A Comprehensive Guide to the Animation Process

Introduction

Animated videos are a powerful way for businesses to communicate their message, whether for marketing, training, internal communications, or brand storytelling. However, the animation process involves multiple stages, requiring clear communication and collaboration between your organisation and the animation company.

This guide will walk you through every step of the animation process, outlining your role as a client and what to expect from your video production company. By following best practices, you can ensure a smooth production process and a high-quality final video.

1. Defining Your Project Goals

Your Role:

Before engaging an animation company, you should define:

• Purpose: What do you want the animation to achieve? (e.g., explain a product, educate employees, increase brand awareness)
• Target Audience: Who will be watching the video?
• Core Message: What key points need to be communicated?
• Tone and Style: Should the video be professional, playful, serious, or inspirational?
• Budget and Timeline: Have a rough idea of what you can invest and when you need the video delivered.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Helps refine your objectives if needed.
• Provides guidance on the best animation styles (2D, 3D, motion graphics, whiteboard animation, etc.).
• Advises on budget feasibility and timeline.

2. Briefing the Animation Company

Your Role:

A well-prepared brief should include:

• A summary of the project’s purpose and target audience.
• Any brand guidelines (e.g., colors, fonts, logos).
• Examples of animations you like (if applicable).
• Key messages to be included.
• Any mandatory elements (e.g., disclaimers, legal text, logos).

What the Animation Company Does:

• Reviews your brief and asks clarifying questions.
• Suggests any refinements to enhance effectiveness.
• Develops a creative approach that aligns with your goals.

3. Script Development

Your Role:

• Provide any necessary information or reference materials.
• Review and approve the script to ensure accuracy and alignment with your goals.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Writes a compelling script based on your objectives.
• Ensures the script is clear, concise, and engaging.
• Revises based on your feedback.

Best Practice:

• Keep the script concise (ideally 150 words per minute).
• Ensure clarity—avoid jargon unless the audience is familiar with it.

4. Storyboarding

Your Role:

• Review and approve the storyboard.
• Provide feedback on visual direction, key scenes, and flow.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Creates a storyboard that visualizes the script.
• Provides sketches or digital frames showing how the animation will unfold.
• Adjusts the storyboard based on your input.

Best Practice:

• Ensure alignment with your brand’s look and feel.
• Confirm that all key messages are visually represented.

5. Voiceover Recording

Your Role:

• Choose a preferred voice style (e.g., professional, friendly, authoritative).
• Approve voiceover artist selection.
• Provide pronunciation guidance for industry-specific terms.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Sources voiceover talent.
• Records and edits the voiceover.
• Syncs the voiceover with the animation.

Best Practice:

• Select a voice that resonates with your audience.
• Ensure tone and pace match the video’s purpose.

6. Animation Production

Your Role:

• Provide any brand assets (logos, fonts, custom graphics, etc.).
• Be available for progress updates.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Develops the animation based on the storyboard.
• Adds motion, transitions, and effects.
• Integrates the voiceover and synchronizes it with visuals.
• Refines animation quality to ensure smooth movement.

Best Practice:

• Trust the animation company’s expertise.
• Provide timely feedback if requested.

7. Music and Sound Effects

Your Role:

• Approve the music track and sound effects.
• Ensure it aligns with your brand and the video’s mood.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Selects background music and sound effects.
• Mixes audio to ensure clarity and balance.

Best Practice:

• Choose music that enhances the message without overpowering it.
• Ensure sound effects support rather than distract from the animation.

8. Review and Feedback

Your Role:

• Review the initial animation draft carefully.
• Provide clear, structured feedback.
• Consider feedback rounds in your timeline.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Incorporates your feedback and refines the animation.
• Delivers revised versions for approval.

Best Practice:

• Consolidate feedback from all stakeholders before submitting.
• Be specific (e.g., “Make the text appear 2 seconds earlier” instead of “Adjust timing”).

9. Final Delivery

Your Role:

• Approve the final version.
• Request different file formats if needed (e.g., MP4, MOV, GIF).
• Ensure all necessary stakeholders sign off.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Provides the final animation in the required format.
• Assists with video optimization if needed (for social media, websites, presentations, etc.).

Best Practice:

• Store the final file securely for future use.
• Discuss any additional edits before final delivery.

10. Distribution and Promotion

Your Role:

• Publish the video on appropriate platforms (e.g., website, YouTube, LinkedIn, internal portal).
• Consider a marketing plan to maximize reach.

What the Animation Company Does:

• Advises on best distribution practices.
• Assists with optimizing for different platforms if needed.

Best Practice:

• Use subtitles or captions for accessibility.
• Track engagement and performance metrics.

Conclusion

By understanding the animation process and your role at each stage, you can ensure a successful project with minimal delays. Clear communication, structured feedback, and collaboration with the animation company will lead to a high-quality animated video that effectively conveys your message.

If you’re considering creating an animated video for your business, working with an experienced animation partner can make the process smooth and stress-free. Reach out today to discuss how we can bring your ideas to life!