3D Animation Production: Learn The Steps
The Animation Production Process
PRE-PRODUCTION
Story
This is the essence of the piece animation are going to create.
It’s the “vision” of the film. At this stage, the creators need to
write and develop the script.
Storyboarding
The storyboard allows the director to envision the movie so
he or she can decide what will work and won’t work in the
film and make appropriate creative decisions with the other
artists involved in this stage of the production.
Visual Development / Look Development
Visual development and concept artists create what the film
will actually look like including fully designing elements such
as characters, environments, props, color pallets and
backgrounds.
Pre-Visualization
Pre-visualization, or previs, is where artists work with the
script and storyboards to create the film in a 3-dimensional
environment on the computer.
(Beck, 2017)Beck, B. (2017). Animation Production: The Step-By-Step Guide to Making a 3D Animated Movie - Artella Blog. Retrieved from Artella website:
https://blog.artella.com/index.php/2017/09/21/animation-production-step-step-guide-making-3d-animated-movie/
PRODUCTION POST-PRODUCTION
Modeling Compositing
Modelers transform the 2D concept art into 3d models. Comp is where additional elements are brought together
with final rendered frames from lighting such as
atmospheric elements.
Surfacing Music and Sound Design
Surfacing artists create colors, textures and shaders for Final edit must be locked before these elements are added.
the characters, props and sets.
Rigging Editorial – Phase 2 (ongoing)
Riggers build and attach 3D skeletons to the characters. Whenever new animation, lighting or compositing comes in
This skeleton becomes the “puppet” that the animators for review this is pulled into the edit by editorial.
use to bring the characters to life.
Layout / Set dressing / Anim Prep Color Grading
Animation Preparation is the artists who place the Color grading is often the last stage of a production’s look.
artwork from the other departments into the 3-
dimensional environment.
Character Animation
Character animators bring the characters to life. 3D
animators use a computer to pose the character using
the rig that was created by the rigging department.
Character Effects / Simulation
Character effects artists are responsible for everything
that is moving on a character including clothing, hair,
fur, or feathers.
FX
FX artists are responsible for all the little details you take
for granted in live productions such as what happens
when there is an explosion, or an action that leaves
traces such as footprints.
Lighting
Lighting is a key element that takes the 3D elements and
2D visual development work to create the look and
tone.