1
Discovery
First we should have a call with your creative team to define the scope of the project. Based on this we will produce a detailed debrief with all the details and objectives, with a planning and budget.
As soon as everything is approved we can reserve/book all the resources needed, and then we'll start.
2
Script & Style
We develop a script based on your input that will serve as the project's backbone. Along with this, we'll explore the visual style and create a number of style frames. This is to give you a good idea of what you can expect.
3
Storyboard
Based on the script we design a visual storyboard. We include text/voiceover descriptions, and provide details on movement and audio.
4
Animatic
This stage is to see if the story on paper fits the timing. We put all of the storyboard slides with temporary voice tracks on a timeline to see how long it takes, which parts need to be shortened, and which parts need more time. For 3D animation, we build some of the scenes with simple shapes, blocks, and spheres to determine whether there is enough space and time for our story.
This is also a good moment to brief a music composer if needed, so he/she can start work on a mood track.
5
Audio /
Video recording
Now that the script and animatic have been frozen, it is time to record the voices and/or the video material needed for this production.
6
Asset build
We design and build all the elements required for our animation (characters, environments, vehicles, props). To make animation easy and flexible, we need need to rig the assets. This means characters need bones, vehicles need mechanics so the wheels rotate, etc, etc.
7
Animation
Based on the animatic with final voice track, we now know exactly what shots we need to make and how long they should be. We animate each scene and create transitions between them. Finally we may add complementary movement and effects for added impact.
8
Audio
If we hired a composer for this project, then now is the moment we will have a good piece of music timed on the animation. A sounddesigner will select sound effects to support the animation. When the edit is approved and locked, the sound designer will make a final mix and master.
9
Final Edit
Eveything comes together on one timeline. Final animations, final audio. We internally review the final edit and nitpick over all the details. Then we have a final review with you -the client- and based on your feedback we fix more details like colors or text corrections.
10
Delivery
It's time to share the final goods with you! Depending on your audience's location and target platforms, the specs will be different. For social media platforms we often make adaptations for the many different aspect ratios.
11
Success!
Once everything is finished and you're happy (and we've made up for the sleep we missed) then we'd love to hear how the project has been received and how it’s performing!
