Just Ask Phil

Answer #1

It may take a combination of programs to create a cartoon video. Aside from editing the audio, Adobe Flash is probably going to be the closest program to being everything you need. You can lay the audio track in Flash, create all the graphics or import from other sources and export to a small file size as a Flash Movie (.swf) or to a video file. http://www.adobe.com/products/flash.html

A good free file for recording and editing your audio is Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

A program that I like to use is Anime Studio Pro. I’ve found creating the graphics to be relatively easy to do and you can create simple Flash (.swf) movies or video file right from Anime Studio or Anime Studio Pro. http://anime.smithmicro.com/

For cartoons with multiple scenes, you may be best to use a video editing program like Adobe Premiere or Adobe Premiere Elements.
http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html
http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereel/

Another good program to try is ToonBoom. http://beta.toonboom.com/home-users

All of these programs have trial versions and are worth checking out.

Besides the software it would be a great idea if you haven’t done so already, to buy or check out some books on animation.

http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Animation-Everything-Started/dp/0823099229/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316397776&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.com/Character-Animation-Crash-Course-Goldberg/dp/1879505975/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316397776&sr=1-8

http://www.amazon.com/Animation-Learn-Animate-Cartoons-Cartooning/dp/0929261518/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316397873&sr=1-15

http://www.amazon.com/Animation-Bible-Practical-Animating-Flipbooks/dp/081099545X/ref=sr_1_26?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316397912&sr=1-26

Answered By: phil [55 ]