Animation movies are exciting and captivating; however, there is a lot more that goes into creating them than merely sketching and drawing characters. The process of developing an animated movie involves three main stages, pre-production, production, and post-production. Each stage is crucial in its own right, but in this article, we are going to focus on pre-production. Let’s dive in.
Watch: The Ultimate Guide to Animation
Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.
What is Pre-Production in Animation
Let’s define pre-production in animation
Pre-production in animation entails various phases. Before we dive into each phase individually, let’s look at the animation pre production definition.
ANIMATION PRE PRODUCTION DEFINITION
What is animation pre-production?
Pre-production is the initial phase of producing an animated movie before actual animation begins. In this phase, the filmmakers prepare and develop the story from scratch. They create characters, environments, and worlds that will form the foundation of the animation movie.
The pre-production phase of animation usually starts with an idea that is then developed into a story. Filmmakers need to create a compelling narrative and characters that are engaging, relatable, and appealing to viewers. They do this by writing a script, storyboarding, and creating animatics.
A successful pre-production process establishes the direction for the entire project. Poor pre-production can result in a subpar animation, poor quality visuals, or even failing to complete the project entirely.
Essential phases of pre-production in animation:
- Concept development
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding/Creating Animatics
- Character and Environment Design
- Casting
Animation Pre Production Importance
The Importance of Pre-Production
Pre production of animation is so critical that it can make or break an animated movie. It establishes the overall vision of the project and sets the tone for the animation. It also helps the animators to understand what is expected of them and what they need to achieve.
The creative team, including the writer, directors, storyboard artists, and concept artists, come together to work out how the story will look and feel before the animation begins. In this way, pre-production maps out the storyboard, establishes visual themes, defines the characters, and sets the mood of the movie.
Inside Pixar
It also ensures that the animation team has clear guidelines and direction for the overall look and feel of the animation, making it easier to communicate with the entire team about the best way to proceed. It provides filmmakers with a roadmap of sorts, that can help keep the animation movie on track.
In addition to providing guidance for the team, pre production of animation can also help identify any problems in the animation process. By developing a storyboard, filmmakers can see what is working and what requires more attention. Animators can then adjust aspects of the animation before the actual work of animation begins, thus saving a significant amount of time and resources.
Related Posts
Pre Production of Animation
Pre-Production Stages in Animation
Pre-production is a complex process, and it typically takes several months or more to complete. The following are the stages of pre-production that filmmakers go through to create an outstanding animation movie.
Idea and Conceptualization
The first stage of pre production of animation is the idea and conceptualization phase. In this stage, filmmakers come up with an idea or story for their animated movie. They brainstorm and refine their concept, deciding on the genre, tone, and theme of the movie.
In this video, Pete Docter filmmaker and Chief Creative Officer at Pixar breaks down the inspiration for the concept of Soul. He goes into the research, collaboration, and concept development for the Oscar-nominated animated film.
Pete Docter Explains the Inspiration Behind Pixar’s Latest Film, ‘Soul’
Scriptwriting
Once the concept is in place, the scriptwriting stage begins. The screenwriters start developing the storyline and characters that will eventually come to life on the screen. A good script establishes a basis for the characters and the story.
Creating Animatics
After scriptwriting, comes the animatic stage. An animatic is an animated storyboard that helps filmmakers to visualize the story and the pacing of the animation. This stage allows them to make adjustments to the storyline, sequencing, and pacing of the animation. Take a look at how the animatic of the opening scene of Up compares to the final animation.
Up "Married Life" • Pixar Side by Side
Character and Environment Design
During this phase, the animators work on character design and environment design. They create characters and develop their appearance, looks and customize settings that will make the world that the characters will live in.
Pixar character design • Woody in Toy Story
Voice-Actor Casting
During the pre-production phase of an animated film, casting voice actors is a crucial part of the process. It involves finding the right voice for each character, ensuring that they bring out the personality, tone, and characteristics that the animators have in mind. A talented casting director will scour through hundreds of auditions, listening for the right voice that will bring the character to life.
Finalizing Pre-Production
The final phase of pre-production includes hiring the team, setting up the production schedule and budget, raising funds, and creating a detailed plan. The team finalizes the storyboard and script and hands it over to the animators to start the animation.
The importance of pre-production in animation can be seen clearly in some of the most successful animated films that have been produced.
In the case of the Toy Story series, the pre-production phase was extensive, taking almost four years. Another example is the movie Frozen, which had a prolonged pre-production process, with an entire year spent on character design and creating the animation style. This pre-production time resulted in a visually appealing film that won several Academy Awards.
Pre-production is an essential phase in the animation movie-making process. This phase sets the foundation for an outstanding animated movie.
Up Next
What is Animation?
Pre-production is only one component of creating an animated film. For a full history and breakdown of the various types of animation, check out our next article where we dive deep into the world of animation.
Up Next: Animation Styles Explained →
Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards.
Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.
