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 of just a few seconds. Therefore, in order to run the production smoothly, it is important to discuss and plan the details beforehand. This will lead to a 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 the planning of the animation by setting the project's goals and targets. During the planning process, we discuss topics such as the length of the animation, whether or not to include a voice-over, and whether to use 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 out a few key scenes of the animation and create the designs. If characters appear, they are designed at this stage.

4.Storyboard絵コンテ

Based on the written script, we’ll draw out rough images to get an overview of the animation. This is called a storyboard. During the production process, we create the animation based on these storyboards. This determines the plan for the rest of the process, therefore decisions about the content at this point must be made carefully.

5.Animaticビデオコンテ

The storyboard will then be turned into a simple sequence of images, arranged to match the temporary voice-over, creating a slideshow-like effect. This is called animatic. Once the timings of each scene and overall pace are set, we’ll move on to the main production of the 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 part of the process. We mainly use computer software to move the images and create smooth animation. We also create 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 a music composer, or it could be selected from existing music. The sound effects will be made in collaboration with the sound engineer. Thereafter, the voice-over will be recorded in a recording studio and mixed with the music to create the soundtrack.

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 can also upload the videos to online media such as YouTube.