Futurama's Drawing Guides Reveal Groening Style Rules
Cartoon Brew got an exclusive look at Futurama's internal character construction sheets. Co-creator David X. Cohen and director Peter Avanzino explain the rules.
Futurama has internal drawing guides that define visual rules for characters like Fry, Leela, and Bender. Cartoon Brew obtained an exclusive look at several of these character construction sheets and anatomical notes.
Co-creator David X. Cohen and supervising director Peter Avanzino were interviewed about the rules. Avanzino said most Futurama drawing rules are about drawing characters in the Matt Groening style, similar to The Simpsons style.
Cohen said Futurama has been resurrected with changes in technology, moving from broadcast TV to DVD to cable TV to streaming. The show began animation production in 1998-1999 and skipped physical cels, starting directly with digital production.
The show began in standard definition and later moved to higher resolutions and widescreen. Cohen said animators still draw by hand for character acting, though CG models are used for complex shots, the Planet Express ship, and buildings.
Quick answers
What are Futurama's internal drawing guides?
They are character construction sheets and anatomical notes that define visual rules for characters like Fry, Leela, and Bender.
Who was interviewed about the Futurama drawing rules?
Co-creator David X. Cohen and supervising director Peter Avanzino were interviewed by Cartoon Brew.
Does Futurama still use hand-drawn animation?
Yes, animators still draw by hand for character acting, though CG models are used for complex shots, the Planet Express ship, and buildings.