How animation is made

explaining the stages of work on animation projects at and action

Creating animation is a lengthy but incredibly fascinating process. At and action, we've managed to customize it so that interaction with the client is as smooth as possible.

Let's talk about all the steps that make animation possible!

So, here are the stages:

• Briefing
• Concept and script creation
• Storyboard and style frame
• Voiceover and music
• Illustration
• Animation
• Sound design
• Project finalization, video adaptation

Now, let's delve into each stage in more detail.

Briefing

The project work begins with us, as actual researchers, immersing ourselves in the client's business and learning everything: what the company does, its values and philosophy, the purpose of the future video, the idea (if the client has one), key messages, and communication channels. We then brainstorm optimal solutions. Our task during the briefing is to synchronize with the client's team, understand their request, and feel their preferences.

At this stage, we formulate key messages, envision suitable styles, and gather references. Once this step is completed and we have documented the key points, the production process begins.

‍

Concept and Script Development

There are two approaches here.

The first is that the client comes with their own vision. This often happens when CEOs or marketing directors approach us, who understand well what key messages must be included in the script to ensure they resonate perfectly with the brand's audience. In such cases, we refine the client's team's ideas or improve an already prepared script.

The second option [our favorite] is when there is great trust in the team and the product we are creating and, accordingly, a request for work "from scratch." In this case, our creative copywriter and art director worked together on the concept and script for the video that best represented the client's request.

‍

Storyboard and Style frame

The animation process involves many stages. Sometimes, making changes can be energy-, time-, or cost-consuming. Therefore, we always agree on timelines, deadlines, and possible changes, making the process easier for the client and clearly defining the work framework for the team.

The next step is the storyboard.

A storyboard is a rough visualization of the script. Here, we focus on composition, object placement, and characters.

What can be changed: the appearance of characters, locations, text, interface, and frame size. Once approved, we move on to creating the animatic.

An animatic is a compiled video based on illustrations from the storyboard. It often uses a rough voiceover recorded by someone from our team or artificial intelligence. The animatic helps understand the tempo and rhythm and roughly visualize the final video.

What can be changed: scene duration and text adjustments.

Once all edits are made and the client approves the animatic, the script is finally approved (which means we can no longer make changes to it). We choose the video style - the "style frame."

‍

A style frame is created by creating one illustration frame in the chosen style.

What can be changed are the colors, specific details, and characters.

‍

Voiceover and music selection

Selecting a voice actor and music for a video is crucial. Language, pronunciation, accent, tone, and gender all influence how viewers perceive the video. We always ask clients about their preferences, past experiences, and brand voice availability. Based on this, we choose several voice actors to record their versions. Then, we select one and proceed with the recording. Before the start of creating an animation, we also need to choose music for the video.

‍

Illustration Drawing

This is the process of creating all visual components, where the illustrator develops illustrations using the approved style from the style frame and storyboard.

At this stage, it is also essential to agree on whether horizontal or vertical future video adaptations will be needed. Then, during the illustration creation process, we consider this request and build a composition that will help us adapt the videos. For example, as was the case with Master Zoo:

While illustrators work their magic, another part of the team focuses on voiceover for the video. We prepare voice options, select the narrator, and record them in the studio.

What's important at this stage? We always recommend that the client be present during the studio recording (online or offline). This way, tone, mood, and pace adjustments can be made during the recording session.

‍

Animation

The next step is animation. We add motion to characters and infographics and create transitions.

What can be changed:

• Timing/speed of specific details
• Adjusting character/emotion animations
• Changing transition speed
• Camera movement
• Text animation"

Sound Design

This is a critical stage. It can completely change the perception of the animation: make it fun, dynamic, or, conversely, deep and immerse the viewer in a meditative state while watching. The atmosphere of the video is created using sound effects—raindrops, crackling fire, bird singing, rustling, and wind sounds. The sound designer is responsible for this atmosphere. At this stage, it is possible to change sounds and music.

‍

Project finalization and video adaptations

Almost everything. Only adaptations from the main version of the video are left. There can be several options: either shorter videos (for example, the main version - 60 seconds, shorter - 30, and the shortest — 15 seconds) or other formats - for example, for publication as reels or for cinemas, or for display in the metro. Each of them has its own parameters that need to be considered. Then, we deliver the final files to the client and publish the video on our social media.

‍

Overall, creating animation videos offers businesses a powerful tool to communicate, engage, and leave a lasting impression on their target audience, contributing to brand growth. Our team knows how to create nice and smooth cooperation throughout the animation video creation process.

Book a call with our video expert Khrystyna Boyko 🇺🇦 via link: https://calendly.com/khrystyna_boyko/aa

‍