How Animation Production Works

Posted on: 19 October 2023

Animation production is a complex process that involves a series of steps from the initial concept to the final product. Dive deeper into how animation production works and give you an overview of the various steps involved.

Concept and Script Writing

The process of animation production starts with an idea that is developed into a full-fledged script. Once the script is finalized, the animators go through a pre-production stage where they draw the initial sketches of the characters and create a storyboard. Jotting down these ideas helps in conceptualizing the final product.

Voice Recording and Music

Once the script is approved, voice acting begins. Actors with skills in voiceover work record the dialogue and the sounds needed for the project. At the same time, the music composition and sound effects are produced. This stage requires excellent sound quality and excellent sound mixing skills that only an experienced sound engineer can handle.

Storyboarding and Animating

Next up, the storyboard is finished, and the animators begin fleshing out the graphical representations of the characters and the world in which they live. In the initial phase, rough sketches and models are created to solidify the animators’ ideas. Once the characters and design are refined, the animation team starts animating using computer-generated images (CGI). Audio and animation are put temporally together to see how the movie is looking.

Post Production

The post-production phase begins after the animation is complete. Special effects, sound editing, and editing the finished shots are all completed at this point. This stage emphasizes the collaboration between the audio and visual teams, and their complementary relationship can make or break a project. Post-production also includes color grading, where colors are generalized or changed to balance the tone and theme of the movie.

Distribution and Marketing

Finalizing the product for distribution and marketing is the final step of animation production. The distribution team handles the legal requirements of the film, and marketers work to publicize it.

Animation production studios rely on teams of creatives from concept development to editing. The animation process requires a great deal of expertise, resources, and effort to create a successful final product. However, the final product is exciting and worth the time and expenses. Now that you know how animation production works, you’ll appreciate and enjoy the beloved characters and stories that result from this creative process even more.

To learn more about animation production, contact a studio near you. 

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