To be completely honest, retakes (sometimes called revisions) are the least fun part of the job of an animator, but they are always a part of an animators job. No matter how talented and skilled, every animator gets retakes.
Retakes and revisions are changes that you have to make to your work. Sometimes it’s changes to the actual character performance and animation, posing timing, this being more of a creative change, or it can be of a more technical change like an adjustment to the framing or composition of the scene, when characters enter frame or exit, etc…
The changes are usually requested by a Lead Animator, an Animation Supervisor or a Director. Most of the time – almost always, the changes are an improvement to the scene, even if at times we (the Animator) may not agree with a particular fix or change especially if it’s a big adjustment and requires lots of time and effort. After all animation is laborious and it can be difficult not to get attached to some of your work.
Why Do Animators Get Retakes?
As I write about in my previous post, changes and fixes are made in order to realize the vision of the director and creator and to simply make the animation look better and to improve the acting.
There may also be technical changes such as camera framing adjustments or composition changes within the scene (placement of characters, props, background elements…)
For example, a retake note can come back asking you to add anticipation or follow through – referring to an animation principal. This would be a simple fix -just add what’s being asked for, tweak it and move on.
They may ask for a completely different action. For example, rather than a character diving into the pool they might want him doing a flip instead (even if the story board clearly indicates the character diving). Oh yeah, this can happen – in which case you’ll have to scrap a fair amount of animation and re-animate part of the scene.
So that would be a bigger retake because it’s a complete change rather than a little fix or adjustment to existing work.
How The Retakes Are Served
Preferably warm, but sometimes come in cold. I worked as an Animation Director at one point…sometimes the Director is so squeezed for time, little effort can go into sensitivity and explanations so he/she may just point form all the notes. So if you get short and cold retake notes, try not to be offended – the Director is likely stressed out and has way too much on his/her plate.
Retakes are usually sent to you in text form so that you can read what is being asked for and then address each note in a methodical manner. Studios like to keep a record of it as well for various reasons.
On particular occasions, when it may be difficult to explain the retake in writing, the lead, sup, or director will come to your workstation and discuss it with you in person.
On A Mental Note
This is very important. Try not to get irritated with your retakes. As you’ve probably already been told to develop a thick skin, rino skin or as they say “water off a ducks back”. The truth is, you will get ticked off at a retake eventually. If your having trouble dealing with them just refer back to the opening paragraph of this post for a reality check. 
Do’s And Dont’s
Don’t argue with a lead, sup, or director regarding a retake (or any other reason). This should be obvious. If you really don’t agree with a retake, your better off doing it and letting them see what they have asked for. If they don’t like it they’ll revert to a previous version.
Ask questions if you’re unclear on a retake note. It’s good to appear to be genuinely concerned about the welfare of the project and the company. (that is, if your not). Plus you need to get your retake done properly so it doesn’t come back again.
As mentioned above, retakes are sometimes technical, but when they are creative in nature, your work is being critiqued and even criticized. It’s always wise (and in the best interest of your future in the industry) to act in a mature and professional way when dealing with retakes.
