Motion Graphics in Bristol

A script is an essential part to any linear animation. It should include a description of the on screen animation along with any speech from characters or voiceovers. If there is a voiceover, then this will often determine the timing of animation due to key words triggering certain actions, and should therefore be written with the animation in mind. It is not uncommon to slightly edit the wording of a script prior to recording, as when creating visual storyboards, the order of sentences and even the placement of the smallest conjunction words can greatly alter the flow of animation. Therefore, if the script has been completed prior to our involvement, we may forward recommended alterations to certain sections, based upon our experience of creating visual content that works in union with dialogue.

This whole process of script writing is not dissimilar to writing a short movie script, but the writer should always keep both the animation and key objectives in mind. As so often with these productions, less can be more, meaning the overall length of the script should be taken into account as depending on the audience, many viewers will have a limited time or attention!

Storyboarding a project ensures all those involved have a clear understanding of the on screen visuals and how they will move or develop over time. A storyboard layout and level of detail will differ from project to project, depending on the key elements displayed on screen. It often ends up as a series of hand drawn thumbnails to help illustrate important colours, shapes and objects as well as the overall frame composition. The motion during and in between frames is often illustrated through the use of arrows, but more importantly explained in written format, so that anyone viewing a storyboard can gain a sense of animation over time.

Depending on the project brief and script requirements, it may also be helpful to produce an animatic, which is a rough video edit that flicks through the storyboard frames over time. This could include a rough voice recording, if deemed necessary. An animatic provides a better understanding of timing and how the visuals will come to life, but may not always be the best use of production time.

Certain projects also benefit from the creation of style sheets, which allow the team to have a clear depiction of how the final product should look and feel. This may include mood-boards, colour pallets, concept art and some pre-designed video assets. It is important to get all these pre-production processes agreed upon before beginning production, as any changes to the script or storyboard at a later stage will likely cause complications and result in additional costs due to backwards workflow.

If a voiceover is required for your project, it will almost definitely control the timing of animation. Certain key words will trigger various movements on screen and therefore the voiceover script should include important notes for the recording; such as where to place emphasis, where gaps of silence are required, speed guidelines plus any tips on the style in which particular sections should be read.

Voiceover artists will be chosen based on their portfolio, and therefore reference to previous work is very beneficially for them. It may also be possible to listen into the recording and give live feedback and direction. Either way, a degree of audio editing will be necessary, as voiceover artists are unlikely to record everything perfectly the first take. Once edited, this portion of the projects audio production will require sign off before proceeding with animation.

Should any Background music drive the timing of animation, then again this would need to be selected, edited and approved at this stage.

Production includes all the necessary animation work, along with the asset creation, rigging and rendering. This is where the magic happens, and concept becomes a reality. The script, storyboard and style sheets are constantly referred back to, ensuring production follows all previously approved documentation.

These more technical production processes can vary greatly in time constraints, based upon the complexity of the project being undertaken and the size of the team involved and the combination of software packages required. The several production challenges faced will dictate the order in which the workload must be carried out, as production does not always start from the beginning and develop linearly. The majority of preliminary work is spent setting up the scenes and rigging certain assets for animation, just like building a set for film or sourcing costumes and props for actors.

As certain milestones are reached, work in progress can be shared for feedback, avoiding unwanted surprises on delivery. When to expect this work in progress would be outlined at the start of production as part of the project management service included.