First time creating an animated explainer video? Here’s how the final product is made.
It’s not unusual for my clients to be first timers when it comes to commissioning a motion graphics package or an animated video production. Knowing where to start can be confusing, so let’s take the stress out of the process with some information!
While not all projects are created equal, below is an outline of what can usually be expected when it comes to creating your animation.
The brief
We talk through the objectives and goals of your animated explainer video to understand the story you wish to convey, as well as identifying your target audience, deadline and budget requirements. Key elements of this information feeds in to your script, treatment and style frames.
Scriptwriting
Whether you are adept at writing your own script or require help and collaboration to form your story, you’ll always have the opportunity to steer, amend and finally sign off your script. This is the first major sign off point of the project as only once the script is signed off will we move ahead with the voice over recording.
If you are considering a “text on screen” approach, then the text needs to be in very small manageable chunks so it can be digested easily.
Storyboarding & Style frames
The approach to storyboards and style frames is somewhat dependent upon budget and your desired approach. On relatively simple projects, it can be easier and more cost effective to establish a style based on pre-existing videos or illustrations – this could be a YouTube link to the type of 2D or 3D animation you like. On more complex jobs we create a number of key frames in accordance with the brief and your brand guidelines, so you can see exactly how the animated video will look.
At this time you will be supplied with a written treatment that sits inline with the script and describes how each part of the voiceover will be animated. The goal is to give you the best understanding of how the animation will look and what it will include.
Depending on budget, the supplied storyboard may be fully illustrated designs (most often it will be this), hand drawn scribbles, photographic or using stock imagery.
The storyboard stage marks the 2nd sign off point of the animation project.
Voiceover
We can help you find the ideal voice to match your brand and budget – if you already have your own voiceover artist or would like to promote an organic approach and record your CEO/MD this can be accommodated.
Animation
With the script, storyboard and voiceover signed off it’s time to make things move! Animation is not a quick process and this step may take several weeks to complete, depending on the length of the voice over. This is why it’s essential we collaborate and sign off the previous stages.
Sound design
Some clients prefer to supply their own music track, or alternatively several options can be supplied to you to choose from. At this stage, any relevant sound effects are now added, voice over cleaned up and the pre-determined music track mixed in.
Deliverable
The animated video is exported based on your technical requirements and delivered to you. Time to put your message out to the world!