The Power of Simplification

• Avoid overcomplicating with excessive poses and acting choices.
• Simplicity allows viewers to absorb and appreciate the moment.
• In quiet scenes, the audience is drawn to what is moving.
• In busy scenes, the audience is looking at what is quiet.
• Prioritize clarity over complexity.
• Direct attention to the heart of the scene.
• Simplicity emerges after exhausting all other considerations.

In the scene from the first trailer for the Incredibles, lighting rejected one shot because they believed the Animation was lost because nothing moved. Surprisingly, the animator had intentionally set one pose for the entire shot, which caused confusion among the lighters. Upon review, it was realized that the single pose was the approved Animation.

Can you identify the shot? It begins around 1:29 in the provided clip.
The lesson here is to continue animating your characters but to recognize the power of simplification in conveying a clear message to your audience.