LIVE ACTION VIDEOS
VS
ANIMATION VIDEOS
So you’ve decided to get some videos produced for your business. Congrats on making a great move for your business marketing. The power of video is immense, and if you are not using it, you are risking falling behind your competitors.
One of the first – and sometimes challenging – decisions to make for your video content is to whether you should have live-action videos or animated videos. Potentially even a mix of the two. So how do you decide which format is the right choice for your business and for you video content?
Table of Contents
What is an animated video?
An animated video is a video in which a series of images are manipulated to simulate movement. Drawings may be done by hand, or these days most commonly through a computer program. Animation has been around since the early 1900s and has progressed significantly over that time. Popular animations include The Loony Tunes, Walt Disney Animated Films, and shows such as The Simpsons.
Note that these types of animation are very high end that cost millions of dollars to create. Corporate animations are unlikely to be as detailed.
Another form of animation is Stop Motion Animation. This is where real world objects are photographed frame by frame, with the object moved slightly between each photograph. When these photographs are shown in a sequence, the illusion of movement is created.
Below check out how animation has been incorporated into the below videos. The first video shows an example of Stop Motion Animation in the opening sequences, the second video shows animation as a fun engagement tool for a social video.
What is a live-action video?
Live action video is video that captures real life people, animals and objects through a video camera.
Which video format is better - animated or live action videos?
There are pros and cons to both formats depending on your goals. Both formats can be used effectively for a range of videos. Which video format works best for you may depend on your industry, the information you are sharing, your audience, and your budget.
If you looking to have an emotional connection with the viewer, live-action video are the way to go. This way the viewer can see a real human face and emotion, and they are more likely to connect with the imagery and subject matter of the video. Live-action humanises your brand, business and people.
Animated videos on the other hand work well for creating a visual that simplifies complex processes or abstract products and services. The rules of reality do not apply.
Alternatively, you may decide to use a combination of live-action and animated graphics in your video. This approach is particularly useful for videos that are looking to inform and educate.
What is involved in producing an animated video?
Animation videos are often produced completely from scratch. Therefore, while there is no on-site film time required, production can be very lengthy. Every second of the video needs to be animated.
A typical animation process includes:
- Development of concept
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
- Animation Creation
- Music selection and licensing
- Voice over audition and hire
- Addition of effects and other sounds
- Revisions
What is involved in producing a live-action video
Unlike animation videos, live-action videos require locations, cast, crew, equipment, insurance, props and wardrobes to be coordinated for the production phase.
A typical live-action video production process includes:
Pre-Production
- Concept development
- Scriptwriting
- Shotlisting/Storyboarding
- Location Scouting
- Audition and hire of talent
- Sourcing of props and wardrobe
- Development of production schedule
Production
- Filming of content
Post-production
- Music selection and licensing
- Addition of effects and other added sounds
- Editing including cut, sound correction and colourgrade
- Revisions
For more in-depth information on the live-action video production process, visit The 3 Phases of Video Production
Costs of a live-action video can be effected by what existing resources you have that you would like to utilise, and which resources you would like to source. For example, do you have a suitable location already to film, so one does not need to be hired? Or if it is a business video like a Brand Story you may choose to have actual employees speak to camera, instead of hiring talent.
What costs more to produce? A live action video or an animated video?
Costs vary based on the scope of the project and the visuals you have in mind. Sometimes live action videos are more expensive, sometimes animated videos are. Chat with your production team to discuss your vision.
Remember - your video production team is there to help
Still not sure whether animated or live action video is the right pathway for you? Remember, this decision doesn’t have to fall completely to you! Speak to your video production team! The Elite Media team can provide you personalised advice on which video format we recommend and why.
For more information, please fill in the form below.
