Clerks Powerhouse University

Powerhouse University (Good Old P.U.) is the tongue-in-cheek name given to classes taught to employees of Powerhouse Animation. The classes teach the basics of how to combine traditional animation with Flash-based puppet animation.

 

Course Catalog

  • PU01 Animating Dialogue with Frank Gabriel

    In this class from February 15, 2011, Frank Gabriel talks about using standard mouth symbols to animate dialog.

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  • PU02 Timing for Animation with Ronnie Williford

    In this class from March 1, 2011, Ronnie Williford discusses timing for animation, using as examples the bouncing ball and the flour sack.

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  • PU03 Puppet Animation with Doug Beck

    In this class from April 4, 2011, Puppet Animation Guru Doug Beck explains the step-by-step process of setting up a Flash symbol-based puppet while highlighting "Limited Animation" techniques.

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  • PU04 After Effecs Basics with Sam Deats

    In this class from May 3, 2011, Art Director Sam Deats leads a quick and dirty run-down of After Effects. Using assets from Epic Mickey as an example, Sam sets up a simple scene using 3D objects and the After Effects built-in camera.

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  • PU05 Storyboarding with Kris Pearn

    In this class from May 6, 2011, legendary storyboard artist Kris Pearn stopped by the studio to share his thoughts on how best to approach storyboarding. While we cannot show the entire presentation, to learn more, take Kris's storyboarding class online at Schoolism.com.

  • PU06 Digital Painting with Sam Deats

    In this class from June 14, 2011, Creative Director Sam Deats returns for another tutorial. This time Sam displays his Photoshop prowess by painting a caricature of actor John Noble.

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  • PU07 Character Design with Megan Kluck

    In this class from July 12, 2011, Creative Director Megan Kluck leads the Powerhouse crew in a discussion about the proper method for designing Flash characters here at the office.

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  • PU08 Flash File Construction with Sam Deats

    In this class from August 2, 2011, Creative Director Sam Deats goes over the best, most efficient method to set up Flash files for animation. This method is just one of the tools Powerhouse uses to streamline projects.

  • PU09 Backgrounds with Sam Deats

    In this class from September 6, 2011, Sam Deats discusses his approach to backgrounds. Lean how the Powerhouse Crew ties down the layout drawings, chooses colors for the background, and uses Photoshop to add in textures.

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  • PU10 SFX Animation with Kevin O'Neil

    In this class from November 11, 2011, Special Guest, and talented Effects Animator Kevin O'Neil dropped by the studio to impart his wisdom upon us.

  • PU11 Puppeting: First Pass with Patrick Quiring

    In this class from January 17, 2012, Supervisor Patrick Quiring lends his expertise to fellow members of the Powerhouse Crew by explaining his approach on how to get the most out of your first pass of puppet animation.

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  • PU12 Flash SFX Animation with Adam Deats

    In this class from February 21, 2012 Effects Guru Adam Deats explains a few of his tips and tricks to getting the most out of your Flash Effects.

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  • PU13 Clean-Up with Stephanie, Cindy, & Evgeny

    In this class from April 10, 2012, Clean-Up experts Stephanie McCrea, Cindy Crowell, and Evgeny Lubaev offer an easy to understand beginner's guide to clean-up, as well as explaining their respective processes on how to apprach cleaning up a scene.

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