THE PROCESS - HOW ANIMATION IS MADE

When we submit proposals for motion graphics and animation it helps for the client to know a little about the process. As a matter of fact, being informed and walking through each step to final delivery assures no unexpected surprises for both parties. Here's a simplified introduction to the process. There are more detailed steps in between, and some steps are reordered and repeated, but let's stick with the basics.

SCRIPT & VOICEOVER

Scripting lays the ground work for messaging and timing of the animation. Scripts also help the studio estimate scope of work. The approved script is then delivered for voiceover recording if need be.

 

STYLE FRAMES

Style frames are the prototype to how the final product will look. Is the animation being generated in simple flat polygonal shapes? Will it be in 3D? Will it be in traditional hand-drawn execution? Before moving further it’s important the client reviews the style frame and approves it.

 

STORYBOARD

This is the visual accompaniment to the script. Details such as camera movement, composition, lighting, and dialogue is framed in sequential boxes to describe how the video will play out.

 

BUILDING THE ASSETS

This is where the heavy lifting begins. The animator starts to build the components or draw the scenes that will be used towards the final production.

 

ANIMATION

After images have been drawn and 3D parts modeled, the animation stage begins. This is the core of motion design; when the artist moves the individual parts of the scene to specific timing. If there is a voiceover component to the video the artist must make sure the animation stays in sync with the audio.

 

RENDER & EFFECTS PASS

The computer now generates the final images based off the animator's instructions. Tweaks to the scene or its individual layers are made, such as brightness, contrast, color grading, and effects.

 

MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS

Music scoring and sound effects are added to the final visuals to enhance impact and complete the animation.