THE ANIMATION PROCESS

An Animation Production can feel overwhelming, depending on the style or duration! Here are 9 easy steps to help you find your way thru the animation process. if you would like to know more or if you have a brief or an idea you would like a quote. Please get in touch and I will get back to you.

1- THE BRIEF

Every project begins with your brief. You will inform us about your company and your needs, including your expectations, targets, budget, and deadlines. We can discuss these details over the phone, Zoom, or in person if we are in the same country. We will also discuss the range of animation styles that will best suit your brand and target audience

2-SCRIPT 

Once our objectives and aims are clearly defined, we begin brainstorming with a copywriter from our team of collaborators. We will research and develop a few ideas tailored to your brand. This process involves collaboration with you, and exchanging feedback until we are heading in the right direction.

Our scripts will include a description of visual elements, detailing actions and transitions, along with the narration of the voice-over (if required). We will use image references to help visualize the story and understand how the narration integrates.

If you already have a script written by your team, we can assist in visualizing it before proceeding to the next step.

3-DESIGN

Now that we have finalized the story and have an idea of the visual materials needed, we can start developing the style of the graphics, characters, and colour palette.

At this stage, we will provide several concept designs and colour palette options for your team to choose from. Once you are satisfied with the style, we will proceed to create key designs. These can include the main characters of your story and key backgrounds and graphic elements that convey your core messages.

Here you can see some examples of our designs.

4-STORYBOARDS 

Now that the script and designs are approved, we will start creating the storyboards. These are black-and-white sketch drawings that illustrate the actions of the characters, their emotions, the transitions of the graphics, and any titles you may need.

At this stage, the story begins to take shape. You will be able to see how the narrative flows with the drawings and make adjustments to the script if necessary.

We will conduct several reviews with you and your team until the story is clear and all elements are correctly in place. Once you are satisfied with the storyboards, we will move on to the next step.

5-ANIMATICS

The animatic is essentially a storyboard set on a timeline with a guide voice-over and music. Its main objective is to determine the flow of the film, how the images sync with the narration, and to ensure there is sufficient time for the audience to register the actions and read any text.

We use a guide voice-over to help visualize the story. If you want to make changes to your script, this can be done at this stage.

6-ANIMATION

This is where all the magic happens! We will complete all the designs following the storyboard’s instructions and get them approved by you and your team. Then, we’ll start the animation process. This stage is usually divided into three parts: Blocking, Animation, and Transitions, although this can vary for each animation production.

Blocking: This involves assembling simple character animations, backgrounds, and camera movements.

Animation: Here, we refine and perfect the animations, incorporating any feedback from you.

Transitions: In this phase, we add all the smooth transitions and effects.

7-VOICE OVER

This stage can be completed either before or after the animation, depending on whether you need lip-sync. We will provide you with a list of different voice-over artists for you to choose from. In collaboration with a sound studio, we will record the narration with the voice artist of your choice, following your comments, directions, and the required animation timing and emotions.

8-MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS

We collaborate with sound designers and musicians to create bespoke music specifically composed for your animation, providing a unique soundtrack for your project.

The advantage of this approach is that we can match the animation's narrative and energy with the musical instrumentation, incorporating your feedback.

Additionally, we have access to numerous music libraries and soundtracks with available copyrights for use in your animation.

9-DELIVERY

Once the music and effects are in place, you will have the opportunity to review your animation and provide final feedback. Often, small details are noticed at the last minute.

Following your final review, we will make any necessary changes and deliver the animation in any format you require, whether it's HD, square format for social media, or optimized for mobile phones. Additionally, we offer marketing support for your video, which can help it stand out.