We explore methods of making computer animation accessible to nontechnical users by utilizing high degree-of-freedom, gestural input and visualization on a large display. Design principles are developed which guide our approach and focus on expressive but comprehensible techniques. We present two applications of these principles to animation tasks: first, animatic creation, where we develop techniques for rough animation and cinematic communication; and second, facial animation, where direct manipulation mediates the complexity of a fully expressive virtual face. We present preliminary user evaluation of our techniques, and discuss future directions of our approach.