Approach

How do we proceed?

As an animation studio, we believe in the power of a good story. More specifically: a good story that helps you achieve your goal. After all, a well-crafted video is useless if your viewer doesn’t understand your message.

Because we believe in our abilities, we offer unlimited rounds of feedback. We’ll keep working until you’re satisfied, and we won’t move on to the next phase until the previous one is completely right.

And that's not all. As an experienced animation studio, we do more than just execute. We know exactly what works and what doesn’t when it comes to animated videos, and we apply that knowledge when necessary. For example: if we think a certain piece of feedback won’t benefit the video, we’ll let you know. With the necessary explanation, of course :-)

What is the process like?

We start with your goal: what do you want to achieve with this video? Building on that foundation, we develop your video layer by layer: from script to storyboard, from illustration to animation, and finally to the finishing touches with sound and subtitles. The entire process takes 6 to 8 weeks on average (for a 1-minute animated video).

Discover our case studies

01 Kick-off

= The briefing. The kickoff is a meeting that takes about an hour and a half, during which we get to know each other better. Together, we work to identify the video’s core message.

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As an animation studio, we lead the discussion. We ask specific questions and provide the necessary structure for the conversation. By the end of the kickoff meeting, we’ve gathered all the information we need to get started.

02 Script

= The story told by the narrator. This text explains your core message clearly and powerfully. To avoid testing your viewer’s patience, we remove everything that isn’t necessary. At the same time, we tailor every remaining word specifically to your viewer.

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The script is the first building block of the video, upon which we continue to build in the following phases.

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03 Storyboard

= The scenes that will accompany the narration. For every line of the script, we come up with a specific scene that clarifies or reinforces the message. We create rough sketches for each scene and also describe in writing what will happen in the scene.

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The storyboard gives you an idea of what will happen in the video, but it hasn't been visually fleshed out yet (think stick figures). The actual look and feel? You'll discover that in the next step …

04 Style Proposal

= A detailed illustration from the storyboard. For one of the scenes we’ve created, we’ll create a detailed illustration in a unique visual style designed specifically for your branding and your audience.

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Once that style proposal has been approved, we will also illustrate the other scenes from the storyboard in the approved visual style.

05 Voiceover

= The narration. For most animated videos we use a voiceover: the script is recorded by a professional voice actor. We then tailor the movements and transitions in the video entirely to the timing of that voiceover.

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You get to choose which voice actor will record the script. We’ll provide you with a selection of different voice actors who we think are a good fit for your video. We’ll give the chosen voice actor the necessary briefing and guidance to ensure the script is recorded with the right emotion, intonation, and character.

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06 Animation

= The animated sequences. This is the most labor- and time-intensive phase of the process. Our motion designers bring everything to life based on the approved storyboard and style guide, and in sync with the voiceover.

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We don't work with a part one, two, three ... we deliver the full version of your animated video right away.

07 Sound Design

= The music and sound effects. It’s the final step in our process, but don't underestimate its impact. The right music and sound effects add a tremendous amount of atmosphere and charm to the final product. That’s why we collaborate with a professional sound studio that has tons of experience in the field.

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You get to choose which music will be added. We’ll provide you with a selection of royalty-free tracks that we think work well with the video. Once you’ve made your choice, our sound partner will blend the voiceover, music, and sound effects seamlessly together. And voilà: you’ll receive an animated video that is polished to perfection!

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08 Bonus: Translations

There are two ways to translate an animated video. Either we provide a new voiceover, recorded by a voice actor who speaks the new language. We then synchronize the timing of the movements and transitions with that new voiceover, and also adapt the on-screen text to the new language.

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Alternatively, we can translate the video using subtitles. That way, we don't have to edit the video, so it's a cheaper and faster option. It's up to you to decide which option works best for you.

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Our custom
feedback platform

Misunderstandings can happen quickly. A missing attachment, a team member who wasn’t copied on an email, feedback on an outdated version… Of course, that’s no big deal, but misunderstandings like these cost valuable time every time. That’s how you end up with a tangled mess of emails, messages, and files instead of smooth collaboration.

That’s why, years ago, we developed our own custom feedback platform called Dolly. There, you’ll find every element of your project in one place: from the script to the finished video. Including all of the feedback for previous versions. Every piece of feedback is automatically linked to the right line of dialogue, the right sketch, or the right second of the video.

For the client, this means you have a clear overview of the work that’s already been done, every step in the process. And for us, it’s always clear what still needs to be changed. Together, we find the shortest path to the best result.