Digitalks #16. A Quick Glimpse into the 3D Animation Pipeline
From our favorite Disney movies to our favorite video games, 3D animation is present in most things we watch and enjoy.
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Animation, in general, is the process of manipulating static images or models to create the illusion of movement — so that it appears as moving images.
It brings art to life.
Meanwhile, 3D animation, more specifically, has its own unique characteristics.
It has volume and boundaries to simulate realistic movement and expression, and yes, that includes Dobby the elf.
As a senior head animator at Breadnbeyond, Sunaryo walked us through the pipeline of the 3D animation process.
Pre-production
This is where the story or the concept of the animation is created.
A lot of brainstorming and research is being done at this stage to make sure that the end result meets clients’ expectations and requirements.
#1. Story creation
Before anything else, there needs to be a story or at least a concept of what the animation is going to be about.
This includes the characters, the setting, and the plot.
The story can be created by the animators themselves or provided by the client.
#2. Scriptwriting
Once the story is finalized, it’s time to start writing the script.
The script is basically a guide for the animators on what needs to be done and how the story should flow.
It includes dialogues, action sequences, and descriptions of the characters’ emotions and expressions.
#3. 2D mockup
After the script is complete, the next step is to create a 2D mockup or what we call a storyboard.
The storyboard is similar to a comic book, where it shows the sequence of events in the form of illustrations.
It gives animators a better idea of how the animation should look like and serves as a guide during the production process.
Read more: The Essential Guide to Storyboard for Explainer Videos
#4. Concept design
The concept design is where the characters and the setting of the animation are created.
This includes creating the character models, 3D environment, and props.
The animators will use these assets during the production process to create the final animation.
#5. Animatic (2D)
The 2D animation process begins with the animatic.
The 2D animatic is basically a storyboard that has been brought to life.
It’s used to test the timing and pacing of the animation before moving on to the 3D animation process.
Production
This is where all the hard work happens. This is where animators start bringing the story to life by creating each frame of the animation one at a time.
The production process can be divided into several stages: modeling, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing.
#1. Modeling
Modeling is the process of creating 3D models of objects or characters in the scene.
Animators will start by creating a base mesh which they will then refine and sculpt to get the desired shape and detail.
#2. Texturing
Texturing is the process of adding color and detail to 3D models. This is done by unwrapping the 3D model and creating a 2D texture map.
The 2D texture map is then painted with colors, patterns, or images.
#3. Rigging
Rigging is the process of creating a “skeleton” for the character, which will be used to control its movement.
This is where animators add bones and joints to the 3D models to make them moveable.
This also includes setting up controls for the various parts of the character’s body as well as creating animations for different actions.
#4. 3D Layout
3D Layout is the process of setting up the 3D environment.
This includes creating different camera angles and positioning the characters and objects in the scene.
#5. Animation
Animation is what brings the character to life.
This is where animators add movement to the rigged character models by keyframing their movement.
#6. VFX
VFX, or visual effects, is the process of adding special effects to the animation.
This includes creating explosions, fire, water, and other effects.
#6. Lighting
Lighting is the process of adding lights to the scene to create different effects.
It’s all about setting up lights in the scene to create different moods and atmospheres.
This can be used to create a feeling of depth, add realism, or make the scene look more aesthetically pleasing.
#7. Rendering
Rendering is the process of generating 2D images or frames from a 3D scene.
This is done by using computer graphics software to “render” each frame of the animation.
#8. Preview
The preview is basically a test animation to see how the final animation will look like.
This is usually done after the animation is completed and before it’s exported as a video file.
Post Production
Post-production is the final stage of the 3D animation process.
This is where all the assets are put together and exported as a video file.
#1. Compositing
Compositing is the process of combining different elements to create a final image or frame.
This includes adding 2D effects, such as color correction, and adding 3D elements to the scene.
#2. Color correction
Color correction is the process of adjusting the colors in the scene to create a certain mood or atmosphere.
This is usually done to match the animation with the client’s branding or guidelines.
#3. BGM and SFX
BGM, or background music, and SFX, or sound effects, is the process of adding music and sound to the scene.
This helps to create a more immersive experience for the viewers.
Read more: What Are Those Sound Effects That Get Your Videos Noticed?
#4. Final animation
The final animation is the completed video file that’s exported for client review.
Breadnbeyond helps you to create high-converting 3D animated explainer videos.
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