Every animation or video production follows a series of stages that need to be signed off by you, the client.
This ensures that your project is delivered on time and on budget. 
The average production time for a one to two minute animation might be between 6 and 8 weeks.

A video production timeline will depend upon the availability and location of the subject and the complexity of any additional motion graphics.

1. Brief

We meet in person, on the phone or on Skype to discuss your project. Where will your animation or video be seen? Who’s the audience? What’s the duration? Will it have audio or not? Do you have existing brand guidelines or assets that you’d like to use? Have you got a particular budget in mind?  This first briefing is a really important opportunity to clarify any questions you might have and for us to understand what you’re hoping to achieve and to advise you on the best way forward. Your delivery deadline is important to establish. Then we can work out a schedule.

2. Script

Every animation needs a script. We can write a script for you or you may already have one you have written yourself. A one minute voiceover script will be roughly between 120 and 150 words so it’s important to be concise and focus on the key messages that you need to convey to your audience.  If there is no voiceover then we need to plan how your message is delivered on screen without audio. A video may speak for itself or it may also have a voiceover – it will still need planning so that it says what you want it to say.

3. Design

From our initial briefing meeting we hope to have an idea of the kind of visual style that you’re looking for. We will produce some style frames which we can discuss and refine. We’ll consider the use of brand colours and how the animation or video may sit alongside your other marketing materials, social media and website. 

4. Storyboard and Animatic

A storyboard is an illustrated timeline of the animation or video showing how the visuals correspond to the script or storyline. Sometimes a rough test animation is produced to show how the movement of a section of animation relates to the voiceover – this is called an animatic. The storyboard or animatic is subject to feedback and discussion and is critical to ironing out any changes before animation production begins. 

5. Voiceover Recording

You will need to consider age, accent, gender and budget when selecting a voiceover artist. We will organise sample voiceovers for you to choose from as well as the final professional recording. We can also work with a voiceover you have provided.

6. Music and Sound Effects

We can select a music track to enhance your animation, work with music you provide or have something composed especially for you. Our team will deal with licensing costs on your behalf. 

7. Animation, Filming and Video Production

At this stage we should have an agreed visual style, script and storyboard as well as a voiceover and music (if we need it). If we’re filming then we will recce and source locations, cast any actors or presenters and we’ll draw up a schedule so everyone knows what they are doing and when. As we go we’ll keep you updated with progress by sending snippets and sections for comment and feedback. With the previous stages all signed off there shouldn’t be any big surprises and we would expect amendments to be tweaks rather than big changes. 

8. Delivery

We will deliver a digital HD master file and any other file formats you have specified. We can advise you on the best formats for using on the web or social media as well as events and broadcast.