December 22nd 2002 | Jacek Artymiak

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Interview: Phillip Kerman

Phillip Kerman, author of ActionScripting in Flash has generously agreed to an interview for Flash Magazine. To find out more about him and his work, don't forget to visit his personal site. (Eds note: make sure you don't miss out on the guided tour!)

Phil photographed by Phillip Kerman

Jacek Artymiak: Tell us a little about your professional life. How did you start working in multimedia?

Phillip Kerman : I have a technical photography degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology-but multimedia meant something different back when I graduated in 1989. Programming multi-slide projector presentations was archaic (although we sometimes used real computers). Anyway, not long after college I hooked up with a company called The Human Element Inc.. Believe it or not, my lack of experience was seen as an advantage because I could adapt to their way of working (instead of bringing my own preconceptions).

JA: The set of skills that a designer using Flash must know is expanding with every new release: programming, mobile devices, XML, etc. If you were to give advice to a beginner, what skills would you call 'essential'.

PK: Written and verbal communication is key. If nothing else, just being able to write an email. That's because unless you do tiny boutique projects you'll always be working with others. It's a critical skill to be able to get your thoughts across to those with whom you work.

Having said that, I think the most important "Flash building" skill is to plan and specify a project. Once you know exactly where you're headed, it's easier to build. Of course there's always room for exploration along the way, but I think it's best to always have a clear goal.

Lastly, basic math and trigonometry is helpful too.

JA: How did you start programming computers?

PK: I suppose the multi-slide projector presentations I worked on in college and an internship in 1988 were my first real programming gigs. But I started at The Human Element Inc. learning Authorware 1.7-and that skill is still applicable today (not to mention Authorware is a really great visual programming tool that works great). I've transitioned from Authorware to Director and now to Flash. The tools change but the process of taking an idea and making it come alive on screen is the same.

JA: What kinds of Flash projects do you like most? What challenges are you looking for?

PK: I always like to take on jobs that are just one step beyond what I know I can do. That is, I like to explore an unfamiliar new feature or technique. One critical factor is to have a mutual respect for my clients. That is, if your client doesn't value you there's a big problem (and vice versa).

It's also nice to work with good visual designers that can make projects that win awards.

Right now I want to do more and more work using Flash Communication Server and Flash Remoting. (I guess I'm learning a bit of ColdFusion too but I doubt anyone would want to hire me at my skill level.)

JA: With FlashMX, we can have almost as much fun as we did when we were coding in AMOS Basic. What do you like more, design or coding?

PK: First let me say, I never programmed BASIC (I'm old enough to have, but I just didn't). My greatest success in a college Pascal class was writing just one program that actually compiled (though it didn't function right). Anyway, I don't see a giant separation between "design" and "coding". First of all, they're both very creative. Second, I'd use the word "design" to include functional design. Finally, I don't touch graphics. It's not my skill and I'm smart enough to work with those who have that skill.

JA: What additions, changes, or improvements to ActionScript and Flash would you like to see in the future releases of Flash?

PK: It's so hard to criticize Flash MX because it's such an awesome upgrade. However, there's always room for improvement. The scripting window could steal some features from other Macromedia products. For example, code-collapsing is a way Homesite hides a portion of your script. Also, Director has the "find-handler" feature that lets you select a homemade function name and jump straight to where that function is declared.

I can think of a few bugs that have to be fixed and other small improvements... but let me say, I've sent them to wish-flash@macromedia.com. Let me encourage everyone else to use that channel-they really read it!

JA: You wrote an excellent book about ActionScript, what other books on programming in general would you recommend to those who caught the programming bug?

PK: Thanks, I'm very happy with that book although ultimately it doesn't sell as many copies as my more general "Teach Yourself Flash in 24 Hours" book. Before I recommend books, I think it's important for any learner to look at themselves and determine how they best learn. People learn different ways and once you understand that you'll be closer to finding the resources to help yourself learn.

Obviously, Colin Moock's book is a great reference. It's sort of hard to imagine not having that book. There's also a pretty great book called "Reality ColdFusion MX: Flash MX Integration" by Ben Forta et al. Although it does tend to rely heavily on components, I learned a lot of good techniques. Then there's Branden and Sam's "Object-Oriented Programming with ActionScript". Not exactly a book for novices, but I think it's the logical next step after reading my orange book. The truth is I don't read many books. For one, it's not the best way I learn, and secondly, I'm always afraid of subconsciously plagiarizing.

JA: When can we expect another fine Flash book from you?

PK: You sound like my mother! I'm currently writing one on "Rich Internet Applications" that may very well ship the same time another version of some Flash related product comes out. The book will cover EVERYTHING (Flash Remoting, Flash Communication Server, Cold Fusion, web services, etc.) However, at only about 400 pages it won't cover anything in great detail. The idea is that after reading this book you'll know what technology is available, why you'd use one over the other, how they all fit together, and where you have to go to build your skills now that you have a clear idea where you're headed. I'll have lots of starter scripts and diagrams all designed to make you understand how everything works.

Naturally, I plan on revising my two current books too-and, no, I can't just do a "Find-and-Replace" on all the MXs!

JA: What additional third-part software for Flash would you like to see on the market? Which parts of the workflow would benefit from third-party add-ons?

PK: I think SWF Studio is going the right direction. I mean, Director MX is the best solution for projectors, but it's hard to convince many Flash-heads that's their best option. But really, I can't think of any great products that someone else hasn't already. Have you seen Zoomify? I could have never thought of that.

I do think you'll probably see more workgroup tools including version control software (then again I don't believe Macromedia Sitespring set the world on fire).

JA: Macromedia keeps the .FLA format specs under wraps preventing seamless exchange of raw project files between Flash and LiveMotion, and other tools (SWFs can be imported without much problems). Do you think it is an obstacle in your work, or do you just not mind it at all?

PK: You know, if they were doing a poor job with Flash you could probably make the case open-source is a better way to go, but look at the penetration of the Flash Player! LiveMotion had some interesting features, but it doesn't look like Adobe values that product-or, at least they're putting their efforts into other lines.

I'm not involved in the whole "open-source" community so I'm sure there are some advantages I can't see. But, really, it's moot unless Macromedia sees an opportunity. Anyway, you really can't make too many gripes about the amazing products Macromedia keeps pumping out.

JA: Based upon your experience, what advice would you want to give to our readers who want to make money with their Flash skills? What should they watch out for?

PK: First, don't try to learn everything. Identify what specific aspects of the work you enjoy or you find appealing. Once you find something you like and that you're good at, it's just a matter of identifying those who need what you have to offer. And remember: excitement is contagious. Also, if you're just getting into multimedia I suggest visualizing and verbalizing where you want to be in the present tense. That is, don't say "I want to be a programmer"... just say "I am a programmer". I can promise if you say that enough times you will!

Also, try to evaluate every opportunity for both short-term and long term. Try to recycle your efforts. For example, I might write a magazine article, then do a presentation on the same topic (several times) and then include an excerpt in a book. Plus, if you get a chance to work on a project that just doesn't sound right-trust your intuition. Making $1 the hard way is most certainly not as good as making 25 cents doing something you enjoy.

JA: What's your choice of poison, Windows or Mac?

PK: I'm all Windows now. I used to maintain both platforms but I REALLY hate buying hardware. You feel like such a chump-a day later when they come out with a faster computer for less money. Software prices can be painful, but I find it much easier to justify. I do use Macs at some of the schools where I teach.

JA: It's only a week before Christmas, what would your Flash Christmas
wish be?

PK: I don't know how much of a Flash Christmas wish this is, but in all sincerity, I wish for Peace on Earth!

JA: Well, I guess that's something we all wish for. Thank you, Phillip. And good luck with your current and future projects!