At MadeWithUs our animation process slightly differs for every project we create due to our diversity of clients and the wide range of projects we make. More often than not, the styles and techniques needed to create the videos may vary, however, the steps of animation production remain the same.

Animation Process Steps:

1. The Brief

2. The Script

3. The Styling

4. The Boards

5. The Voice

6. The Animation

7. The Mix

8. The Sign Off

Don’t worry if you’ve not commisioned an animation before, we’ll work alongside you to help bring your ideas to fruition across every element of the process – from ideation to content production. Below are 8 steps most of our animation projects go through, whether we’re creating a 90 second B2B explainer or a Xmas TV ad.

Step 1. Briefing

We listen to your objectives and goals to understand the story you wish to convey along with your target audience, the benefits you want to highlight, the deadline, and budget requirements. The idea can be either conceptual, character-driven, emotionally evoking, or conversational. We use the concept as a base to create an engaging script that effectively communicates the message to be delivered.

Step 2. Scripting

Whether you’ve written your own script, need us to edit it to help with the flow of the animation, or would like us to write one from scratch this is the first major sign-off point of the project as only once the script is signed off will can move forward to create the VO and Style frames.

Step 3. Style Frames & Written Treatment

Working with your brand guidelines and from our brief, we’ll design a number of keyframes from the script so you can see exactly how the animation will look. We'll also create a written treatment, that follows the script and describes what we'll animate in time with the VO.
Most animation studios believe this will give you the best understanding of how the film will look and what it will include.
This is the 2nd sign-off point for project.

Step 4. Story Boards

Sometimes we may need to us create storyboards based on the written treatment and style frames. Based on schedules that can often be skipped but can be invaluable when getting full creative agreement and sign-off.
This marks the 3rd sign-off point of the animation project.

Step 5. Voice Over (VO)

We can help you find the ideal voice to match your brand and budget - if you already have your own voice over artist or would like to promote an organic approach and record your ceo/md we're happy to accommodate this. All we ask is that you don't record this on your iphone!

Step 6. Animation

With the script, style frames, and VO signed off it's time to get cracking. This stage can take several weeks, depending on the length of the film and VO. This is why it's essential we work together to get sign-off on the previous steps. This stage can also include feedback and amend days along the way if needed. Little breaks so we’re all headed in the right direction.

Step 7. Audio Mix

If sound effects (SFX) are needed this is when that magic happens. The voice-over is cleaned up, and the agreed music is all mixed together to create a cohesive sound bed for the animation. 

Step 8. Sign Off

The animated film is now rendered and exported based on your tech specs, and delivered to you! We can also supply files and package up the project if that’s your thing. We all then head off for a Wim Hoff style ice bath, do some chanting and drink beer. Not all at the same time!