8 steps of animation production

アニメーション制作の8つのステップ

In the production of animation, it may take up to several days to create one cut of a scene that consists just few seconds. Therefore, in order to run the production smoothly, it is important to discuss and plan the details beforehand. This will lead to the successful outcome.

アニメーションでは数秒の1カットの制作に何日もの時間がかかることがあります。迷わずに作業を進めるために、計画段階できっちりと内容を決めておくことが重要です。それがクオリティの高い結果につながります。

1.Planning企画

We start off the planning of animation by setting the goals and targets of the project. During the planning process we discuss the topics such as the length of the animation, whether or not to include the voice over, whether to make character animation or infographics, etc. We will propose these plans in consideration of the schedules and budgets of the project.

2.Script台本

The next step is to write down the outline of the animation and script for the voice over. Though animation is a universal language that does not rely on a specific culture, it is often accompanied by words to communicate the stories and messages.

3.Style frameイメージボード

During this step, we decide the overall tone and settings of the animation. We will pick up few key scenes of the animation and create the designs. If there are characters appearing, they are designed at this stage.

4.Storyboard絵コンテ

Based on the written script, we’ll draw out the rough images to see the over view of the animation, this is called the story board. During the production process, we make the animation along these story boards. This determines the plan for the rest of the process, therefore the decision making of the contents at this point must be done prudently.

5.Animaticビデオコンテ

The storyboard will then be developed into simple animation that is arranged sequentially to the temporary voice over. This is called animatic. Once the timings of each scene and overall pace are set, we’ll move onto the main production of animation

6.Animationアニメーション

Based on the image board and story board, each scene will be designed and animated. This is the most time-consuming work among all the processes. We mainly use computer software to move the images and create smooth animation. We also make frame by frame animation using traditional techniques.

7.Soundtrackサウンドトラック

The music for the animation may be written from scratch by the music composer, or it could be selected from the existing music. The sound effects will be made in collaboration with the sound engineer. Thereafter, voice over will be recorded in the recording studio and mixed with the music to create the sound track.

8.Export書き出し

The video and sounds will be combined and encoded to the preferred format. If the animation is for TV commercials, it may be exported to video tapes and discs. We could also upload the videos on web medias such as YouTube.