(The key stages are underlined and in bold)
Pre-production
Before any animation can truly begin, there needs to be a solid idea of what the animation will be and its purpose, the basic principles of the animation tends to be summed up during this phase, such as the target audience and how it will appeal to them. The content of the idea tends to rely on the chosen medium. This aspect is only the beginning and because of that it needs to be kept simple and effective, but from the beginning of creating an animation a specific budget has to always be kept in mind, as it determines what will be available to avoid time consumption later on when certain materials might not be available later.
Once this stage is complete a script is often made to follow the story of the initial idea, this stage is crucial as through the narrative content the characters purpose is summed up, this helps the writer to later on communicate clearly to the director on what the best camera framing may be that will best emphasize and clearly communicate the characters thoughts and feelings, more specifically on what will create the biggest impact. As this is what breaks down the initial idea into frames and scenes, and most importantly time length.
Next, the script needs to be finalized into a visual format, which is better known as the storyboard. This method of presenting is popularly used as not only is it time effective, but it is also cost effective as it is a format available throughout regardless of available media and technology. It is also easy to manipulate and do again, in case the client is not pleased with the result, this also leaves the client comfortable with speaking changes, as they don't have to worry about wasting expensive material. The storyboard is very effective as it sums up the main key points of the scene, such as the camera moves of every frame and the details of the setting, such as (if in a park) the number of trees that are needed to create impact, and if the sky is needed in the shot. The production of the animation essentially does not start unless this has been approved by the client.
After the storyboard has been approved and completed, it is given to an individual with the role known as the Animiatic to transfer it into a digital format, more specifically to edit and add audio effects, this is then finalized a a blueprint. The Animiatic helps decide the appropriate length of each frame, so as to not overdo, overwork or go over the budget with the animation. To ensure an efficient and strong foundation for the ending result. The time taken to do this depends on the number of frames given to edit, for instance if an advert it will possibly take a few days, whereas if it is a movie it will possibly take a few weeks.
The next stage is a technique that is often used for 3D animation rather then 2D animation to add special effects. This is known as Previsualization (previs). It is used as it is very const-effective for what it provides to the animation. What is significant about this technique is that it can be used and estimated so that it can instantly put into the final product of the animation. Again the time for this stage depends on the time length of the frames that are given.
Traditionally after this is when the signature style (trademark) of the design is worked out for the overall project, however this is determined by the client and animation type and can occur at any stage of the project. For instance, if it was an advert, the design would be needed from a very early stage. The design can be done in a variation of mediums, it is often started on a 2D medium and then later transferred into a digital medium, as digital manipulation is often found as having a professional finish and being more time efficient (depending on the users skill). This stage is continued on until the client themselves have approved of the product.
The next stage is often used if the type of animation is 2D, this stage is known as Modelling which can vary from a clay model, a puppet, and to a simple prop. This stage must be accurately and precisely done, as any mistakes can affect the overall precision and quality of the animation. Modeling is also not cheap, therefore a mistake can result in extra funds being needed to correct and redo mistakes. When it is 2D, the object is often manipulated to add the illusion of depth, this is usually done on 3D software (3D scanner). The time involved for the stage depends on the detail, amount, and size of the object and materials that are needed. After this (most likely if the object is a puppet) Rigging is done to ring the characters form (such as the legs and arms) together. A variation of techniques can be used to keep it together and allow controlled movement, such as 3D mesh bends and armatures. This process can be quite complicated and time consuming, especially when combined with 3D elements.
The Final stage of pre-production is adding the overall texturing to the set. This is usually added on the models and flat surfaces that need added depth and final details to ensure the quality and impact of the objects. It can be used in both 3D and 2D animation, there are even instances where 3D animation is used to give a model a two dimensional effect. In 3D animation, a popular technique used is mapping that allows the user to manipulate and control the surfaces overall finish and depth, whereas in 2D animation it often involves puppets, and therefore the final textures are either sculpted or hand painted. The time involved in this depends on the quality and quantity of detail that is needed.
Once this is completed, the next stage which is production. Concentration is crucial for pre-production as the progress and attention to detail put during pre-production simplifies and eases the production stages, especially in terms of the budget.
Production
The first step in production is creating a Layout that is based on the storyboard that was made during pre-production. This is done by focusing on the panels of the storyboard and developing them to resemble scenes in more detail. In a 2D animation it is often the background that is focused on first, the animators mark the areas that the character would be involved in to maintain accuracy and efficiency. In 3D animation the focus is first put on the position on the camera and the space of each model that is being use. The time involved in this stage depends on the detail and space of the background, this stage can also be expensive depending on the cameras that are needed.
Once this is done the actual Animation is now being made, this stage is different depending on the type of animation that it is. If it is a 2D Animation (also known as classical animation) the first thing that is done is that the key frames are each successfully done and ready for the characters poses. This is then filmed, and to maintain quality the frames in-between the scenes are evened out to maintain smoothness of speed throughout the animation. Additional effects are also added if there are any rough lines that are still present within the characters movement that need to be cleaned up. This type of animation is known for its smoothness frame by frame.
Normal 2D animation is usually done with the use of drawings, that are scanned and digitally manipulated to match a variation of expressions, this is done as a way to maintain time efficiency rather then drawing each facial expression from scratch (which was often done when animation was first introduced.). This maintains character performance, allowing the viewer to clearly understand and communicate visually with the character. This type of animation is popular for its time and cost efficiency.
In 3D Animation, what makes this process complicated is the use of a model as many issues and technical difficulties can arise from the use of a virtual puppet. This animation requires those working in it to be highlight specialized as the model is often manipulated and controlled by coordinates rather then simply by hand. regardless of all this the technique is often worth all the time, as it presents the most realistic results that are always able to impress, engage, and fascinate users. The result of 3D animation never lacks quality and what I like about it is that the viewer themselves are able to recognize and understand the effort put in, helping them to better appreciate what they are seeing.
The time and cost involved during this overall stage relies on the length and the props needed for the animation.
After the animation has successfully been recorded, it is sent to be Rendered, putting together each frame to process a final image. This time length (and cost) of this stage depends on how many frames are being put together, for instance for a high percentage of frames, it is usually sent to a render farm to render the animation as quickly and efficiently as possible. This stage is also mainly done for 3D animation.
Once this is all completed, all that is left is to add the final effects that are needed, this is known as Post - Production.
Post Production
The first steps of post production is usually to add the Special Effects to the animation, this includes creating the illusion of a bigger set, making props seem realistic, manipulating the time of the setting, or adding extra digital details. Effects are often easier to add on 2D animation as the effects are often quite simple, ranging from simple saturation highlights, tones, and shadows. What's easier about 2D animation is that the effects can also be drawn, allowing the user to add unique individual style to the animation, drawing can also sometimes be more time-effective then digital manipulation. As with using programmes data is more prone to problematic issues such as being easily be lost, certain computers can also be slow increasing the time it takes to add the effects. 3D effects are more time consuming with both rendering and creating 3D effects. 3D effects also tend to be more complicated then simple shadows and highlights and cannot be drawn, but must be made in digital programmes.
After this the animation is sent to Compositing where it is put together into one final composition. This stage often involves colour correction, masking, rotoscoping and any needed screen corrections.This also includes wanting to erase certain objects from scenes. The animations final form and how it will be viewed to the public is finally decided within this stage, which is why attention to detail is absolutely crucial at this stage, as are final checkups on each frame. This stage can be time consuming depending on the quantity on final corrections that are needed.
After this the only thing left to add is the (Audio) sound effects that occur throughout the whole animation, this is usually done lightly during pre-production to decide on a final atmosphere but is not fully incorporated in the animation until post production. The audio has a massive effect in an animation, as it can emphasize the impact of a scene, whilst also having the potential to ruin it, because of this sound engineers and Foley artists are hired to ensure that the audio is at its finest throughout the animation, creating a harmonious balance, rather then a disturbance. The time involved in this aspect depends on the priority the director (and client) has on the audio, as the creation and finalization of music is not something that can be rushed or have a planned deadline. Cost also depends on the amount of musicians involved, for instance if an orchestra is used it will not be cheap.
Packaging
The final stage is deciding upon the packaging of the product and weather it needs any additional exposure, such as an illustrated advert in a magazine, or a digital advert that is available across the digital media. This of course relies completely on the target audience.
Once this is done the actual Animation is now being made, this stage is different depending on the type of animation that it is. If it is a 2D Animation (also known as classical animation) the first thing that is done is that the key frames are each successfully done and ready for the characters poses. This is then filmed, and to maintain quality the frames in-between the scenes are evened out to maintain smoothness of speed throughout the animation. Additional effects are also added if there are any rough lines that are still present within the characters movement that need to be cleaned up. This type of animation is known for its smoothness frame by frame.
Normal 2D animation is usually done with the use of drawings, that are scanned and digitally manipulated to match a variation of expressions, this is done as a way to maintain time efficiency rather then drawing each facial expression from scratch (which was often done when animation was first introduced.). This maintains character performance, allowing the viewer to clearly understand and communicate visually with the character. This type of animation is popular for its time and cost efficiency.
In 3D Animation, what makes this process complicated is the use of a model as many issues and technical difficulties can arise from the use of a virtual puppet. This animation requires those working in it to be highlight specialized as the model is often manipulated and controlled by coordinates rather then simply by hand. regardless of all this the technique is often worth all the time, as it presents the most realistic results that are always able to impress, engage, and fascinate users. The result of 3D animation never lacks quality and what I like about it is that the viewer themselves are able to recognize and understand the effort put in, helping them to better appreciate what they are seeing.
The time and cost involved during this overall stage relies on the length and the props needed for the animation.
After the animation has successfully been recorded, it is sent to be Rendered, putting together each frame to process a final image. This time length (and cost) of this stage depends on how many frames are being put together, for instance for a high percentage of frames, it is usually sent to a render farm to render the animation as quickly and efficiently as possible. This stage is also mainly done for 3D animation.
Once this is all completed, all that is left is to add the final effects that are needed, this is known as Post - Production.
Post Production
The first steps of post production is usually to add the Special Effects to the animation, this includes creating the illusion of a bigger set, making props seem realistic, manipulating the time of the setting, or adding extra digital details. Effects are often easier to add on 2D animation as the effects are often quite simple, ranging from simple saturation highlights, tones, and shadows. What's easier about 2D animation is that the effects can also be drawn, allowing the user to add unique individual style to the animation, drawing can also sometimes be more time-effective then digital manipulation. As with using programmes data is more prone to problematic issues such as being easily be lost, certain computers can also be slow increasing the time it takes to add the effects. 3D effects are more time consuming with both rendering and creating 3D effects. 3D effects also tend to be more complicated then simple shadows and highlights and cannot be drawn, but must be made in digital programmes.
After this the animation is sent to Compositing where it is put together into one final composition. This stage often involves colour correction, masking, rotoscoping and any needed screen corrections.This also includes wanting to erase certain objects from scenes. The animations final form and how it will be viewed to the public is finally decided within this stage, which is why attention to detail is absolutely crucial at this stage, as are final checkups on each frame. This stage can be time consuming depending on the quantity on final corrections that are needed.
After this the only thing left to add is the (Audio) sound effects that occur throughout the whole animation, this is usually done lightly during pre-production to decide on a final atmosphere but is not fully incorporated in the animation until post production. The audio has a massive effect in an animation, as it can emphasize the impact of a scene, whilst also having the potential to ruin it, because of this sound engineers and Foley artists are hired to ensure that the audio is at its finest throughout the animation, creating a harmonious balance, rather then a disturbance. The time involved in this aspect depends on the priority the director (and client) has on the audio, as the creation and finalization of music is not something that can be rushed or have a planned deadline. Cost also depends on the amount of musicians involved, for instance if an orchestra is used it will not be cheap.
Packaging
The final stage is deciding upon the packaging of the product and weather it needs any additional exposure, such as an illustrated advert in a magazine, or a digital advert that is available across the digital media. This of course relies completely on the target audience.
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