Introduction
Hi everyone, I’m from Pretoria, but I currently live in Johannesburg. I was invited by my colleagues at Predict Media to talk about animation, a subject I’ve been passionate about since childhood. Animation has always fascinated me, and today, I want to discuss why it is such a powerful storytelling tool.
Why Choose Animation?
Some might wonder, “Why choose animation when you can just shoot with a camera?” Animation is expensive, time-consuming, and requires immense effort. So why do it?
The answer is simple: innovation. Animation allows you to tell stories in a unique and compelling way. While many live-action stories are repeated—whether it’s a teenager bitten by a radioactive spider or an underdog rising to greatness—animation provides the ability to tell these stories differently.
Understanding Animation
Most people are familiar with brands like Disney, Pixar, and films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. But what exactly is animation, and how is it made?
Types of Animation
There are different types of animation, each with its own style and purpose:
- 2D Animation – The classic, hand-drawn animation style.
- 3D Animation – Digital animation that brings characters and environments to life in a three-dimensional space.
- Stop Motion Animation – A frame-by-frame animation technique using physical objects.
- Animatronics – Mechanically controlled figures used in early sci-fi and action films like Robocop and Jurassic Park.
The Animation Pipeline
Animation follows a structured pipeline to ensure a smooth production process. This consists of:
1. Pre-Production
The foundation of any animation project starts with a story. A good story is crucial because, no matter how stunning the visuals, a weak narrative will lose the audience’s interest.
Once the story is established, the next step is:
- Storyboarding – Creating a visual outline of the script to guide the animation process.
- Animatics – A rough video version of the storyboard to determine pacing and scene transitions.
- Concept Design – Developing the look of characters, environments, and props.
2. Production
This is where the real magic happens:
- Modeling – Creating 3D characters and objects.
- Rigging – Adding a skeletal structure to characters so they can move.
- Animation – Bringing characters to life using body mechanics and physics.
- Effects (VFX) – Adding elements like fire, water, smoke, or fabric movement.
- Lighting & Rendering – Giving the final animation depth, mood, and realism.
3. Post-Production
- Compositing – Combining multiple rendered elements into a final scene.
- Color Grading – Adjusting colors to fit the mood and style.
- Final Rendering – Producing the final high-quality animation.
The Business of Animation
Animation is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Many people don’t realize that films like Black Panther continue to make money not just from box office sales but also from:
- Merchandise (T-shirts, toys, collectibles)
- Licensing & Branding
- Streaming & TV Rights
The key to sustainable animation projects is ensuring intellectual property (IP) ownership. Often, studios finance productions but demand full ownership of the brand, including future adaptations and merchandise.
How to Break into Animation
If you’re interested in animation, start by:
- Creating and sharing your work – Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Instagram help animators showcase their projects.
- Monetizing content – Social media now offers various ways to earn from digital content.
- Networking with industry professionals – Collaborate and learn from experienced animators.
Conclusion
Animation is an exciting field that requires dedication, creativity, and innovation. It offers endless storytelling possibilities and significant financial opportunities if handled correctly. Whether you’re an artist, investor, or storyteller, understanding the animation pipeline and industry economics is crucial for success.
