Making a small Animation Studio

[Klightner]

I am trying to plan out a small animation studio. My experience is in the large studios where we use Linux and proprietary software with Maya. What would be the best setup for a small animation studio that could do a Feature with a lean group of generalists doing the work? What software(Maya, Blender) and renderer would you use and what computers? What render farm service or would you build your own farm?

 

[Alex Glawion]

Well this depends on your available budget and of course the type of artists you're hiring. You can create feature films with all kinds of software, but you'll need good artists that know their way around the software.

You can get a couple of Rendernodes for preview renderings, and then send your frames to an online renderfarm for final rendering for example. But I really know too little about what kind of studio you are and what type of projects you'll be working on to be able to make any in-depth recommendations unfortunately.

 

[Klightner]

This would be studio that would attempt to do the same level of work as Walt Disney Animation Studios 3d Feature animation but smaller in scope.

 

[Alex Glawion]

Pixar and Disney Films are all about storytelling, great animation, character expression, staging and lighting. I'd say the most important thing for you is to have great artists, having the best hardware is secondary.

That said, you'll need a couple of decent builds for your artists so they can roam free, but you won't need anything out of the ordinary. You can check our pc-builder tool for some quick suggestions: https://www.cgdirector.com/pc-builder/