Explainer Video Production Process: What to Know?

— October 13, 2017

People who don’t know much about animated explainer videos usually think that this kind of a product is easy to create. This is mostly due to the fact that a common animated video is short and simple.

Reality is much different.

Even if you’ve managed a video production company for a while and you have a great animation team, it will still take some time to create quality content.

In order for an explainer to work, you need:

• Clear and easy to understand message
• Creative script with a quality motion graphics design
• Pleasant voice narrating the story
• Quality music and sound effects
• Likeable characters
• Help from your clients

There are so many things that can go wrong with each step which is precisely why these video marketing services can be expensive.

However, given how they can attract new customers and impact your business sales, it is one of the best ways to improve your blog in 2017.

Wish to learn more about the explainer video production process?

Keep on reading!

1. Analyzing your audience

Before you start writing a script, there are questions you need to ask yourself.

What is the purpose of the animated explainer video and who is your audience?

There are a lot of companies that deliver videos for everybody. When they start a project they don’t focus on anyone in particular thinking that this will increase their reach and help them sell their products or services.

Needless to say, this is a completely wrong way of doing things.

The need for analyzing your audience is even more important when it comes to explainers. Given that this type of a message has numerous elements (combination of visuals, audio and text) it is really easy to make a mistake and alienate viewers.

Professional video explainer should help you create a contact with your audience.

If you have poor targeting, everything will be for naught.

2. Creating initial script

Script represent the core of your video.

Even though visuals and sound effects are very important for conversion, without a proper script you won’t be able to achieve the necessary results.

Like with any written content, every word should have meaning.

Explainers are very restrictive in that regard.

You have limited time at your disposal and you need to consider every word and sentence. Have in mind that your script will also influence the scenes and the final product that the audience will see.

Lastly, your message needs to be simple and understandable.

3. Corporate branding

Branding is another thing that should be considered during initial phases as it can dictate in which direction you need to go. You should account for it while making the script.

You also have to consider how your brand will fit into this video

When people see the content can they easily tell it was made by your company?

Here, colors that are used will have the best impact. You can also use the same font that is used on your website. Of course, if you can add the company’s logo in the background, that will be an additional benefit.

Make sure to align explainers with the other forms of content. If you’re creating elaborate, scientific articles that rely on quality information instead of entertainment, it would be counterproductive if you started creating funny videos.

Although animated videos let you diversify your content and try out new things, do not go overboard as this can alienate your loyal fans.

4. Mock-up phase

During mock-up phase, style is chosen and characters are created.

You can choose between different styles such as:

• 3D
• Whiteboard
• graphic animation
• typography
• motion graphic animation and so on.

When it comes to the character (or characters), you should create a persona that your target audience can identify with.

This phase is especially important for branding. Make sure to find something that suits your company’s needs and image. For example, 3D animation can be perfect for IT companies while whiteboard animation can be better suited for “static” industries.

Although most animation companies have a portfolio with potential ideas, a lot of clients will have their own vision. Communication will be important during this phase as any misunderstanding can force a production company to scrape the whole video and start again.

Needless to say, this can be costly both for client and service provider.

5. Creating storyboard

If script is being used as a message, storyboard is used to bring that message to life.

As the name implies, storyboard shows individual slides while using a script to describe an action happening within them.

Storyboard can also be described as a visual blueprint or a masterplan.

It is a mix of motion, transitions and shots.

Also, it is a basis upon which animation, illustration, voice-overs, music and sound effects are added.

Like with mock-up, it is much better if the client is working together with an explainer video company on this one. It is a perfect time to exchange ideas.

Simply put, relying on script alone isn’t enough.

The customer also has to decide how the entire video will play out and appear visually.

6. Voice recording

Voice recording is a rather straightforward task.

Explainer video companies cooperate with voice actors. As soon as the client approves the script, the actor can start doing the job and finish voice recording in a reasonable amount of time (usually within 24 hours).

Of course, explainer companies have numerous actors at their disposal and depending on companies’ preferences (regarding voice type) it is easy to find just the right fit.

However, there is rarely misunderstanding during this step.

7. Animation

Animation is the next step of the explainer video production process.

At this point, you will have individual elements and all you need to do is put them in motion.

It is also the most demanding task for an explainer video company and takes the majority of the project time.

The quality of the final video will be mostly affected by animation.

8. Sound effects and music

Lastly, we have to deal with sound effects and music.

Despite what some people may think, music can be crucial to set up the mood.

While characters in a video can express emotions, music is used to better depict these emotions to the audience. It is also an important tool for leading the audience. If your video has commercial character and is meant to sell a product or service, music is the best way to set up purchasing mood.

Sound effects can go well with overall style making characters and video goofy or serious.

Issues that may occur during video production process

There are two main issues that may occur during the explainer video production process:

• Client is not satisfied with the product
• Process takes too long to finish

Whether or not the client will be satisfied with the product depends on both the client and the video company.

Most explainer video companies have a portfolio or at least a presentation so it is usually hard to blame them for the quality of the final product. The client should have a general idea as to how the video will turn out.

The issue usually occurs due to lack of communication and involvement.

Explainer video production is a really sensitive process and for optimal results, it requires client’s involvement during various stages. Good communication is also a must as it is really hard to tell what is in person’s head.

Of course, lack of quality can sometimes be a result of video company’s sloppiness but as long as the client is involved, this risk will be reduced.

Sometimes, the video production process can take too long.

Not being able to meet deadlines depends on the client and his wishes. It can also be caused by company’s laziness or due to the fact they have more clients than they can handle.

On average, production process can take several days up to a week. It is best to ask your explainer video company in advance so you know what to expect.

Final words

Like most things in the marketing world, explainer video production process requires involvement of both company and client. There are a lot of things that need to be discussed and a lot of personal preferences that have to be met.

It is also a complex process.

Each step needs to be done perfectly for a good final product.

This is why you need to be careful when choosing a service provider.

However, animated explainer videos are definitely worth it. They can attract new visitors, diversify your content and propel your website to a new level.

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