Animation- how it works?

Although it’s rare to find people animating by hand drawing frame by frame these days, animation is still a highly skilled and intricate process. In this video, I’m going to take you step by step through the animation process. 

I’m going to use a project we worked on for De Montfort University as an example. Initially the client got in touch and between us, we decided that animation was the best option based upon the target audience and purpose of the video. The client was keen to use animated characters to drive the video, and to show parts of the campus. 

We worked with them to write a script from which to work on, before commissioning voice actors to record it. 

At this stage, we were able to write out a shot list, explaining what would be happening on screen alongside each section of voiceover. This was signed off by the client and we moved ahead with the animatic. An animatic is a really important part of the process, as it helps everyone really visualise what the animation will eventually look like. Made up of hand drawn sketches, it acts as a sort of storyboard but is presented in video form. This helps with checking the timing works and if anything needs to be added or removed. 

Once everyone is happy with the animatic, the animation is fully developed with a few rounds being sent back and forth as we go to ensure everyone is still happy. Although every project is different, this is generally the process for bespoke animations. 

If you have an animation you’d like to discuss with us, feel free to get in touch.