How To Make An Animated Movie

3/20/2018 Step-by-Step : How to Make an Animated Movie
Advertisement
3D & MOTION GRAPHICS > ANIMATION
Step-by-Step : How to Make an Animated

Movie
by Pratik Gulati 9 Jun 2010
Length: Medium Languages: English
Animation 3D Animation Studio Workflow Production

In this in-depth article, Pratik Gulati walks us through the many stages involved in
creating an animated movie from scratch, whether it be the next Hollywood
blockbuster or the shortest of short films. So if you're thinking about trying it yourself
and want to know how it's done, or even if you're just curious about the process, this
article is one you don't want to miss.
If you find yourself needing extra footage or effects for your movie, check Envato
Market, where you can find motion graphics, stock footage, music, sound effects, and
more.
https://cgi.tutsplus.com/articles/step-by-step-how-to-make-an-animated-movie--cg-3257 1/28
Popular items on Envato Market
The production pipeline of a typical animated short or a movie can be divided into
three stages : pre-production, production and post-production. In this article we will
be discussing these three key stages in detail.
Pre-Production
The first process in the animation pipeline, and also one of the most important, is pre-
production. It begins with the main concepts which are initially turned into a full story,
and then, once the story has been finalized, other things such as the script, shot
sequence and camera angles are worked on.
Some major components of pre production are Story Boarding, Layouts, Model Sheets
and Animatics.
...they also provide a visual reminder of the original plan;

something that can be referred back to throughout the
production.
Story Boarding
The Storyboard helps to finalize the development of the storyline, and is an essential
stage of the animation process. It is made up of drawings in the form of a comic strip,
and is used to both help visualise the animation and to communicate ideas clearly. It
details the scene and changes in the animation, often accompanied by text notes
describing things occurring within the scene itself, such as camera movements.
Not only can storyboards be especially useful when working in group environments
(something quite common in the animation industry,) but they also provide a visual
reminder of the original plan; something that can be referred back to throughout the
production.
Layouts
Once the storyboards have been approved, they are sent to the layout department
which then works closely with the director to design the locations and costumes. With
this done they begin to stage the scenes, showing the various characters' positions
throughout the course of each shot.
Model Sheets
Model sheets are precisely drawn groups of pictures that show all of the possible
expressions that a character can make, and all of the many different poses that they
could adopt. These sheets are created in order to both accurately maintain character
detail and to keep the designs of the characters uniform whilst different animators are
working on them across several shots.
During this stage the character designs are finalized so that when production starts
their blueprints can be sent to the modeling department who are responsible for
creating the final character models.
Animatics
In order to give a better idea of the motion and timing of complex animation
sequences and VFX-heavy scenes, the pre-visualization department within the VFX
studio creates simplified mock-ups called “Animatics” shortly after the storyboarding
process.
These help the Director plan how they will go about staging the above sequences, as
well as how visual effects will be integrated into the final shot.
Production
Now that the storyboard has been approved the project enters the production phase.
It's here that the actual work can start, based on the guidelines established during
preproduction. Some major parts are layout, modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging and
animation.
[layout artists] produce the 3D version of what storyboard

artists had previously drawn on paper.
Layout
Using lo-res models or blocks of geometry in the place of the final set and characters,
the Layout Artist is responsible for composing the shot and delivering rough
animation to the animators as a guide. What they produce is the 3D version of what
the storyboard artists had previously drawn on paper.
During this stage the Director approves camera moves, depth of field and the
composition of the models making up the set and set dressing. It is then the
responsibility of the Modeling department to deliver these approved set, prop and
character models in the final layout stages.
Modelling
Modelers are usually split into two or more departments. Whilst organic modelers tend
to have a sculpture background and specialise in building the characters and other
freeform surfaces, hard-surface modelers often have a more industrial design or
architectural background, and as such they model the vehicles, weapons, props and
buildings.
Working closely with the Art Directors, Visual Effects Supervisors and Animation
Supervisors, modelers turn the 2D concept art and traditionally sculpted maquettes
into high detail, topologically sound 3D models. They then assist the Technical
Animator and Enveloper as the model has a skeleton put in place and the skin is
developed. Following this, the model may be handed back to the Modeler, who will
proceed to sculpt facial expressions and any specific muscle tension/jiggle shapes
that may be required.
Once the model is approved, it will be made available to the rigging and texture paint
departments, who complete the final stages in preparing the model for animation and
rendering. With luck, the model will move through the production pipeline without
coming back for modeling fixes, although some amount of fixes are inevitable -
problems with models sometimes don't appear until the rendering stage, in which
case the lighter will send the model back to be fixed.
Texturing
Whether creating a texture from scratch or through editing an existing image,

Texturing Artists are responsible for writing shaders and painting textures as per the
scene requirements.
Working hand-in-hand with the surfacing and shading departments, textures are
painted to match the approved concept art and designs which were delivered by the
art department. These textures are created in the form of maps which are then
assigned to the model.
...lighting TDs combine the latest version of the animation,

the effects, the camera moves, the shaders and textures,
and render out an updated version every day.
Lighting
Not only does a Lighting Artist have to think lighting the individual scenes, they also
have to consider how to bring together all of the elements that have been created by
the other departments. In most companies, lighting TDs combine the latest version of
the animation, the effects, the camera moves, the shaders and textures into the final
scenes, and render out an updated version every day.
Lighters have a broad range of responsibilities, including placing lights, defining light
properties, defining how light interacts with different types of materials, the qualities
and complexities of the realistic textures involved, how the position and intensity of
lights affect mood and believability, as well as color theory and harmony. They are
required to establish direct and reflected lighting and shadows for each assigned shot,
ensuring that each shot fits within the continuity of a sequence, all the while aiming to
fulfill the vision of the Directors, Production Designers, Art Directors and VFX
Supervisors.
Rigging
Rigging is the process of adding bones to a character or defining the movement of a

mechanical object, and it's central to the animation process. A character TD will make
test animations showing how a creature or character appears when deformed into
different poses, and based on the results corrective adjustments are often made.
The rigging department is also involved in developing cloth simulation – so as well as

making a character able to clench their fist or rotate their arm, the rigging and cloth
department is responsible for making their costume move in a believable manner.
...planning a character's performance frame by frame uses

the same basic principles first developed for 2D animation.
Animation
In modern production companies, the practice of meticulously planning a character's

performance frame by frame is applied in 3D graphics using the same basic principles
and aesthetic judgments that were first developed for 2D and stop-motion animation.
If motion capture is used at the studio to digitize the motion of real actors, then a
great deal of an animator's time will also be spent cleaning up the motion captured
performance and completing the portions of the motion (such as the eyes and hands)
that may not have been digitized during the process.
The effects team also produce elements such as smoke, dust, water and explosions,
although development on these aspects does not start until the final
animation/lighting has been approved as they are integral to the final shot and often
computationally heavy.
Post-Production
Post-production is the third and final step in film creation, and it refers to the tasks
that must be completed or executed after the filming or shooting ends. These include
the editing of raw footage to cut scenes together, inserting transitional effects,
working with voice and sound actors and dubbing to name just a few of the many
post-production tasks.
Overall, however, the three main phases of post-production are compositing, sound
editing and video editing.
Compositing
The compositing department brings together all of the 3D elements produced by the
previous departments in the pipeline, to create the final rendered image ready for film!
Compositors take rendered images from lighters and sometimes also start with
compositing scripts that TDs develope in order to initially comp together their dailies
(working versions of the shot.)
General compositing tasks include rendering the different passes delivered by a

lighting department to form the final shot, paint fixes and rotoscoping (although
compositors sometimes rely on mattes created by a dedicated rotoscoping

department), as well as the compositing of fx elements and general color grading.
Sound Editing
This department is responsible for selecting and assembling the sound recordings in
preparation for the final sound mix, ensuring lip sync and adding all of the sound
effects required for the final film.
Video Editing
Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging shots to create a

seamless final product, and it is at this stage that any unwanted footage and scenes
are removed. Editing is a crucial step in making sure the video flows in a way which
achieves the initial goal. Other tasks include titling and adding any effects to the final
video and text.
Conclusion
The production pipeline detailed above is broadly common in most studios, however
each studio is likely to have a custom pipeline determined by the type of project they
are currently undertaking. A 2D production pipeline starts with workbook and goes all
the way through final checking, composting and film output, whilst the 3D CGI
production process emphasizes the design, modeling and rigging and animation
stages. Moreover, animation production is a very coordinated process where different
teams of artists work together while utilizing optimum resources and achieving the
initial goal in the time available.
Need Some Help?

If you're struggling with any parts of this process, you can find plenty of experienced
video and animation service providers on Envato Studio to help. Here are some
examples:
1. Fantastic Affordable Animation

Popular provider chaostoon will create a one-minute animated video to your
specifications for just $400 within 14 days, with four revisions.
Fantastic Affordable Animation on Envato Studio
2. After Effects Customization and Rendered to Optimized Video

Doru will take your After Effects template/project and customize it with your
photos/videos/music/text/logo, and then create an optimized H264 MP4 or
QuickTime Mov video file. All this for just $170 and completed within one day. Doru
has completed this job 70 times, with a 100% satisfaction rating from customers.
After Effects Customization and Rendered to Optimized Video
Traveller's Paradise
INR 1,800
View now
Advertisement
3. Provide 8 Hours of After Effects Service. Day Rate.

This service gives you fantastic flexibility. SeaBeast will do anything you want in After
Effects for one day (8 hours) for $425.
This provider has used After Effects for 10+ years and is an expert in its usage. He
currently teaches the program at a professional level in the UK's largest Adobe
approved Training Center in Central London. With such expertise, you can expect him
to get a lot done in an eight-hour day. His 100% satisfaction rating reflects that.
8 Hours of After Effects Service
4. Professional Video Editing

With nine years of experience in motion graphics and video editing and also camera
recording, HelloCharlie offers a professional video editing service for just $155. This
provider can edit it your video so it flows smoothly in any quality up to 1080p for any
use, internet or TV broadcast.
Professional Video Editing on Envato Studio
WordPress
multilingual
Translate your WordPress
website with Weglot. Join 20,000
Weglot users.
Advertisement
Pratik Gulati
Hi friends, this is Pratik. I am a 3d artist from India. My areas of expertise

include texturing, lighting and rendering. 3d art is my passion and profession,
and my hobbies are Photography ,music, movies, computers, latest gadgets,
cars and all sorts of tech stuff. Here to learn, inspire, and grow!
 FEED  LIKE  FOLLOW  FOLLOW
Weekly email summary

Subscribe below and we’ll send you a weekly email summary of all new 3D & Motion Graphics tutorials.
Never miss out on learning about the next big thing.
Email Address
Update me weekly
Advertisement
Translations
Envato Tuts+ tutorials are translated into other languages by our community members—you can be involved
too!
Translate this post
Powered by
116 Comments Cgtuts+ 

1 Login
Sort by Best
 Recommend 8 ⤤ Share
Join the discussion…
LOG IN WITH OR SIGN UP WITH DISQUS ?
Name
Vanessa • 5 years ago

This is very helpful it help me finish my project :D
⛺
33 △ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
Mr.Jordan • 3 years ago

that was awesome any one can help by the same steps to make a game ?
sexybaalike • 5 years ago

maya is the best software for animation.
Alex > sexybaalike • 5 years ago

It all depends on what style of animation you are wanting, I still believe that Adobe Flash is
a brilliant piece of animation software for 2D, also, if you're wanting to learn the basics, the
very simple basics and understand the process of frame by frame use stick pivot, stick
pivot especially because it makes you understand the importance of frame by frame.
Yes, Maya for 3D is beautiful and if you know how to use it and don't get frustrated at the
rigging it's amazing, but only for 3D (yes I know that most animation, especially in the
industry uses maya, I am just saying that it all depends on what you're wanting to create.)
4△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
DuSky Glider > Alex • 3 years ago

Woah Flash? Nah man Toon Boom is the way forward!
mario > sexybaalike • 3 years ago

no. the best is blender.
Gianflavio > mario • 2 years ago

LOL that was a good one.
△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
BlenderGod > sexybaalike • 3 years ago

Sorry, but no. Other software like Blender, which is free, work just as well and also have
constant updates for improvement plus a huge (I mean that) knowledge base on the web.
Just look at all the youtube videos or something on BlenderGuru and BlenderCookie. Way,
way better.
Gianflavio > BlenderGod • 2 years ago

LOL that was a good one!
farah > sexybaalike • 5 years ago

i agree
prakash • 6 years ago

i want to be creat one best animation move some bodies help me how to creat. & there is nice
information here thank you
Anthony Moncada • 6 years ago

Amazing article, are class is presenting a speech on cartoons. However, what was the process for
making a cartoon during the 1930's. For example, Warner Brothers and the Looney Tunes, and
they still use the process in present time?
alexa • 6 years ago

Hello! :)
I would like to know which program do you recommend for short animation movies (for beginners)
or if there are any tutorials that you reccomend!. Thank you in advance :)
Cyan Tarek > alexa • 6 years ago

Welcome! Blender is totally a free app, and it's very easy to use. Goto www.blender.org,
download free from there and Start animating! Although animation is a labor-based
process, it'll take time to make an animation. One thing you've to note that you must have
some sort of basic knowledge on 3D animation. Do some Googling and you'll find some
interesting books. Also www.blenderguru.com offers some great free blender tutorials.
After you completed your primary course with enough knowledge, move on to a
Professional Animation software. I've the chance to play with every animation softwares out
in the market. But I strongly stand for "Autodesk Maya". One of the best animation
software that is being used for producing countless Blockbuster Hollywood movies.
Hope this will help you.

beatnikcafe • 5 years ago

Hmmm, I think something's missing here. Anyone else notice?
Marshall Gray > beatnikcafe • 5 years ago

Yes. The Rendering stage. You can't composite anything you haven't rendered out yet.
eldorado • 5 years ago

how about 3dsmax
Morr Meroz • 4 years ago

Here's a video describing all the steps of making an animated movie:
shilpa • 6 years ago

what is story board? could u please explain in depth..?
Makrand Morar • 6 years ago

Hi there! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile
friendly? My blog looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I'm trying to find
a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!
Ahmed > Makrand Morar • 5 years ago

install responsive theme on wordpress.
Thank you • 5 years ago

great website I'm only 12 and I know a bunch now for my sixth class project!!! ;]
Coat of Arms • 6 years ago

Here's a blog post about the "post-production roadmap" when it comes to motion design, it
certainly applies to this discussion as the process is similar but also shows a different perspective
on a post-production workflow.
A nice link to send to clients, or prospective clients, to ensure they understand the post-production
process. Especially when it comes to motion design & graphics:
http://coatofarmspost.com/a...
shannon • 6 years ago

hi how would i get the software.
Avatar This comment was deleted.
jattacus > Guest • 4 years ago

autodesk.com
Mikias • 6 years ago

I really appritiate dis article thanks a lot but u haven't specify any software to make animation dat's
I really appritiate dis article.thanks a lot.but u haven t specify any software to make animation.dat s
what i really want to know especially if there is any open source sw to do so. thanks in advance.
Kasra Design • 6 years ago

This is a very complete guide to make animated movies. I enjoyed reading and thanks for sharing.
LUCAS JOHNSON • 4 months ago

YESSSS
LUCAS JOHNSON • 4 months ago

Omg this helped me complete my $300 project :D
Monu Gogna • a year ago

bro pls tell software used in this all process like video editing sound editing compositing animation
rigging lighting.
Q 2 -pls tell can i learn all this process
Q 3- may course is necessary
Q 4 - Can u explain whole process of 3d animation
9996851649 whatsapp pls
Jith • a year ago

wow..such a great article..helped me alot for my Animation works.
That one gamer guy • 2 years ago

i have done this in 1 week
now m planing to make 3d animated shortfilm need help to make storyboard
thanks
⛺
Kannan A > That one gamer guy • 5 months ago

Hi dude, inspired on your work sample image and want to learn something with you as I
have plan to do animation movie in future and I'm trying to be a filmmaker. so is there any
way to connect with you? (My FB Id is Kannan A)
me • 2 years ago
wow
Atul Atram • 3 years ago

hey u all lets be together and make a community because we are those who wants to do this and
if we do this by distributing work we will do best in this.....we need a big team with some investers
and manymore ...... becase it is a verry huge work to do so if some one is agree with me contact
me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/at... or gmail at .atul.atram4@gmail.com
and remember a person may do good as much be better but the team will do always the bestest
-atul atram
top2d3d • 3 years ago

Visit www.top2d3d.com to know more about us
Or checkout our Youtube Channel top2d3d to see our work
Email
us at : info@top2d3d.com for more enquiries
top2d3d • 3 years ago

Top2d3d Studios create unique and customised videos to explain your
concepts, services, product or causes.You can show these videos in your
website, promote it on YouTube, show it as an presentation to your prospective
clients and even play it on displays at trade fairs.We are your complete
video production package specializing in creation of Ads, Films,Concept Design,
Voice Over,Storyboard, Scriptwriting, Web Designing and Software Development.
ME • 3 years ago
hi, i am looking to animate a 2d movie for free... know any downloads ( that need to be able to add
noise and recorded songs because i had people voice characters and sing songs i wrote )
DuSky Glider > ME • 3 years ago

You can try out Toon Boom for 30 days which is a great piece of software, or flash there
are copies you can find for free of it somewhere on the internet.
xtian • 3 years ago

software?
Austin • 3 years ago

I am doing a research project on what an animator's responsibilities are in making animation
anyone able to help me what an animator is in charge of this whole process?
Romeo Joseph • 3 years ago
ohhh man rocked
Arpit Gøel • 4 years ago

Please tell me the softwares needed to make a animated movie.
for the first time i am making a movie.
which type of professionals do i need.
Or anybody interested to make a movie for me
I can pay him very Well.
D Thomas > Arpit Gøel • 2 years ago

If you want to make a high end (3D) cg movie you will need:
3d package (Maya/Max/Blender/XSI/Houdini)
Sculpting/painting package (ZBrush/mudbox)
Image painting/editing package (Photoshop)
Good Renderer (Arnold, Renderman)
Compositing Package (Nuke, fusion, after effects)
Editing Package (Premier, Final Cut, Avid)
You will need artists who are GOOD at these packages, and at the specific tasks required.
It will be expensive. Good luck!
sekhar • 4 years ago

i cud increase my hope in doin animation thank u.
jusanig • 4 years ago

what are all the autodesk programs needed to make an animated movie?
Kingsley Boateng • 4 years ago

hey dudes i think dis is soo complex and don't think a 1 dude can do that all alone cus sam1 may
be very good at a given position so why don't we all come together and make a very nice and
interesting cartoon
matthugh • 4 years ago

i wil make original cartoon even iam a kid
Advertisement
QUICK LINKS - Explore popular categories
ENVATO TUTS+ 
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 
HELP 
25,588 1,109 21,605

Tutorials Courses Translations
Envato.com Our products Careers
© 2018 Envato Pty Ltd. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Follow Envato Tuts+

How To Make An Animated Movie

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

How To Make An Animated Movie

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

3/20/2018 Step-by-Step : How to Make an Animated Movie

3D & MOTION GRAPHICS > ANIMATION

Step-by-Step : How to Make an Animated

Animation 3D Animation Studio Workflow Production

Popular items on Envato Market

...they also provide a visual reminder of the original plan;

[layout artists] produce the 3D version of what storyboard

Whether creating a texture from scratch or through editing an existing image,

...lighting TDs combine the latest version of the animation,

Rigging is the process of adding bones to a character or deﬁning the movement of a

The rigging department is also involved in developing cloth simulation – so as well as

...planning a character's performance frame by frame uses

In modern production companies, the practice of meticulously planning a character's

General compositing tasks include rendering the different passes delivered by a

compositors sometimes rely on mattes created by a dedicated rotoscoping

Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging shots to create a

Need Some Help?

1. Fantastic Affordable Animation

Fantastic Affordable Animation on Envato Studio

2. After Effects Customization and Rendered to Optimized Video

After Effects Customization and Rendered to Optimized Video

3. Provide 8 Hours of After Effects Service. Day Rate.

8 Hours of After Effects Service

4. Professional Video Editing

Professional Video Editing on Envato Studio

Hi friends, this is Pratik. I am a 3d artist from India. My areas of expertise

 FEED  LIKE  FOLLOW  FOLLOW

Weekly email summary

Translate this post

116 Comments Cgtuts+ 

Join the discussion…

LOG IN WITH OR SIGN UP WITH DISQUS ?

Vanessa • 5 years ago

Mr.Jordan • 3 years ago

sexybaalike • 5 years ago

Alex > sexybaalike • 5 years ago

DuSky Glider > Alex • 3 years ago

mario > sexybaalike • 3 years ago

Gianflavio > mario • 2 years ago

BlenderGod > sexybaalike • 3 years ago

Gianflavio > BlenderGod • 2 years ago

farah > sexybaalike • 5 years ago

prakash • 6 years ago

Anthony Moncada • 6 years ago

alexa • 6 years ago

Cyan Tarek > alexa • 6 years ago

Hope this will help you.

beatnikcafe • 5 years ago

Marshall Gray > beatnikcafe • 5 years ago

eldorado • 5 years ago

Morr Meroz • 4 years ago

shilpa • 6 years ago

Makrand Morar • 6 years ago

Ahmed > Makrand Morar • 5 years ago

Thank you • 5 years ago

Coat of Arms • 6 years ago

shannon • 6 years ago

Avatar This comment was deleted.

jattacus > Guest • 4 years ago

Mikias • 6 years ago

Kasra Design • 6 years ago

LUCAS JOHNSON • 4 months ago

LUCAS JOHNSON • 4 months ago