What is Flash?

Flash is an animation package that creates small (in memory size terms!) animation files. The ability to watch Flash animations is currently installed on 250+ million computers worldwide. It is rapidly becoming the most popular animation format on the Internet.

Here's an example...(if you can't see it you'll need to go to the Flash site and download the plugin!)

How Easy is This Package to Use?

Part of it’s popularity comes from the fact that it is very easy to pick up and use. Creating animations is a very quick process and once you have make the components to your animation, creating further works becomes even easier.

So Why Would a Filmmaker Be Interested in Flash?

Because it offers several things:

First due to it’s ease of use and the way animations are constructed it makes a great tool for creating story boards.

• Second, it also makes a good tool for prototyping ideas. An easy way to effectively bring your ideas to life without committing time-consuming or expensive resources to it. Thus you get a chance to see if your idea works out on screen before filming even begins.
• Third, as a way of making animated films for a non-animator it can’t be beat! If you want the chance to flex your filmmaking muscles into animation and don’t possess the skill set you require to use some of the more powerful animation packages, Flash gives you that opportunity.
• Finally it allows interactivity, which means that if you wanted to have a go at making an interactive movie, now’s your chance!
  

Sounds All Good, Where’s the Bad News?

Well if you wish to get involved with complex types of interactivity or wish to do 3D animations then the learning curve does rise somewhat. Also, there will be types of shot that while not impossible, are more difficult to re-create in Flash.

Further Information

PluginCinema will be having some tutorials and examples of Flash both as a prototyping tool and as a storyboarding tool in the future so keep an eye on the Film School . In the mean time try:

Flash This takes you to Macromedia, the makers of Flash’s site. The official bit.
http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/flashpro/

FlashKit This is essential for any Flash user. It offers excellent tutorials, forms, samples and loads more.
http://www.flashkit.com/