Friday, August 20, 2010

Reminder: Don't steal other people's work...

I know, it's sounds (again) like a very obvious thing, but try to be as original as you can in your creative efforts and don't copy/steal other people's work.

A while ago I was made aware of other animators copying my animation (old post about it here). I was flattered by the fact that someone thought my work was good enough for that, but of course I wasn't too happy about it either since I don't think it's the right thing to do, especially career wise. You can use existing animation and recreate it so that you can learn from it, sure, that's fine, but keep that to yourself and at home. Don't put it on your reel.

Funny enough, back then, this fellow "A" copied my "Battery Bunny" clip. Now, I was just made aware of that this guy "B", is copying "Battery Bunny" as well (and my "Boxlift" - including the pants raise movement even though his character has no pants...). But that version looks very familiar as well!

It looks like guy "B" stole the clip from guy "A", which is already a rip off.

Mind. Blown. :)

ACTUALLY. Thanks to observing commenters, mind has been un-blown, since it's the same guy. Duh! I must have looked at too many clips... Fail...

But to be fair, the guy is actually mentioning the fact that he took ideas from other people. At least he's honest about it. So it's more about his animation skills, not creative skills.

Oh nevermind...

P.S.: more proof that stealing is evil, this is post # 666!!!! Coincidence???

12 comments:

Addy said...

Haha JD you are right as usual and I agree with you totally!!!
I miss your class so much when I read your rant posts :)

Fellows A,B and etc - leave JDs animations alone!!!

Jean-Denis Haas said...

Hahahaha!

Joey said...

I realize actually more people than I thought copy animation for some what reason.
I was questioned from my friend about copying animation for animation skill not for a demoreel. What do you think about it, JD?? Would it be helpful to lean something out of it?

Dean said...

yep, same guy.
Joey, JD said it's a good way of practicing skill, but shouldnt put in reel.

Hammy said...

It's funny you posted this right after I asked you for some advise on approaching thieves!

Just the other day I caught someone stealing at LEAST a dozen of artist's work and used them to apply to different studios. She got an interview and went through an art test, she almost got the job!!

It makes me wonder how many people got away with it by now... Because sometimes some studios don't interview their interns at all, or give any test at all when they hire. :(

Bernie Warman said...

You forgot to mention your "Kah-kah!" clip that was on youtube for a short amount of time.

Lets just call the person "C".

Asif said...

Apart from copying. I think he is using Bishop rig as well. I doubt whether he is or has ever been a student at AM.

Anonymous said...

Hell! he is not an AM student!

Herman Gonzales said...

It all catches up at the end, I've been doing master copies and learning from them. But passing it off as my own is WACKED. Original ideas and creativity/ acting choices are the best thing ever in animation. Those people are missing out on the most fun part to be apart from the rest. My 2 cents is like having no soul to express. Funny thing is, yeah that person gets in Dreamworks for example with that fake reel, and its the 1st day on the job your 1st shot to rock... Whatchu gonna do ? what gonna DO? LOL..

angga h said...

right now, i'm doing dance animation , and took some reference from youtube, then combine the coreography into my animation.I can't dance so just copy the coregraphy.
Am i doing the right thing if i put this my animation into my reel?
please answer me..i'm really confuse know

Jean-Denis Haas said...

That's a good question and I would have to say yes. It would be good to combine multiple references and add a bit of your own style to it in order to make it as original as you can. Do you know someone that could dance for you?

angga h said...

Hi JD..thanks for fast reply :)
so i will continue my dance animation.
unfortunately,i don't have friend that can dance for me..