[Course]leadanimator,joakimriedinger Details
Intro
Class Intro
Lead Animator, Joakim Riedinger
"Through intention, clarity, and rhythm, we'll be able to plan & animate a refined, stylized action scene."
Stylized Animation Mastery from a AAA Studio Animator
Stylized action is not just about movement; it is about intention, clarity, and rhythm. This class teaches you how to plan, animate, and polish a high-impact fight sequence with professional precision using studio-level workflows. You will learn to build action that reads clearly, feels powerful, and carries emotional weight from start to finish.
Fortiche Animator Joakim Riedinger, who over his 10+ year animation career has worked on two of the most acclaimed stylized animations of all time, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Arcane, brings a deep understanding of the principles and techniques behind breathtaking fight sequences. He will share his expertise in deconstructing great action scenes, strategizing complex choreography, and integrating stylized 2D FX into a 3D workflow so that you can build the instincts and confidence to create fight sequences that truly stand out.
Class Preview
Still Not Sure?
Check Out Joakim's Class Preview!
Chapter 18.
Color Combination Using the Color Box
1. Freeze at impact moments
2. Off-timing in limb movements for stylistic effect
Class Perks
Special Gift from Joakim Riedinger
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Cinematic Camera Rig- A realistic handheld camera rig to elevate your shots (1 Maya file) -
Instant Stylized FX Rigs- Smear, speedline, smoke, impact, and explosion rigs for dynamic effects (1 Maya file) -
Expert Curated References- A PDF library of curated links to master-level action sequences (1 PDF)
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Essential Scene Props- A set of 15 props (e.g. guns, weapons) to enhance your action scenes (15 Maya files) -
Final Animation Files- Full access to the instructor's final animation files for reference (1 Maya file) -
Discount Code for Ramon's Rigs- A 25% discount code for all rig purchases from Ramon Arango, available to Coloso students only
Expert Lead Animator Joakim Riedinger's Portfolio
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
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Spider-Man: Far from Home -
Spider-Man: Far from Home
Arcane Season 2
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House of the Dragon -
Minions
Why Take This Class?
If your action scenes feel stiff, unclear, or underwhelming, this class shows you how to break that pattern. You will learn how to stage, animate, and refine compelling fight sequences with clear beats, strong poses, and a dynamic sense of rhythm.
By the end of the course, you will have built a full stylized sequence from the ground up using professional workflows. As a special bonus, Joakim is sharing an exclusive rig that allows you to integrate 2D animation effects and push your work to the next level. If you're eager to inject energy and excitement into your animations and learn from a seasoned pro, this is the course for you.
12 Class Exercises
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Drawing Warm Up -
Camera & Composition -
Scene Prop Review -
Reference Gathering
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Sequence Thumbnails -
Flow of Motion -
Primitive Animation Pass -
Key Poses
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1st Blocking Pass -
Blocking on 2s -
FX Integration -
Final Animation
Final Product
Polished Action Shot
Yield a fully polished, stylized fight animation that demonstrates your ability to animate with personality,
present dynamic movement with clarity, and choreograph impactful action.
Instructor
Lead Animator
Joakim Riedinger
Ready to unlock the secrets of dynamic animation?
Meet Joakim Riedinger, a French animator and illustrator currently bringing worlds to life at Fortiche! Imagine learning from someone who’s contributed to blockbuster films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, as well as the epic VFX of Game of Thrones and Spider-Man: Far from Home. Joakim's passion for illustration fuels his energetic and captivating animation style, with a focus on powerful movement and striking shapes.
In this course, Joakim will guide you step by step through the processes used in major studio productions to help you craft truly unforgettable shots. You’ll dive deep into the art of creating impactful poses, mastering dynamic timing, and developing your own distinctive stylization techniques—and that's just the beginning. By the end, you'll have taken your first steps toward crafting thrilling action sequences with a stylized flair.
Lead Animator,
Joakim Riedinger
[Current]
- Lead Animator at Fortiche Productions
[Previous]
- Lead Animator at Pixomondo
- Animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks
- Animator at Illumination Mac Guff
- Animator at The Mill
Projects & Awards
Projects:
- House of the Dragon (2022-2024)
- Arcane Season 2 (2024)
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
- Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
- Smallfoot (2018)
- Minions (2015)
Publications:
- Character Design Quarterly #16 – Eye
- Character Design Quarterly #22 – Motion
- Character Design Collection – Heroine
Awards:
- Annie Awards 2020 Nominee – Best Character Animation in a Live Action Production
Highlights
Class Highlights
Story-Driven Dynamic Posing
Develop the ability to craft clear, impactful, and expressive poses that not only convey dynamic action, but also deepen narrative context and reveal your character’s emotional state.
Stylized Timing & Rhythm
Master the use of non-realistic timing techniques such as animating on 2s, strategic holds, and exaggerated physics to deliver powerful impacts, punchy comedic beats, and heightened energy throughout your action scenes.
Visual Storytelling Through Action
Learn how to use staging, camera movement, props, and visual effects to strengthen narrative, build tension, and guide the viewer’s eye through even the most complex action scenes.
Class Details
You'll Learn
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Foundations of Dynamic Action & StorytellingGo beyond movement to uncover what truly makes a fight scene impactful—from narrative context and character motivation to the foundational principles of visual clarity and emotional rhythm. -
Pre-Production: Planning Your PunchMaster the essential planning stages: navigating character constraints, sourcing and analyzing references, thumbnailing dynamic sequences, and establishing flow through strong lines of action. -
Core Animation PrinciplesBuild the backbone of your action sequence with effective primitive animation, powerful key poses with believable weight, and solid blocking passes that include well-crafted breakdowns and arcs.
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Injecting Weight & StylizationLearn specialized techniques for conveying real weight and force—from stylized holds and smear frames to the strategic use of multiples for maximum visual impact in fight sequences. -
Elevating with FX & CinematographyEnhance your animation with an exclusive suite of 2D effects (smears, speedlines, and impact frames), while sharpening your staging, cinematography, and prop integration for even more dynamic results. -
Polishing & Professional WorkflowPolish your sequence for the spotlight: clean up splines, refine visual noise, apply sound design for added punch, gather and apply feedback, and prepare a final cut that stands out in any portfolio.
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Interview with
Lead Animator Joakim Riedinger
Question.01
What sparked your passion for animation?
It’s the incredible way it brings together three areas I’ve always been drawn to:
- Artistic Expression: The fundamental joy of drawing and sculpting appealing characters.
- Technological Innovation: The limitless possibilities of computer technology to bring these creations to life.
- The Dynamics of Movement: The energy and precision of sport, requiring a deep understanding of biomechanics to translate into realistic animation.
For me, animation is the perfect canvas, where artistic vision meets technical skill and the science of motion.
- Artistic Expression: The fundamental joy of drawing and sculpting appealing characters.
- Technological Innovation: The limitless possibilities of computer technology to bring these creations to life.
- The Dynamics of Movement: The energy and precision of sport, requiring a deep understanding of biomechanics to translate into realistic animation.
For me, animation is the perfect canvas, where artistic vision meets technical skill and the science of motion.
Question.02
What kind of industry developments do you foresee, and how does this class prepare students for that future?
The animation job market is definitely evolving, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. My perspective is that this shift will place an even greater premium on distinct artistic vision and a strong personal voice. While technical skills will remain valuable, the increasing accessibility of AI-powered tools means that what will truly set animators apart is their unique creative perspective and ability to evoke genuine emotional responses.
This class was designed with that in mind. It bridges the gap I often felt as a student by offering a clear, step-by-step demonstration of how experienced animators bring dynamic animations to life. You’ll not only see the process unfold, but more importantly, learn concrete strategies for overcoming the inevitable hurdles and messy parts of animation. It’s about developing not just skill, but resilience, intention, and artistic clarity in an ever-changing industry.
This class was designed with that in mind. It bridges the gap I often felt as a student by offering a clear, step-by-step demonstration of how experienced animators bring dynamic animations to life. You’ll not only see the process unfold, but more importantly, learn concrete strategies for overcoming the inevitable hurdles and messy parts of animation. It’s about developing not just skill, but resilience, intention, and artistic clarity in an ever-changing industry.
Question.03
What advice would you give to aspiring animators?
1. Experiment and Learn: Don’t shy away from mistakes. Failing fast is about rapid iteration and learning through doing, one of the most effective ways to grow as an animator.
2. Seek Constructive Criticism: Regularly ask for feedback on your work. Honest critiques are essential for growth and help you see your animation from new perspectives.
3. Become a Student of Life: Pay close attention to real-world movement and behavior. Observing your surroundings will make your animation feel more authentic and alive.
4. Let Your Talent Speak: Focus on creating exceptional work. If you put in the effort and stay true to your creative instincts, your skills and dedication will naturally attract recognition.
2. Seek Constructive Criticism: Regularly ask for feedback on your work. Honest critiques are essential for growth and help you see your animation from new perspectives.
3. Become a Student of Life: Pay close attention to real-world movement and behavior. Observing your surroundings will make your animation feel more authentic and alive.
4. Let Your Talent Speak: Focus on creating exceptional work. If you put in the effort and stay true to your creative instincts, your skills and dedication will naturally attract recognition.
Required Programs
This course will use Autodesk Maya (2022+ recommended) with Animbot. Please purchase and install these program(s), as they will not be provided with the class.
For the best learning experience, students are encouraged to purchase Ramon Arango’s Mars character rig. An exclusive discount code will be provided to all enrolled students as a class perk.
