro only?

Yes. Occasionally in Flash for short sequences that we’re producing in Flash. We are currently making the transition to Animate and Harmony because we’ve been so pleased with Storyboard Pro.

Please describe your workflow

Script, visual development, production bible, boards, animatic, production (limited, cut-out, or full)

What are your top five favorite features Toon Boom Storyboard Pro?

1. overall ease of use/intuitiveness
2. easily switching between board and animatic
3. camera moves
4. drawing tools
5. being able to see several panels at one time
6. PDF and QuickTime export options

What Toon Boom Storyboard Pro features allow you to distinguish your storyboards and animatics?

Camera moves and Speed/ability to produce quicker

Did you experience any productivity gains in using Toon Boom Storyboard Pro?

Yes. Time savings mainly.

Is it possible to get the same results with other software?

No. I’ve tried.

Is it possible to get the same results with other digital animation software?

Not the same results but similar. The difference is that it wouldn’t be able to be done in such a short period of time with other software.

How do you feel about Toon Boom Storyboard Pro?

Like it very much.

Equipment used

Mac/Cintiq