In this expert guide, we’ll explore best practices and current trends in animated film production, providing valuable insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field. We’ll delve into the key elements of successful animated films, from concept development and scriptwriting to animation styles and sound design. We’ll also explore the latest trends shaping the industry and offer practical tips on how to elevate your animated projects.
See what we have prepared for you. And if you are determined to work with a professional animation company, we encourage you to visit our official website, where you will find many examples of our work.
What is animated video production?
Animation video production is a creative process that brings static images to life through the art of motion. This innovative technique encompasses a wide range of styles, including computer-generated 2D and 3D designs, character animation, and dynamic motion graphics. By skillfully crafting a sequence of slightly varied images and arranging them in rapid succession, animators create the captivating illusion of movement that defines animated videos.
The popularity of animated videos stems from their unparalleled versatility and limitless creative potential. With animation, storytellers and marketers can transcend the boundaries of reality, bringing even the most fantastical concepts to life on screen. This flexibility, coupled with its cost-effectiveness compared to live-action production, makes animation an attractive option for businesses and content creators alike.
For those new to the world of animated video production, the process may initially appear complex. However, partnering with an experienced animated video production company can significantly ease this journey. These professionals possess extensive knowledge of various animation styles and techniques, guiding clients through each step of the production process. Their expertise ensures that your vision is transformed into a compelling animated video that effectively communicates your message and engages your target audience.
Importance of animated videos in modern marketing
Animated videos are an effective way to simplify complex ideas and make your message more memorable. They can help you stand out from the competition and engage your audience in a unique and creative way. Animated videos can be used to explain complex products or services, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Additionally, animated marketing video has the power to evoke emotions and create a strong connection with viewers, leading to increased brand loyalty and customer trust. These versatile marketing tools can be easily updated and modified, allowing businesses to keep their content fresh and relevant without the need for costly reshoots.
Coca-Cola – Happiness Factory (2006, Netherlands)
Did you know that animated videos have been shown to boost conversion rates, with studies indicating that including an explainer video on a landing page can increase conversions by up to 80%? Furthermore, the shareability of animated videos on social media platforms can significantly expand a brand’s reach, potentially leading to viral content that exponentially increases exposure and engagement.
Why animated videos matter and why do You need them?
Animated videos are powerful tools for capturing audience attention and conveying complex information in an engaging, memorable way. They offer unparalleled creative freedom, allowing businesses to bring abstract concepts to life and tell compelling brand stories. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, animated videos provide a versatile and cost-effective solution for standing out from the competition and connecting with viewers on an emotional level.
The role of animated videos in explaining complex concepts
Animated videos excel at simplifying intricate ideas by breaking them down into visually digestible components. Through the use of metaphors, visual analogies, and step-by-step illustrations, animations can make even the most complicated subjects accessible to a wide audience. This visual approach enhances comprehension and retention, allowing viewers to grasp difficult concepts more easily than they would through text or static images alone.
Additionally, animated videos can present information in a non-threatening and entertaining manner, making learning more enjoyable and reducing cognitive load.
How animated videos can increase engagement and conversion rates
Animated videos have a unique ability to capture and maintain viewer attention, leading to higher engagement rates across various platforms. Their visually appealing nature and dynamic storytelling capabilities create an emotional connection with the audience, making the content more memorable and shareable. By simplifying complex information and presenting it in an easily digestible format, animated videos can reduce confusion and hesitation in potential customers, ultimately leading to increased conversion rates.
How do animated videos benefit your business?
You already know what an animated film is and how important a role it plays in contemporary, broadly understood marketing activities. What about your company? You are certainly wondering what benefits animation can bring to you. Why do you need animation?
Engage visitors
Animated video production offers a unique and creative approach to content creation that surpasses traditional video methods. While conventional video production can leave a lasting impression on viewers, it often faces limitations such as location constraints and lighting challenges. In contrast, animated videos provide unparalleled flexibility and customization options, allowing every element to be meticulously crafted to align with your brand identity and resonate with your target audience.
The versatility of animation enables you to bring any concept to life, regardless of how abstract or imaginative it may be. This freedom allows you to create truly unique and memorable experiences that can set your brand apart. Animated videos excel at simplifying complex ideas and presenting information in an easily digestible format, making them particularly effective for explaining products, services, or processes.
Enhance understanding and knowledge
Animated videos serve as powerful educational tools, offering a unique advantage in conveying complex information in an accessible and engaging manner. Their ability to break down intricate concepts into visually appealing and easily digestible content makes them invaluable for informing and educating audiences.
By investing in animated video development, you’re not just creating content; you’re crafting powerful educational experiences that can significantly enhance your audience’s understanding of complex topics. This approach not only informs but also cultivates a deeper connection with viewers, positioning your brand as a valuable source of knowledge and expertise in your field.
Boost sales and drive results
By incorporating animated videos into your marketing strategy, you create multiple touchpoints for audience interaction, guiding potential customers through the sales funnel more effectively. This approach not only attracts a wider audience but also nurtures leads by providing them with easily digestible information about your brand, products, or services.
The result is a more informed and engaged audience that is significantly more likely to convert, whether that means making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or reaching out for more information. In today’s competitive digital landscape, animated videos serve as a powerful tool for turning viewer interest into tangible business results.
What are the types of video animation and which animation style works best?
A diverse array of animation techniques is available, each capable of meeting your specific animated video production requirements.
2D animation
This animation style (2D) creates a flat, two-dimensional visual effect. It utilizes pre-existing digital images, often crafted using software such as Adobe Photoshop or After Effects. These images are then manipulated to create the illusion of movement across the screen, resulting in a dynamic yet visually simple animated production.
“The Lion King” – DisneyMusicVEVO
This article is a must read! What is 2D animation? A beginner’s guide to getting started.
3D animation
This technique utilizes three-dimensional space to create lifelike animations, as seen in Pixar films. Unlike 2D, 3D animations have depth and volume on screen. Rotoscoping can transform live-action footage into 3D animations, while depth and camera movements add complexity.
“Mufasa: The Lion King ” (Official Trailer) – Walt Disney Studios
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Stop motion animation is a unique and captivating form of 3D animation that stands apart from computer-generated imagery (CGI), despite both falling under the broader umbrella of 3D animation techniques. While the industry often uses the term “3D animation” to refer to CGI, stop motion offers a distinct and tangible approach to bringing objects to life on screen.
Stop motion involves photographing physical objects, typically miniature models or puppets, in slightly different positions frame by frame. When these images are played back in rapid succession, they create the illusion of movement. This technique requires meticulous attention to detail and patience, as animators must carefully manipulate objects between each frame.
Infographic animation
This innovative technique transforms static data visualizations into compelling, motion-driven stories. By infusing traditional infographics with animation, it captivates viewers more effectively than static counterparts. The fusion of clear data representation and dynamic movement simplifies complex information, enhancing comprehension and recall. Animated infographics excel at maintaining audience interest, making them a powerful medium for communicating data-rich narratives in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. This approach not only boosts engagement but also significantly improves information retention among viewers.
How can 𝐑𝐏𝐀 (𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) help your business? Animation for Flobotics – Explain Visually
Character animation
This advanced animation method brings imaginary figures to life, endowing them with seemingly genuine emotions, thoughts, and unique identities through precise, deliberate motions. These animated personas act as adaptable instruments, able to represent a wide range of individuals and their underlying drives. Integrating such lifelike characters allows companies to create videos with a more personable and engaging ambiance, successfully steering clear of an excessively rigid or businesslike feel.
Character animation (example), Source: Adobe
Whiteboard animation
This video style features dynamic illustrations drawn on a white background, simulating a hand sketching images in real-time. Commonly used for explainer videos, whiteboard animations excel at breaking down intricate concepts into easily digestible visual narratives. The progressive reveal of content keeps viewers engaged, making it an effective tool for conveying complex ideas in a simple, memorable format.
Categories of OSS and BSS. Explainer video for Suntech – Explain Visually
Are you interested in this topic? You can find more examples of well-made whiteboard animation here.
Other types of animated films: educational, visual stories, vector animations and more
Educational animation
Educational animations are designed to teach complex concepts or skills in an engaging and accessible manner. These animations often use a combination of visuals, narration, and interactive elements to enhance learning. They can cover a wide range of subjects, from scientific processes to historical events.
Educational animations are widely used in e-learning platforms, online courses, and classroom settings to supplement traditional teaching methods.
Animated explainer video for the European Rover Challenge – Explain Visually
Visual stories
Visual storytelling through animation is a powerful medium for conveying narratives, emotions, and ideas. These animations can range from short-form content to feature-length films and are characterized by strong narrative structures, emphasis on visual aesthetics, character-driven plots and emotional resonance.
Visual stories in animation can be found in various genres, including drama, comedy, fantasy, and documentary-style presentations. They often leverage the unique capabilities of animation to create worlds and characters that would be impossible or impractical in live-action productions.
Vector animations
Vector animations are created using mathematical equations to define shapes, lines, and colors, resulting in scalable graphics that maintain quality at any size. Key features of vector animations include crisp, clean lines and shapes, smooth scaling without loss of quality and smaller file sizes compared to raster-based animations.
Vector animations are particularly popular in logo animations, animated explainer videos, and web-based content due to their versatility and efficiency.
Vector animation for Mitsubishi Electric – Explain Visually
Our animation production workflow
When a client approaches us with an animated video concept, we collaborate closely to define the core message and target audience. Our writers then craft scripts while developing a visual style guide. Next, we create style frames – static images representing key moments – to experiment with different aesthetics.
Once the client approves the style, we move to storyboarding, creating a comic strip-like sequence of the animation. This crucial stage allows for easy adjustments before full animation begins. With client approval, we proceed to full animation and sound design.
What if something doesn’t go your way, if your vision is in conflict with what we propose? Are you worried about corrections? Don’t worry!
Throughout the process, we encourage client feedback, offering some rounds of revisions at each stage to ensure complete satisfaction with the final animated video.
Budgeting for animated video production
You are certainly very curious about the costs associated with ordering animation from a professional company? This topic is extensive, because the price is always determined individually for each client and the specifics of the order. It depends on several factors, which we discussed in a separate article: The price of an explanatory film – how much does it cost and why?
Award winning animation studio explains!
At Explain Visually, there is no “one size fits all” price for animated video productions. This is because as an animation production company, our prices are tailored to our clients’ needs and budgets. If the animated video is more complex and requires more animators/work time, this will also increase the price. If t
he client would like to have a voiceover artist, music artist, or producer involved in the animation, this will also affect the price of the animation. And of course, the longer the animation, the more expensive it will likely be.
All of these variables in pricing mean that we work closely with our clients to make sure we meet their budget needs, as well as their animation needs.
Why partner with Explain Visually for your animated content?
Animated video agency Explain Visually offers a bespoke animation production experience, with our in-house team of experts guiding projects from concept to completion. We craft memorable content designed to forge emotional connections with your target audience. Our specialty lies in creative video production, where we transform client briefs into unique, standout concepts that set you apart from competitors. Our approach ensures your message resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
With a personalized approach, we strive for animated video content that is consistent with your brand. Our animated video production company will manage the entire process, from script to storyboard, video thumbnail, style and beyond. The animated video production process is our strength, passion and life. We will do it best!
