The animated video production process
in 7 + 4 steps
One can make a simple animation using cheap templated GIFs downloaded from the Internet. We specialise in bespoke animated explainer videos that portray the product, service or idea, preferably in 3D. Making such unique animations requires lots of creative work in seven plus four steps. Yours will be no exception! We together go through the following steps in your project:
Preliminary steps
customer's duties
Step minus 2 - The idea
Odd as it sounds, the first step of an animated video project has nothing to do with animation or video production. It's about the story or idea. We can hardly make a price offer without the slightest thought or a rough concept of what you want to visualise. It would help if the customer came up with those first.
Step minus 1 - The style
Then it is the style and the estimated length of your future animation. Key questions are 2D or 3D, with or without animated characters. The tiny details are all essential factors in calculating how much work we shall put into your video. Finding these out is the customer's responsibility
Style-wise, there are many possibilities. So please browse the selection of our work if you need help with the orientation.
Step 0 - Quotation
Now prepared, we can make the price offer.
Suppose your intention is not that serious, or you just want ballpark figures first. We can help you with that, too: Please use our animated video cost calculator to remove the budgeting guesswork. Filling out and submitting the cost calculator form also sends us a notification so we can contact you.
Animation production process
Step 1 - Research and the story
The story is a collection of thousands of important product or service details, and the animated video is a filtered version of that. We don't spare time getting to know your company's values. You take the first step and tell us everything, so we have something to "condense". You talk; we listen and take notes.
Step 2 - The script
Viewers are impatient and don't like watching long videos. Your summary is condensed into a 150-250 word story, a text that the narrator will present. That is the maximum we can fit into a 60-120-second video.
Step 3 - The planning
We figure out the visual and motion elements that best express your story. Then we make a few sample static images for your approval.
Step 4 - Recording voiceover
In animation production, it is easier to match the movements to the rhythm of the voiceover than the other way around. Therefore, the voice is usually recorded before the animation work.
Step 5 - Illustration, graphic design, 3D modelling
Compilation of visual components, creation of illustrations, graphic elements, and 3D models. This work can take a long time, depending on the style of the video.
Step 6 - The animation
This is the longest, most meticulous, but a spectacular phase of video production. This is where the story comes to life frame by frame.
Step 7 - Sound effects, music
Videos are more engaging with well-chosen music and sound effects that play in time with the motion. They are fitted to the finished animation.
Animation production process
Step 1 - Research and the story
The story is a collection of thousands of important product or service details, and the animated video is a filtered version of that. We don't spare time getting to know your company's values. You take the first step and tell us everything, so we have something to "condense". You talk; we listen and take notes.
Step 2 - The script
Viewers are impatient and don't like watching long videos. Your summary is condensed into a 150-250 word story, a text that the narrator will present. That is the maximum we can fit into a 60-120-second video.
Step 3 - The planning
We figure out the visual and motion elements that best express your story. Then we make a few sample static images for your approval.
Step 4 - Recording voiceover
In animation production, it is easier to match the movements to the rhythm of the voiceover than the other way around. Therefore, the voice is usually recorded before the animation work.
Step 5 - Illustration, graphic design, 3D modelling
Compilation of visual components, creation of illustrations, graphic elements, and 3D models. This work can take a long time, depending on the style of the video.
Step 6 - The animation
This is the longest, most meticulous, but a spectacular phase of video production. This is where the story comes to life frame by frame.
Step 7 - Sound effects, music
Videos are more engaging with well-chosen music and sound effects that play in time with the motion. They are fitted to the finished animation.
One more extra step
Step 7+1 - Launch
The video is almost ready to generate revenue, but it needs more! Success also depends on the environment (website, landing page, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook etc...) and how the video fits into the existing communication channels. We can help you with that too. We even design and build a WordPress website for you.
How long does it take to make an animated video?
Animations don't get made overnight. The style, complexity, and length are the most critical factors affecting the time an animated video production process may take. On average, the entire timespan of a one-minute-long animation making can be 4-10 weeks. Simple and cheap 2D animations take less, and complex 3D animations may take much more. Customers should consider this when planning an animation project.
