Video animation is a great way to promote your business and provide a clear overview of your products and services. Animation can take lots of different forms, and the process can be quite different from producing a video. So, we thought we’d create an ultimate guide to getting an animated video produced, so you know what to expect.
How much does an animated video cost?
We often get asked how much an animated video will cost, without any further details. Like most things in life, the cost of your animation will depend on a number of factors; How long is it? What style do you want? Do you already have graphics?
Before an animator can accurately quote for the project, they will need as many details as possible, and the easiest way to do this is to provide a draft script.
Create a 3 column document; in the first column write your proposed script, in the second column write or draw a description of the sort of imagery you might like to see on screen. In the third column, write any important notes for the animator. Remember, it doesn't need to be perfect that this stage, it's just to give the animator an idea of what you're looking for. If you're not great at drawing, don't worry; take screenshots of other drawings or videos you like and include those.
Provide your script to the Animator, along with a couple of examples of other animated videos you like, and if possible, a proposed budget for your project.
Stock Graphics or a Designer?
Animation is 50% design work; all the assets in your animation will be designed before they are made to move. Some companies provide design and animation together, at Jellyfielders, we work with either stock assets or external graphic designers.
The huge advantage of working with external graphic design providers is that you can have your choice of designer, and so we can work with the designer already supporting your company.
There are also millions of stock assets available that can be used in your animated projects. Stock graphics come in a huge range of styles and can be customised to suit your brand. While far cheaper than hiring a graphic designer, the results will never be as bespoke.
What's the Process?
If you proceed with your animated project, there are a number of things to be aware of that often cause panic if you’ve not been through the process before.
In the first few steps of your animation production, you probably won’t see anything actually move. Animating each element takes time, and it would be a waste of your time (and money) to begin creating movements in graphics that are not signed off.
The first step will be to gather all of the relevant graphics and create a visual storyboard timed to scratch voice-over. A Scratch voice-over is a rough version of the script, the purpose of which is solely for timing. Once you have the video storyboard, you will be able to identify areas where the graphics will be on screen too long, or not long enough.
Once the Video Storyboard has been signed off, the animation will begin; this can take several review periods to get it into shape, but the more detailed you can be with your feedback at each stage, the quicker the animation will proceed.
Throughout all of these versions, the scratch voice-over will still be used for timing. In fact, the VoiceOver is one of the last things to be produced; this allows you to make small amendments to your script as you see the animation come together.
Once the Scratch draft is signed off, the voice-over artist is provided the finalised script for recording. The professional voice-over is then added to the project, and small timing adjustments are made for any differences in the track.
From here you’re into final tweaks, music, and subtitles if required. The process as a whole can take as little as a week, but this depends on the size and scale of your project.
One great thing about animated content is that the graphics can be used again for both video and image content.
If you're thinking about using animation for your video marketing project, we encourage you to get in touch for a free consultation to find out how Jellyfielders can help. Pop us an email at Info@jellyfielders.tv.