Ed Hooks
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Ed Hooks

Teacher and author of "Acting for Animators"

Ed Hooks was a professional actor and acting teacher for 30 years. In that capacity, he authored several books for actors, including The Ultimate Scene and Monologue Sourcebook , Acting Strategies for the Cyber Age, The Audition Book (Winning Strategies for Breaking into Theatre, Film and TV). Mr. Hooks was trained at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and studied with various individual acting masters, including Uta Hagen at the HB Studio. He appeared in many New York stage productions 1969-1976 and, in 1976, moved to Los Angeles where he appeared on more than 100 television programs, including "Golden Girls", "The Fall Guy", "Hart to Hart", "Murder, She Wrote", "Full House" ... and many more.

In 1996, Ed Hooks was invited to instruct animators for the first time, at DreamWorks/PDI Studio in Palo Alto, California. He quickly discovered that one does not teach acting to animators the same way one teaches it to actors. Given the opportunity to experiment, Mr. Hooks then pioneered acting training specifically designed for the needs of animators. After that, he wrote "Acting for Animators" (2001), explaining the techniques. That book is now (2017) in its 4th revised edition and is published by Routledge in London. It has been translated into several languages. Ed's most recent book is "Craft Notes for Animators - A Perspective on a 21st Century Career" (Routledge 2017)

He has presented his Acting for Animators Masterclass at most major animation studios and video game companies internationally.

Social Media

Facebook: Ed Hooks
Patreon: Ed Hooks


Events featuring Ed Hooks

Feature Animation for Adults: Now is the Time

Going into the 21st century, animation is the most under-used art form, the only art form in which its leading artists are invisible to the public. This is primed to change. There are new avenues for financing, distribution and exhibition. It is not the case that every graduating animation student must get in line outside the Disney employment office. The industry is truly global, wired up, and films can originate anyplace. Ed describes the scene and points to pathways that are open for creative and entrepreneurial animators.

Animex AVFX

Acting for Animators

This masterclass is specifically for animators. The fact is that animators and stage actors use the same acting theory, but they perceive and apply it differently. Stage actors work in the present moment; animators have 24-frames-make-a-second, i.e. the illusion of a present moment. Animators do not need to learn how to emotionally stimulate themselves in the present moment. They do not need to practice relaxation exercises or sense memory or emotional recall - all of which are standard for stage. NOTE : THIS MASTERCLASS IS SOLD OUT

Animex Masterclass

Acting for Animators

This workshop is specifically for animators from the games industry. The fact is that animators and stage actors use the same acting theory, but they perceive and apply it differently. Stage actors work in the present moment; animators have 24-frames-make-a-second, i.e. the illusion of a present moment. Animators do not need to learn how to emotionally stimulate themselves in the present moment. They do not need to practice relaxation exercises or sense memory or emotional recall - all of which are standard for stage. NOTE : THIS MASTERCLASS IS NOW SOLD OUT

Animex Masterclass