Packed with illustrations that illuminate and a text that entertains and informs, this book explains the methods and techniques of animation preproduction with a focus on story development and character design. Story is the most important part of an animated filmand this book delivers clear direction on how animators can create characters and stories that have originality and appeal. Learn how the animation storyboard differs from live action boards and how characters must be developed simultaneously with the story. Positive and negative examples of storyboard and character design are presented and analyzed to demonstrate successful problem-solving techniques. Artwork from an international array of students and professionals supplement the authors own illustrations. Three never-before-published interviews with well known development artists and a comprehensive glossary are also included. Written and illustrated by a renowned animator with 30 years experience as producer, designer, and story artist. Storyboard and character design examples from an international array of students and professionals. Positive and negative examples illustrate the techniques.