Q&A for How to Make an Anime

Watch movies, anime and TV shows to analyze them. Don't just watch them and decide whether you like them or not. Really think about the craft of writing and how that analysis would actually apply to an anime or a TV show that's produced. Think about things like the concept, the structure and plotting of that story, but don't stop there. You also need to analyze the characters as well — what's their role function and their motivation? You will only develop these techniques by practicing and studying.

To learn this craft, you will need to read a lot of screenplays. In the age of the internet, it's easier than ever to find screenplays through simple searches. Also, join Facebook groups to swap work with other screenwriters and do peer review so you all get better together.

Just ask for help. That's the only way you'll get better. If someone makes fun of you, they're not a good friend. Most likely anyone you ask will just say yes or tell you they're not interested. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone if you really want something. Just give it a try, I bet you'll be glad you did.

You can go solo for almost any job, but for producing it would be almost impossible.

For drawings, you can use a free digital paint software like FireAlpaca, which has an animation feature. For audio, Audacity paired with Levelator works well. For animation, any free movie maker will work when you start out, but you will want to upgrade later on.

No - take RWBY as an example. It's considered an American anime, and has actually been translated to Japanese! It's just that anime typically is made in Japan, and that's what you see most of the time.

Typically a season has about 20. But it's better to have a shorter season than to include a lot of pointless filler. It's up to you!

If you're a total beginner, try Flipaclip (available on Android and iOS). It has all the basic tools for animation and it's great for practicing.

Yes, but it will be a tedious process. You could consider getting help from other talented people.

It depends on how many frames you use and which programs and equipment you have rented or bought.

You should (if you have not already) develop your art skills, and then use an animation app to start practicing until you feel like you are ready to start working on a bigger project.

This very much depends on the software you will use. The sites for the software will tell you what requirements your computer will need to run them. There is no "one size fits all" type of number for this.

What you want to do is have a small fan base first and bring up hype. Sadly, it's likely to be ignored unless you establish yourself here first.

You could get a summer job and earn your own money, while you make your own Anime. You can also try putting up your project on a crowdfunding site. If you have friends who are also talented, maybe you can recruit them to help you out.

It depends, but it could take at least several weeks.

There are many free audio, drawing, and animating program and apps on the market that can be a good starting point for anyone, but it is most times a good idea to upgrade software eventually. Firealpaca is drawing software that also has an animating feature, so that is a good starting point in that respect. Audacity is a good free audio software.

I found Flipaclip quite useful. Although it is the only one I’ve tried I highly recommend it. You can download it for Android and IOS.

Try Blender or Maya for starters. However, there are many and you'll need to find the one that best meets your specific needs by trialing them. Also note that the best ones need perfect graphic cards and a quality computer.

Send it to competitions. Look online for anime contest submissions (check the dates), possibly get it put on anime websites, and find a publisher that is highly interested in it to assist with spreading it in good areas to then grow it exponentially.

Yes, many people do that, and you can too! Many good animes have teams of people.

You can put them together on a software that you can put different photos on and it’ll seem like it is animated. Turn off the transitions on there though, some software have transitions between different photos/frames.

A trailer would be a good place to start. It would help you get together what you need to have. And doing it by yourself may be possible, it’s difficult. Try creating a club to get people together and help.

If you are planning to scan it, you need to make sure that there are at least 12 drawings for each second in order for it to work smoothly, which is an exhausting process, so I think it would be better to download a free animation software instead.

Adjust your voice for every character, lowering it or making it heavier. It doesn't make much of a difference, but it can help others understand who is who.

Consider dividing among each of you what you can do. One person can do story board and character design, the other can work out the specifics, and network. I personally am doing this, with myself writing a script, since I can't draw, and working with an artist on it.

Of course you can! You can be any age and still make an anime. Good luck! :)

You take the drawing style and the story or you can use your manga like a storyboard.

Look at what your series or show is about, and think of something that could relate to it. Research different theme songs and see what they have in common. Also, if you can, get a musically-inclined friend to help you (and check out How to Write a Song ).

It's really up to you. The average series lasts between three and six seasons.