Character animation is such a complex subject. It embodies a multitude of elements ranging from physical motion to psychology. Contrary to popular belief, character animation, especially for a film, is not just "making something/someone" move – far from it.
It's our job to make sure that Shrek is and always feels like Shrek, that Optimus Prime always feels like the Optimus we all grew up with: bold, strong, yet compassionate. It is also our job to take what someone recorded in a booth behind a microphone, with all the nuances that language and intonation can bring, and imagine how they would act and/or react to a pre-set situation. Yeah, it's not easy, but when you're finished, you feel a real sense of accomplishment...
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