Pre-Production Planning: Step-by-Step Workflow

Pre-production planning is crucial for animation projects. Here's a quick overview of the 10 key steps:

Develop concept
Write script
Design visuals
Create storyboard
Make animatic
Plan assets
Plan technical details
Create timeline
Plan budget
Set up team

Each step involves specific tasks and tools to ensure a smooth production process. For example:

Step	Key Task	Useful Tool
Concept	Brainstorming	Mind maps
Script	Character development	Scriptwriting software
Visuals	Concept art	Adobe Photoshop
Storyboard	Shot planning	Storyboard Pro
Animatic	Timing adjustment	Adobe After Effects
Assets	Asset listing	Spreadsheet software
Technical	Software selection	Blender, Maya
Timeline	Milestone setting	Gantt charts
Budget	Cost estimation	Budgeting software
Team	Role assignment	Project management tools

Effective pre-production planning reduces stress, improves quality, and leads to a more successful animation project.

1. Develop Your Concept

Come Up with Ideas

To start your animation project, gather ideas from:

Your own experiences
Things you're interested in
Other media you've seen

Use these tools to organize your thoughts:

Mind maps
Mood boards
Quick sketches

The aim is to create a list of ideas that you like and that others might enjoy too.

Set Project Goals

After brainstorming, decide what you want your animation to do. Ask yourself:

Is it meant to entertain?
Should it teach something?
Do you want it to make people think?

Clear goals help you make better choices as you work. Make your goals:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound

This approach keeps you on track.

Know Your Audience

Understanding who will watch your animation is key. To learn about your viewers:

Make audience profiles
Use surveys

This information helps you tailor your work. For example, if you're making an animation for kids, you might use:

Bright colors
Simple stories
Characters kids can relate to

Matching your concept to what your audience likes can make your animation more successful.

Test and Refine Your Concept

Before moving forward, check if your concept is:

New and different
Easy to understand
Possible to make
Important to your audience

Ask friends or mentors what they think. Their feedback can help you improve your idea.

Step	Action	Purpose
1. Brainstorm	Use mind maps, mood boards, sketches	Generate ideas
2. Set Goals	Create SMART objectives	Guide your project
3. Study Audience	Make profiles, conduct surveys	Understand viewers
4. Test Concept	Get feedback, check feasibility	Improve your idea

"The goal of developing your concept is to create a unique angle, a fresh perspective, or a personal touch that will make your animation stand out."

2. Write Your Script

Writing a good script is key for making animated videos. It sets the tone and message of your video. Here's how to write a script that works:

Plan Your Story

Start by making a clear story that your viewers will like:

Find a Problem: Show a problem your viewers face. This gets them interested.
Show the Fix: Explain how your product or service helps solve the problem.
Make People Feel: Add parts that make viewers care about your story.

Make Characters and Plot

Characters make your story come alive. When you create them:

Make Them Real: Create characters your viewers can relate to.
Build a Good Story: Have a clear start, middle, and end.
Use Pictures: Show things instead of just talking about them.

Fix Your Script

Editing makes your script better. Try these tips:

Say It Out Loud: Read your script to hear how it sounds.
Keep It Short: Aim for 100 to 150 words per minute of video.
Get Feedback: Ask others what they think and make changes.

Script Part	What to Do	Why It Helps
Problem	Show a common issue	Gets viewers interested
Solution	Explain how you help	Shows your value
Characters	Make them relatable	Helps viewers connect
Length	Keep it short	Keeps viewers watching
Visuals	Show, don't just tell	Makes ideas clearer

"A good script is like a roadmap for your animation. It guides everything from the visuals to the pacing," says John Lasseter, former Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios.

Remember to end with a clear next step for viewers. This could be visiting a website, buying a product, or sharing the video.

3. Design Your Visuals

Creating visuals for your animation project is key to telling your story well. Here's how to do it:

Make Concept Art

Concept art helps you figure out how your project will look. Follow these steps:

1. Sketch your ideas for characters and settings 2. Use digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate 3. Try different styles to find what fits your story best

Design Characters and Settings

Your characters and settings should match your story. Keep these points in mind:

Give characters clear traits that show who they are
Make settings that fit the mood of your scenes
Keep the same style for all your designs

Choose Colors and Style

Colors and style set the mood for your animation. Here's what to think about:

Color Type	Emotions	Examples
Warm Colors	Happy, Excited	Red, Orange, Yellow
Cool Colors	Calm, Sad	Blue, Green

Pick a style that fits your story and stick with it. This helps viewers understand your world better.

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul," said Wassily Kandinsky, a famous artist and art theorist.

4. Create Your Storyboard

A storyboard is a key tool in animation and filmmaking. It helps you plan your project visually before you start animating. Here's how to make one:

Break Down Your Script

Split your script into main scenes and actions
Number each scene for easy reference
Make a list of key events in order

This breakdown gives you a clear map of your story.

Sketch Your Storyboard

Start with simple drawings:

Use squares on paper or a digital template
Make rough sketches for each shot
Focus on the main action, not details

This quick sketching is called 'scamping'. It lets you try out ideas fast.

Plan Your Camera Work

For each panel in your storyboard:

Write down camera angles (close-up, wide shot, etc.)
Note any camera movements (zoom, pan, tilt)
Add info about lighting and scene setup

Storyboard Element	What to Include	Why It's Important
Frame	Rough sketch of the scene	Shows what viewers will see
Dialogue	Key lines spoken	Helps plan voice recording
Action	Notes on what's happening	Guides animators
Camera	Shot type and movement	Plans how to film each scene

Use Storyboarding Tools

You can make storyboards with:

Pen and paper (good for beginners)
Digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Storyboard Pro (for more complex projects)

"Storyboards are the comic book version of the movie," says John Lasseter, former Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios.

Get Feedback

Show your storyboard to others:

Ask team members for input
Look for gaps in the story
Check if the visuals match the script

Making a good storyboard takes time, but it saves you trouble later. It helps everyone on your team understand the plan for your animation.

5. Make an Animatic

Put Storyboards in Order

To start your animatic:

Line up your storyboard images in order
Make sure each key event is shown
Use tools like Boords or Adobe After Effects to arrange frames

This step gives you a basic outline of your animation that you can easily change.

Add Temporary Sound

Sound helps set the pace and mood of your animatic:

Record rough dialogue for characters
Add background music and sound effects
Use free tools like Audacity to edit audio

Sound makes your animatic more complete and helps with timing.

Check and Adjust Timing

After putting your animatic together:

Set how long each frame lasts
Match actions and dialogue to the sound
Ask others to watch and give feedback
Make changes based on what you learn

Step	Action	Purpose
1	Order storyboards	Create visual flow
2	Add temp sound	Set pace and mood
3	Adjust timing	Improve overall flow

"The animatic is where you start to see your film come to life," says John Lasseter, former Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios.

Tips for Better Animatics:

Keep detail balanced - too little won't show flow, too much takes too long
Use keyframes to show main movements
Test different music to find the right tone
Act out dialogue to improve character timing

6. Plan Your Assets

Planning your assets is a key step in animation pre-production. Here's how to do it well:

List Needed Assets

Make a full list of everything you'll need for your animation:

Asset Type	What to Include
Characters	Main and side characters, their outfits
Backgrounds	All locations and settings
Props	Objects characters use or interact with
Sounds	Voice recordings, music, sound effects

Decide Asset Order

Choose which assets to make first:

Start with assets needed for early scenes
Begin with simpler assets to build momentum
Make assets that others depend on first

Assign Team Tasks

Give jobs to team members based on their skills:

Task	Who Should Do It
Character Design	Artists good at creating characters
Background Art	Team members skilled in making environments
Sound Design	People with audio editing experience

Check in often with your team to make sure work is on track.

Use Asset Management Tools

Pick a tool to keep track of your assets:

Shotgun: Used by big studios like Pixar and DreamWorks
ftrack: Popular with smaller teams
Asana: Good for general project management

These tools help you see what's done and what's left to do.

Set Asset Standards

Make rules for how assets should look and work:

File formats (e.g., PNG for images, WAV for audio)
Naming conventions (e.g., "CharacterName_Action_Version")
Size and resolution requirements

Clear standards help avoid mistakes and save time later.

Plan for Revisions

Leave time in your schedule for changes:

Set aside 20-30% of your time for revisions
Use version control to track changes
Have a clear process for approving final assets

Being ready for changes helps keep your project on time.

7. Plan Technical Details

Planning technical details is key for smooth animation production. Let's look at the main areas to focus on:

Pick Animation Software

Choose software that fits your project needs and budget:

Software	Cost	Best For
Blender	Free	All-purpose 3D animation
Adobe Animate	$22.99/month	2D animation and interactive content
Autodesk Maya	$235/month	Professional 3D animation
Cinema 4D	$81.91/month (billed yearly)	Motion graphics and visual effects
Visme	Free plan; paid from $12.25/month/user	Simple animations and presentations

Pick based on your team's skills and project requirements. For example, if you're on a tight budget but need powerful 3D tools, Blender is a good choice.

Set Up File Structure

A clear file system helps teamwork. Use this basic structure:

Folder	Contents
Assets	Character designs, backgrounds, props
Audio	Voice recordings, sound effects, music
Renders	Final output files, drafts

Name files clearly, like "CharacterName_Action_Version01.blend". This helps avoid mix-ups and saves time.

Choose Render Settings

Pick settings that match where your animation will be shown:

Resolution: Use 1080p for HD video
Format: Choose MP4 for videos, PNG for images
Quality: Higher quality takes longer to render

Balance quality with your deadline. Test render a short clip to check settings before doing the whole project.

"Good technical planning can cut production time in half," says John Doe, lead animator at XYZ Studios. "We once saved a month on a project just by setting up our file system right from the start."

8. Create a Timeline

Making a timeline keeps your animation project on track. Here's how to do it:

Make a Production Schedule

Break your project into clear steps:

1. List all tasks 2. Group tasks by project phase 3. Set start and end dates for each task

Use tools like Trello or Asana to track progress. This helps everyone see what needs to be done.

Set Key Deadlines

Put firm dates on important milestones:

Milestone	Deadline
Script finished	Week 4
Storyboard done	Week 8
Animatic complete	Week 12
Final animation	Week 24

Check progress weekly. This helps catch delays early.

Assign Team Resources

Match tasks to team skills:

Task	Team Member	Time Needed
Character design	Sarah	2 weeks
Background art	Mike	3 weeks
Animation	Lisa	6 weeks

Check in with your team often. Make sure everyone has what they need to do their job well.

Buffer Time

Add extra time for unexpected issues:

Add 20% more time to each task
Plan for sick days or technical problems
Use this time to improve quality if not needed for fixes

Use Timeline Tools

Pick a tool that works for your team:

Tool	Best For	Cost
Microsoft Project	Big teams	$30/month
Gantt Pro	Visual planners	$15/month
Google Sheets	Small teams	Free

These tools help you see the whole project at once and spot problems quickly.

9. Plan Your Budget

Estimate Production Costs

To plan your budget, start by listing all the costs for your animation project:

Animation style (2D or 3D)
Video length
Audio needs (voice actors, music, sound effects)

Remember, complex 3D animations often cost more than simple 2D ones. Longer videos need more work and time, which increases costs.

Budget for Tools and Staff

Split your budget into these main areas:

Area	Percentage
Animation	50%
Audio	25%
Project Management	15%
Extra Funds	10%

Put most of your money into animation to make sure your video looks good. Keep some extra funds for surprise costs.

Save Money

Here are ways to cut costs without losing quality:

Talk to animation studios about prices. Many will work with your budget if you explain your project clearly.
Use free software like Blender for 3D or Synfig for 2D animation.
Keep your animation simple. Use fewer frames or simpler backgrounds to save time and money.

"We saved 30% on our last project by using open-source software and simplifying our character designs," says Jane Smith, lead animator at Pixelworks Studio.

10. Set Up Your Team

Define Team Roles

Clear team roles help avoid confusion and improve efficiency. Here are key positions for an animation team:

Role	Responsibilities
Director	Oversees project, maintains creative vision
Storyboard Artist	Turns scripts into visual narratives
Animators	Create character and scene movements
Sound Designer	Manages audio elements
Production Manager	Tracks timeline and budget

Set Up Team Communication

Good communication is key for animation projects. Use these tools:

Project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana)
Weekly progress meetings
Regular feedback sessions

Plan Regular Check-ins

Keep your project on track with:

Daily stand-ups (5-10 minutes)
Milestone reviews
Post-project evaluations

Real-World Example: Pixar's Team Structure

Pixar Animation Studios is known for its team-based approach:

Brain Trust: A group of experienced directors and writers who give feedback on projects
Dailies: Daily meetings where animators show their work for critique
Sweatbox Sessions: Intense review meetings to refine scenes

Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, said: "If you give a good idea to a mediocre team, they'll screw it up. But if you give a mediocre idea to a great team, they'll make it work."

Tips for Effective Team Setup

1. Hire for culture fit: Look for team players who can collaborate well

2. Cross-train team members: This helps people understand different roles and improves problem-solving

3. Use collaborative tools: Software like ShotGrid (formerly Shotgun) can help track assets and progress

4. Set clear expectations: Make sure everyone knows their tasks and deadlines

5. Encourage open communication: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns

Wrap-Up

Key Steps in Pre-Production Planning

Let's review the main steps in pre-production planning for animation:

1. Develop Your Concept

Brainstorm ideas
Set clear project goals
Identify your target audience

2. Write Your Script

Create a compelling story
Develop characters and plot
Edit and refine

3. Design Your Visuals

Create concept art
Design characters and settings
Choose colors and style

4. Create Your Storyboard

Break down the script
Sketch scenes
Plan camera work

5. Make an Animatic

Order storyboard frames
Add temporary sound
Adjust timing

6. Plan Your Assets

List needed items
Set creation order
Assign tasks to team members

7. Plan Technical Details

Choose animation software
Set up file structure
Pick render settings

8. Create a Timeline

Make a production schedule
Set key deadlines
Assign team resources

9. Plan Your Budget

Estimate production costs
Budget for tools and staff
Find ways to save money

10. Set Up Your Team

Define roles
Set up communication
Plan regular check-ins

Why Good Planning Matters

Good planning helps animation projects in many ways:

Benefit	How It Helps
Less Stress	Well-organized work reduces last-minute rush
Better Quality	Careful planning leads to better final product
Happier Team	Clear roles and tasks improve teamwork

Real-World Example: Pixar's Planning Process

Pixar Animation Studios is known for its careful planning:

They use a "Brain Trust" of experienced directors and writers to give feedback
Daily meetings called "Dailies" let animators show their work and get input
"Sweatbox Sessions" are intense meetings to improve scenes

John Lasseter, former Chief Creative Officer at Pixar, said: "Quality is the best business plan." This shows how much Pixar values good planning to make high-quality animations.

Tips for Better Pre-Production Planning

Start early: Give yourself plenty of time for planning
Be flexible: Be ready to change plans if needed
Use the right tools: Pick software that fits your project and team
Keep communicating: Make sure everyone knows what's happening
Learn from each project: Use what you learn to plan better next time

FAQs

How long does pre-production planning typically take for an animation project?

The duration of pre-production planning varies based on project complexity and scale. Here's a breakdown of typical timeframes:

Project Type	Pre-Production Duration
Short film (5-10 minutes)	2-4 months
TV episode (22 minutes)	3-6 months
Feature film (90+ minutes)	6-18 months

For example, Pixar's "Toy Story 4" had a pre-production phase lasting nearly 2 years, from 2015 to 2017. This extensive planning period allowed the team to refine the story and characters before animation began.

What are the key elements of a successful pre-production plan?

A strong pre-production plan includes:

Concept development
Script writing
Storyboarding
Character and environment design
Animatic creation
Voice recording
Asset planning
Timeline and budget setting

How can I estimate the budget for my animation project?

To estimate your animation budget:

Break down your project into tasks
Assign time estimates to each task
Calculate labor costs based on team rates
Add software and hardware expenses
Include a 10-20% contingency for unexpected costs

For instance, a 2-minute 2D explainer video might cost $5,000-$10,000, while a high-end 3D animated short could range from $50,000-$100,000 per minute.

What tools are commonly used in animation pre-production?

Popular pre-production tools include:

Tool	Purpose	Used By
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro	Storyboarding	Disney, Nickelodeon
Adobe Photoshop	Concept art, character design	Most major studios
Autodesk Maya	3D modeling and animation	Pixar, DreamWorks
Blender	Free 3D software	Independent animators
Trello or Asana	Project management	Various production teams

How can I ensure my pre-production plan stays on track?

To keep your pre-production plan on schedule:

Use project management software like Trello or Asana
Hold weekly team meetings to discuss progress
Set clear milestones and deadlines
Use time-tracking tools to monitor task completion
Build in buffer time for unexpected delays

What's the importance of creating an animatic during pre-production?

An animatic is a crucial step that:

Tests timing and pacing of scenes
Identifies potential story issues early
Helps estimate final animation length
Guides voice actors during recording sessions
Serves as a reference for animators

For example, Laika Studios creates detailed animatics for their stop-motion films, which help them plan complex shots and reduce costly mistakes during production.

How do I choose the right animation style for my project?

To select an animation style:

Consider your target audience and project goals
Evaluate your budget and timeline
Look at similar projects for inspiration
Create style tests to compare options
Get feedback from your team and potential viewers

For instance, when creating "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," Sony Pictures Animation chose a unique comic book-inspired style that set it apart from other animated superhero films.