What is web conferencing or web conference calling? Web conferencing is similar to a typical conference where many collaborators can conduct a real-time meeting while being in different parts of the world. However, web conferencing is much more than that, especially to digital content creators. Web conferencing gives everyone the ability to not only see each other, but also see the same computer screen and use the same computer application. Where will this come in handy? For artists collaborating on an animated project, the benefits are endless. This article will go through the various stages of animation production and describe the benefits of using web conferencing.

It all starts with the script. Although most writers usually write alone, some writers feel that they can hurdle creative boundaries quicker if they collaborate with another writer. This works well for figuring out what a character will do in a particular scene or what the character will say or react. For example, you may have a great idea of how the scene will play out, but you may not be very strong in witty dialog. A second collaborator may be very good at dialog. Talking a scene through with a partner can get your creative juices flowing and you may end up with a scene much better than both of you initially expected. Web collaboration comes into play where you can both talk to each other through live audio and also see the screenplay on the screen. Both writers will be able to write on the screenplay as they wish. This is definitely quicker than just talking on the phone or collaborating through email. The writing process is greatly accelerated.

The next stage of production is usually concept art design. You as the director have the final say of what the design and vision should look like. It is best to work with an artist by approving various stages of design. It saves both you and the art designer unnecessary work the more feedback you can give. However, describing your feedback with words can be unexacting and tedious. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. With web conference calling, you can share any application with your concept artist. Say the artist shows you and initial sketch for approval and you have some changes you want to portray. Simply open up Photoshop, load the artist's sketch and open a new layer to write your notes and guides lines. Draw on top of his sketch to show him/her exactly what you mean. Pick out colors that you want the artist to try for the final design. With web conferencing, it is as if both of you are in the same room.

Need to approve a 3D model from an artist you are working with? This is where web collaboration is strongest. You can securely transfer large files from one computer to another. Load the model in your favorite animation program. Now the both of you can see the model in real-time. You can rotate it around and show the artist what parts are approved and what parts need fixing. In fact, if it is a quick fix, the modeler can take control of the 3D application and fix the model right in front of you. Web conference calling is even better than having the modeler in the same room with you because you won't need to move out of the way for the modeler to take control of the computer. In fact, both of you could be wearing just your underwear. Anything is possible with in a web conference. Just be sure you don't have any video cameras on.

Speaking of video cameras, now we come to the animation and the advantages of using web conference calling for discussing character animations with an animator. First, the animation to view may be a large file, too large for email. With web collaboration, there is no limit to file size. Once you review the animation and request changes, you don't merely have to give the animator notes. You can actually stand up in front of the camera and act out what you want the character to do. The animator can easily record your video also. If a picture is worth a thousand words, just think how much a video is worth! In animation, reference video is priceless. You can also view the animation together in your web conference and show the animator exactly what frame counts need fixing. It completely eliminates the guesswork.

Web conferencing is beneficial in all aspects of production. When the animation is in its rough edited form, you can share the animation movie file with your collaborators safely and securely through web conference calling and not have to worry about prying eyes on the internet. You can work with your sound designer and pick out sound effects together. You can choose color schemes interactively with your editor or color corrector. You can do all this from the comfort of your own home and your collaborators will enjoy not having to commute anywhere, saving valuable time for work and play. Web collaborating can only get better as internet speeds get faster and software grows stronger. The only thing holding you back are the time zones!