In the complex world of animation, technical constraints often hinder creativity. After completing “Seal Team” (Netflix), a survey revealed that artists spend 25-30% of their time on non-creative tasks. To address this, Triggerfish Animation revamped its pipeline to prioritize creativity and minimize technical frustrations.

Triggerfish Animation‘s new pipeline, driven by the motto “Let Artists Be Artists,” includes:

• A user-friendly front-end for artists.
• A robust back-end to handle non-creative tasks.
• A foundation for USD and integration of various DCCs.

This pipeline was successfully used on “Aau’s Song” (Star Wars: Visions Vol. 2), “Herderboy”, and “Stardust” (Disney+ Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire) since 2021.

• Streamlining Story Decisions
  • Editorial Overhaul: Integrating Pixar’s OpenTimelineIO with Adobe Premiere, we created a “digital assistant editor” to streamline workflow from storyboarding to online editing. This tool ensures synchronized sequence and camera data across departments.
• Enhancing Accessibility and Efficiency
  • Unified Shot and Asset Management: A context-based interface allows artists to easily locate and utilize assets, cameras, and animations. Integrated with FPT, this system reduces inefficiencies and is adopted across all departments.
• Ensuring Quality Control
  • Asset Validation Protocols: Robust quality control mechanisms ensure all assets meet precise criteria before moving to the next department, minimizing errors and discrepancies.
• Automating the Pipeline
  • Automated Workflow: Validated assets trigger automated turntable and shot renders for review. Headless tools enable automatic builds and renders, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency.
• Early and Frequent Rendering
  • Always Rendering Policy: This policy allows directors to review shots closer to their final state sooner. Frequent rendering helps identify and address issues early, reducing bottlenecks.

Looking Ahead

Triggerfish Animation have optimized their pipeline and integrated new tools like USD, Bifrost, and Blender to adapt to evolving needs. Their focus remains on empowering artists by minimizing technical complexities and fostering innovation and artistic freedom.

With 28 years of experience in features and TV, Triggerfish Animation is a full-service production studio offering tailored solutions from script to screen. Known for premium, award-winning content, we deliver on time and within budget.