Animated videos have been expanding their function from entertainment shows to becoming educational and marketing instruments. They’re an excellent medium to deliver complex topics, such as cryptocurrency and medical terms, in a more approachable and exciting way.
Behind the moving animations, there lies the extensive production process. Making animated videos requires much effort, excellent skills, and long progress. However, the vital stage doesn’t end there.
Before entering the production kitchen, you need a robust strategy to ensure everything goes as planned. So, we’ve stacked the five things you need to prepare before creating an animated video. Keep reading to know more!
#1. Define Video Purposes and Your Goals
Above all, definite purpose and goals are vital before producing your animated video. Pen down what you want to achieve with your video later.
Make the purpose clear, whether it’s for school assignments, portfolio, YouTube content, or marketing purposes. It’s easier to process the following stages with your video purposes figured out.
Furthermore, you must also set your goals and what you want to achieve with your video later. If it’s for entertainment, you may publish it on YouTube to gain audiences and subscribers.
However, if you make animated videos for marketing purposes, it has to be engaging and compelling to attract and convert prospective customers.
#2. Create Timeline and Plan
The next task is to create a timeline and plan. You may also need to build a robust strategy to finish your project within the timeline.
Before entering the production kitchen, you need to pass the pre-production process. Two of the most vital tasks you must complete are writing a video script and creating a storyboard.
Moreover, think of the video tools you’ll need during the pre-production, production, and post-production stages. Choose the most suitable video software to create your animated video.
Some of the most recommended video-making software are Adobe After Effect, Autodesk Maya, Adobe Animate, Blender, and Cinema4D. Also, create a budget plan if you need to purchase certain software.
#3. Get Your Video Script Ready on The Table
A script is the heart of the video. It’s the stage where you build the storyline and the first step to making your video come to life.
Finishing your script is obligatory before proceeding with the video production. If your video needs dialogues and narrations, create and write them in the script.
You may need to re-read and revise your script several times before coming up with the final result. While working on your video script, always remember the video’s purpose and your goals.
#4. Create Storyboard
Creating a storyboard is the last step of the pre-production stage. You can visualize your video in the form of sketches or still images.
The sketches will be in sequence order according to the video. You’ll also need to put vital information regarding each scene on the storyboard.
The storyboard should include specific actions, motions, effects, and other aspects. That information is helpful during the video production process.
As the scenes in the storyboard are in sequence order, you just need to follow the storyboard when working on the video. That’s why a storyboard is one of the most vital parts of video production.
#5. Master The Animation Software
Not but not least, you need to master the animation software for creating your animated video. If you’re a beginner, getting familiar with certain features and functions is enough, even though the product may be steeper and longer.
Knowing the most suitable software for your video is also necessary. For creating 2D animation, Adobe After Effect, Adobe Animate, and Pencil 2D are great options.
However, if you want to make 3D animations, Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, and Modo are among the best options. A big company like Disney creates animations with Autodesk Maya.
The Takeaway
An excellent animated video always follows a robust preparation. Therefore, working on the pre-production process is as fundamental as the video production itself.
The whole video production usually requires a group of people, especially creating an animated video with a long time frame. Carrying all the work by yourself can be very burdensome, even though never impossible.
It’s recommended to master one job title relating to video production. So, you can focus and master the essential skills in the field. Moreover, constantly hone your creativity and proficiency by practicing.