Update 2

Explanimation:
production in stages

It is interesting to see how an explanimation video (explain + animation) is created. It is a combination of 2D animation (frame-by-frame) and motion (graphic) design.

Main character moves in his Reel8 environment
Determining interesting camera angles

The idea

Motion design refers to a graphic design in which the design elements are animated, such as icons and text.

First, an idea is conceived to convey a message clearly and in a fun way. Then a script is written and the video is divided into key fragments. A so-called ‘moving storyboard’ is created in phase 1 to roughly visualize the video. In this way, movements and camera positions can be determined quickly.

 

Style frame design
Final 'high def' render

Execution

The second phase is a style frame composition. Here, composition, characters, colors, fonts, effects, etc. are determined for the final execution.

The third phase is the final high-resolution ‘render’ implementation. The animation contains applications of image and color effects, correct elasticity in movements (bounces), tempo determination, 3D camera movements, sound effects, background music, etc. with the highest quality.

Editing in After Effects
Campaign image

Quality check

Each phase is accompanied by ‘art direction’, which meticulously checks for consistency in image composition, execution concerning storyline, tempo and image elements, editing, etc. In particular to maintain the illusion of live video images and animation.

As you understand, a labor-intensive undertaking. The result is, therefore; a unique video that aligns with the overall campaign look. And it’s just really nice to see a story come to life in an animation world.