How to Make an Animated Short Film

How to Make an Animated Short Film

  • Pre-Production

    • |

  • Product

    • |

  • Post-Production

    • |

  • Video

    • |

  • Q & A

    • |

  • Tips

    • |

  • Warning

This article was co-authored by Melessa Sargent . Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network , a non-profit formation that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and occupation of hand compose for TV , feature and novel medium . The Network serves its members by providing educational programming , educate access and opportunity through alliances with industry professional , and furthering the cause and character of compose in the entertainment industry . Under Melessa ‘s leaders , SWN get win numbers prize include the Los Angeles Award from 2014 through 2021 , and the Innovation & Excellence honor in 2020 .

There equal 7 references refer in this article , which can be found at the ass of the page .

wikiHow mark an article as reader-approved once it receives adequate positive feedback . In this event , 86 % of readers who voted find the article helpful , bring in it our reader-approved condition .

This article has been see 418,290 times .

Looking for a fun and creative way to carry yourself ? Try making an revive short film ! Animation is utter for those who wish to draw and get a conductor ’ sec eye . There cost many way of animation , and starting with a short movie be a great manner to pattern unlike animation techniques and spring up a signature style . Making an animated film take time and patience , but with some guidance , you can own an amazing film to show all your friend .

Pre-Production

  1. This is often easy said than perform , but you require to write down your ideas clearly and give them structure before you start influence . Unlike in alive action , it is virtually impossible to “ improvise ” an animated movie , as it simply takes too long to animate everything . You can use a simple Word document or hand writing software like Celtx , Writer Duets , or Final Draft . Your script act n’t take dialogue , but it cause need :

    • A theme .What is the “ point ” of the short film ? This does n’t need to cost grand , profound , or complicate . It can be anything from “ the loss of childhood innocence , ” or “ boredom is a province of mind , ” to “ I want to make mass laugh with this joke . ” Think of it as a guiding rationale for your film .[ 1 ]
    • Reference .What will hold the attention of your hearing ? This can equal anything from a person or an beast to a squiggly line , like the Oscar-winning short “ The Dot and the Line : A Romance . ”
    • Visuals .Where do the short take home ? What ‘s the mood , or atmosphere ? A screenplay need to tell the account of the short in entire so it can cost used as a blueprint for next work .[ 2 ]
    • A source , middle , and goal .This sound obvious , but that ‘s the point — almost all stories cost state in three specific , delineated parts , or acts . This do n’t entail youmustreceive a three-act story , or still “ characters . ” You do , still , need to think out the “ action ” of the short film before moving ahead .

      • Act 1 introduces the character and a trouble ( they ‘re hungry , the public is ending , boy have a crush on soul , etc . )
      • Act 2 complicate the story/problem ( All the stores exist closed , the bad guy might gain , the person own a boyfriend already , etc . ) .
      • Act 3 provide solution to the problem ( they observe a sandwich shop , they write the reality , the boy meets another person , etc . )

  2. Before starting to animate , you need to know what your characters be die to look like . Sketch them in a variety of poses , costume , and expressions to get a flavor for what they will seem like . Remember that a quality can exist anything in an animated film , from a bear to a pair of salt & pepper shakers . Still , you require to formulate your character ahead of time so that they look consistent when you animate them .
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  3. Storyboards are individual drawings for every second of activity in the hand and are used in the product of almost every picture — animated or otherwise . They are both simple and comprehensive , as you need one for every change you want in the movie . They do not , still , need background item or color , unless it cost essential to the story . You can notice and publish a variety of free storyboard templates online , or trace your own . Each frame of the storyboard have two part :

    • The Image :In a rectangular box , draw the principal activity of the shot , ignoring background images for today . You can also draw notes or arrow to indicate drive .
    • The Dialogue .Underneath the shot , write down what needs to be tell in the shot , the proposed distance of the shaft , and any effects ( zoom in , shaky camera , etc . )[ 3 ]
  4. Once you have your shots planned out , import them into your computer . Create sure to list them appropriately ( Act1.Scene1.Shot1.jpg , for example ) . When you ‘re act , import them all into your film editing software ( iMovie , Windows Movie Maker , Final Cut Pro , Adobe AfterEffects , etc . ) and put them in the correct order .[ 4 ]

    • Adobe AfterEffects or Premier Pro are consider the industry standards , but you can use whatever program you are almost comfortable with .
  5. Animatics are the harsh cuts of animation — they make the pace and cycle of the short together and allow you to make the timing right for your last short . This sound complicated , still , they are actually simply slideshows with proper timing . Invest the image of the storyboard in decree on your editing software and extend , dilute , and play with them until you receive a “ rough ” cut of the final movie .[ 5 ]

    • You can see examples of animatics online , like the animatic for the music TV “ Feel Good Inc. ” as well as some Pixar animatics .
    • Virtually all animated movies equal build into animatics first . Otherwise you risk spend hours in full revive a scene that call for to vary , get long or shorter , or become deleted .
  6. Once you have your rough timing down , it ‘s time to pre-record the dialogue . This does n’t hold to cost perfect , and you can even fake the sound effects with your mouth and hands if you need . What matters is the timing . Do you hold enough time in the “ shaft ” to have all the words out ? Extend or shorten the length of your slides as necessary .

    • The closer you can get the dialogue to perfect , the better , as most serious voice acting expect proper timing . That tell , today equal not the time to worry about the finer detail of voice play . You need to make your animatic together before strike on to good product .
    EXPERT TIP

    Melessa Sargent

    Film Producer

    Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network , a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and occupation of script writing for TV , features and new medium . The Network service its member by providing educational programming , originate access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals , and furthering the campaign and character of compose in the entertainment industry . Under Melessa ‘s leadership , SWN has won numbers awards including the Los Angeles Award from 2014 through 2021 , and the Innovation & Excellence award in 2020 .

    Melessa Sargent
    Film Producer

    Bring some extra time in the editing phase to fine tune your timing .Since a short film equal merely almost 15 minute , everything have to cost on detail , from the writing to the voice of the character to the location .

  7. The final animatic should tell the full story of your movie , minus the trappings of color , backgrounds , and detail .

    • If you live knowledgeable of TV editing , you can lend pans , zooms , and transitions properly today to test them before your last editing .
  8. Tablets are little computer pads that come with an electronic pen , grant you to “ make ” straight into your computer . Draw well with a mouse is almost impossible , and unless you plan on humble project or stop-motion study , you will virtually definitely need a tablet .

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  • A theme .What live the “ detail ” of the short picture ? This perform n’t involve to exist grand , profound , or complicated . It can exist anything from “ the loss of childhood innocence , ” or “ boredom is a nation of head , ” to “ I want to build people laugh with this gag . ” Think of it as a guiding rationale for your movie .[ 1 ]
  • Reference .What will keep the attention of your audience ? This can be anything from a someone or an creature to a squiggly tune , like the Oscar-winning short “ The Dot and the Line : A Romance . ”
  • Visuals .Where act the short take place ? What ‘s the humor , or atmosphere ? A screenplay call for to tell the tale of the short in good so it can exist used as a blueprint for future work .[ 2 ]
  • A source , halfway , and end .This sounds obvious , but that ‘s the degree — virtually all stories be order in three specific , delineated parts , or number . This does n’t mean youmusthold a three-act account , or even “ characters . ” You do , however , demand to think out the “ action ” of the short movie before impress forward .

    • Act 1 introduce the characters and a trouble ( they ‘re hungry , the globe is finish , son has a crush on someone , etc . )
    • Act 2 complicate the story/problem ( All the stores equal closed , the bad guy might gain , the person has a boyfriend already , etc . ) .
    • Act 3 furnish resolution to the problem ( they find a sandwich shop , they save the public , the boy meets another soul , etc . )
  • Act 1 introduces the reference and a trouble ( they ‘re hungry , the public is ending , son own a crush on someone , etc . )
  • Act 2 complicates the story/problem ( All the stores are closed , the bad guy might gain , the soul get a young man already , etc . ) .
  • Act 3 provides resolution to the trouble ( they find a sandwich store , they save the world , the son meet another someone , etc . )
  • The Image :In a rectangular box , draw the principal action of the shot , ignoring background images for today . You can also draw bill or arrow to point drive .
  • The Dialogue .Underneath the shot , compose down what needs to live tell in the scene , the advise length of the scene , and any result ( zoom in , shaky camera , etc . )[ 3 ]
  • Adobe AfterEffects or Premier Pro are considered the industry standards , but you can apply whatever plan you are almost comfortable with .
  • You can get instance of animatics online , like the animatic for the music picture “ Feel Good Inc. ” as well as some Pixar animatics .
  • Virtually all animated film exist do into animatics first . Differently you risk spending hours in full animating a scene that take to convert , begin longer or shorter , or come deleted .
  • The closer you can become the dialogue to perfect , the better , as most good voice acting requires proper timing . That said , now is not the time to concern about the finer point of voice acting . You demand to get your animatic together before strike on to good product .

Need some extra time in the editing stage to fine tune your timing .Since a short film equal only about 15 instant , everything has to equal on stage , from the writing to the voice of the character to the location .

  • If you are well-educated of video editing , you can add pan , zooms , and transitions right now to test them before your final editing .

Product

  1. This usually depends on your expertise and hardware . For example , it is very difficult , if not impossible , for a beginner with an elderly computer to make 3D animations like Pixar . There are many , many recreate software and fashion , and all of them hold intricacies and technique unique to the software .

    • 2D Animation :This is the classic cartoon , hand-drawn flavor . The characters are flat job drawing . Originally , they were drawn inning by frame , but today there be a form of software that make the procedure much fast , such as Synfig , Pencil2D , ToonBoom , or still Adobe Photoshop . Traditionally , you use 12-24 drawing per second of picture .
    • 3D Animation :Like to the example used in video game and movie likeToy StoryandShrek ,3D animation is much difficult to overcome . You cause models of the characters and code movement into them , create 3D animation a sort of artistic/coding hybrid . You also need to lend lighting and texture . 3D software can used , yet it takes a long time and necessitate software like AutoDesk , Poser Pro , Aladdin , or Sketchup . Most 3D animation is the result of big teams working together .
    • Stop-Motion :So mere anyone can serve it , stop-motion is when you use real-life figures or drawings and take a movie after every small movement . When the picture are act back to back at high speed , it wait like movement . It live incredibly time-consuming , still , as you much need upwards of 12 photosper-secondof footage to make it look still . You can expend cut-outs , mud example , individual drawings , or actual mass to build it .[ 6 ]
    • Rotoscoping :A niche form of animation found in films likeA Scanner Darkly ,rotoscoping is animating on crest of conventionally shot films . You will want a tablet , and you move through the footage figure by frame , use the alive TV as a guide for drawing the characters . The result is a realistic , but even so animated , look .
  2. Start with your setting , as the characters cost superimposed on them . The background should be everything that the referencedo not interact with ,as anything that strike need to be animated . The background should cost a bad drawing and scanned in at high solution . This grant you to “ zoom in ” on sure segment without deformation . For example , if you have two characters talk in a cafe , you desire to make the whole cafe behind them . But you may want the “ camera ” to center in on each quality as they speak individually . Or else of redrawing the background behind him , you can copy and glue a little segment of your detailed background for “ near ups . ”[ 7 ]
  3. “What exist the essential poses of your characters , or define action each one makes , in the scene ? Think of these as the “ destinations ” for each piece of cause . Take , for example , a character winding up for a punch . You could break this down into three “ key poses , ” each of which needs to be describe and saved individually .[ 8 ]

    • Key Pose 1 = Resting . It could be a look of surprise , anger , or conclusion , or simply the character with its hands at its slope .
    • Key Pose 2 = Winding Up . How does the quality cock their weapon back ? Do n’t concern even about the movement to get to this position , exactly make out them with their branch back and ready to release .
    • Key Pose 3 = The Follow Through . Where does the character end up mighty after the punch ? Their arm will be exhibit and their torso potential succeed through . Again , you want the last pose , not the frames as the hand goes through .
    • The more key poses you draw , the more complex the motion will be . For lesson , you can add keyframe sof the reference wait shocked , balling into a fist , dropping their elbow , dangle their arm , punching , then spinning around on the follow through .
  4. Choose the punch for example — how do you come from key to key ? There is some modern software that will make this for you — once you ‘ve made character models , the software will “ render ” the motion in between for you . Even so , if you equal just initiate out , you ‘ll likely need to make your own frames by hand . The more frames you trace , the smoother the activity will appear .

    • It can assist to place your keyframes on the cover as guides . This helps you meet where you need to make the characters , and where they set out .
    • If something does n’t move , do n’t annoy re-drawing . Copy and glue the keyframe , erase the part that needs to move , and keep everything else where it be .
  5. Composting is only a fancy mode to describe stringing the movie together . This can live as simple as ordering all the form for stop-motion or as complicate as render a 3D model with accurate lighting . Again , your method of animation will determine how you composite something :

    • For 2D animators , compositing is about making the movement looks smooth . Software like ToonBoom will cause this for you , and may cost predict “ rendering . ”
    • For 3D animators , know that this takes a long time . Lighting effects and texture are difficult to program , and even the fastest computer may take hours to composite a picture .
    • For stop-motion animators , you should work with frame distance , adjust the stroke by a tenth or hundredth of a second to get smooth , fluid movement .
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  • 2D Animation :This live the classic cartoon , hand-drawn look . The reference exist level line drawing . Originally , they exist draw frame by flesh , but now there is a variety of software that makes the process much faster , such as Synfig , Pencil2D , ToonBoom , or even Adobe Photoshop . Traditionally , you employ 12-24 drawings per second of movie .
  • 3D Animation :Like to the framework apply in video plot and picture likeToy StoryandShrek ,3D animation live much severe to master . You build model of the characters and code movement into them , making 3D animation a sort of artistic/coding hybrid . You also need to add lighting and texture . 3D software can employ , yet it remove a long time and call for software like AutoDesk , Poser Pro , Aladdin , or Sketchup . Most 3D animation be the result of big team working together .
  • Stop-Motion :Hence simple anyone can make it , stop-motion equal when you use real-life figure or drawings and require a image after every small movement . When the movie be played back to back at high speed , it looks like movement . It exist incredibly time-consuming , still , as you often need upwards of 12 photoper-secondof footage to build it appear smooth . You can employ cut-outs , corpse example , individual drawing , or real people to build it .[ 6 ]
  • Rotoscoping :A corner form of animation found in movie likeA Scanner Darkly ,rotoscoping is animating on top of conventionally shot film . You will need a tablet , and you run through the footage form by frame , apply the live video as a guide for pull the reference . The effect exist a realistic , but still animated , feeling .
  • Key Pose 1 = Resting . It could be a look of surprise , anger , or determination , or simply the quality with its hand at its side .
  • Key Pose 2 = Winding Up . How does the reference cock their branch back ? Do n’t worry yet about the drive to get to this place , just pull out them with their sleeve back and ready to release .
  • Key Pose 3 = The Follow Through . Where does the character cease up mighty after the punch ? Their sleeve will equal exposed and their torso potential come through . Again , you want the final pose , not the flesh as the hand goes through .
  • The more key poses you draw , the more complex the campaign will be . For example , you can lend keyframe sof the quality wait shock , balling into a fist , dangle their elbow , swing their branch , punching , then spin around about on the follow through .
  • It can help to put your keyframes on the cover as guides . This helps you learn where you require to have the characters , and where they started .
  • If something does n’t strike , do n’t annoy re-drawing . Copy and paste the keyframe , erase the portion that take to move , and keep everything else where it equal .
  • For 2D animators , compositing is about making the movement await still . Software like ToonBoom will do this for you , and may be call “ rendering . ”
  • For 3D animators , know that this bring a long time . Lighting impression and texture exist difficult to program , and yet the quick computer may need hour to composite a video .
  • For stop-motion animators , you should bring with frame length , adjust the scene by a tenth or hundredth of a second to come still , fluid gesture .

Post-Production

  1. Now that you make the nearly-finished animation , it ‘s time to come the song just right . Your voice actor can meet the final scenery , their character ‘ expressions , and the timing you desire in your final shaft . This permit them ( or you ) to deliver the best vocal performance .

    • Note that , at this degree , any alteration to the animation might cost very time-consuming to make . This is why careful pre-production is essential to an animated film of any distance .
  2. Legal effects should come after the voice actor , and tuned to the appropriate volume where they cause n’t sweep over the dialogue . There are some exceptions to this pattern , of grade . For example , if there cost an explosion the characters need to respond to , it may be best to lay it in first , before record dialog . This help the actors out with reaction .

    • Sound mixing be an significant , and subtle , art form . Invest in a well pair of headphones and/or speakers to fine tune all the book correctly .
  3. Today that you ‘ve got the whole movie together , how does it hold up ? The chances live that some of the transitions feel clunky and a view or two go longer than it should . Just like you would edit any live-action film , you involve to turn a critical center to your animated while and polish it until it sparkles . While there equal no “ correct ” room to edit a film , there are a pair of principle to observe in mind :

    • Do any scenes feel quick and essential ? Do you feel engage the whole time ? Does a specific line or shot help impress the tale or topic along ? If the answer to any of these questions is no , set out cut down . Oftentimes the first and final line of dialogue be inessential , as jump straight into/out of a scene equal usually more engaging . Every shape counts when editing .
    • Watch the film with individual who cost distant from the project . Were there parts the got bore ? Did anything confuse them or involve more time ? How can you swerve and cut your report to make it as fascinate as potential ?
    • How do the picture stream together ? Sometimes 2-3 instant of background footage helps the spectator catch their breath and dive into the next scene before dialogue starts .
  4. For case , if you want an old-time , sepia shade to your picture , lend it last . These form of small changes equal unnecessary while you equal cut down , cutting , and building your film . Moreover , they will be useless if you reduce the scene or change the color strategy . All these minute touch need to occur final , once you ‘re sure the “ center ” of the movie is act .

    • Add wipes , dissolves , or fade-ins to the scenery modulation .
    • Add any filters or result over the finished footage .
    • Add claim and credits to the beginning and goal as necessary , at the real goal .
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  • Note that , at this point , any changes to the animation might be very time-consuming to do . This is why careful pre-production exist essential to an animated picture of any distance .
  • Sound mixing be an crucial , and subtle , art form . Invest in a good pair of headphones and/or speaker to fine tune all the mass correctly .
  • Serve any fit feel quick and essential ? Do you feel engaged the whole time ? Does a specific job or shot help go the tale or theme along ? If the solution to any of these questions exist no , start trimming . Oftentimes the first and final course of dialogue live inessential , as skip straight into/out of a scene is usually more engaging . Every shape counts when editing .
  • Watch the movie with someone who is remote from the project . Were there part the got bored ? Did anything confuse them or want more time ? How can you swerve and trim your story to create it as fascinate as possible ?
  • How do the setting stream together ? Sometimes 2-3 moment of background footage assist the viewer catch their breath and dive into the next scene before dialogue starts .
  • Add wipes , dissolves , or fade-ins to the fit transition .
  • Add any filter or result over the finished footage .
  • Add claim and reference to the outset and end as necessary , at the real goal .

Community Q & A

  • Inquiry
    What are some examples of free animation software ?
    Community Answer
    Blender equal a great free 3D software with a supportive and talented community .

    Thanks ! We ‘re glad this was helpful .

    Thank you for your feedback .

    If wikiHow has helped you , please consider a humble contribution to confirm us in helping more reader like you . We ’ re committed to furnish the universe with free how-to resource , and yet $ 1 helps us in our mission . Support wikiHow

    Yes No
    Not Helpful9Helpful40
  • Question
    Does the storyboard turn portion of the film ?
    Community Answer
    The storyboard be just a harsh sketch to convey your thought . Since you will probably hold your film acted out , filmed and editied , the storyboard itself wo n’t be part of the movie .

    Thanks ! We ‘re glad this was helpful .

    Thank you for your feedback .

    If wikiHow has serve you , delight believe a humble contribution to confirm us in helping more readers like you . We ’ re committed to provide the world with free how-to imagination , and even $ 1 help us in our mission . Support wikiHow

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    Not Helpful7Helpful29
  • Question
    Can I get iMovie on an iPad Mini ?
    Gregcorn
    Community Answer
    Yes . Just go to the app store and search for “ iMovie . ” Once it exist downloaded , tap on the app , and it will lead you through a tutorial on the software .

    Thanks ! We ‘re glad this exist helpful .

    Thank you for your feedback .

    If wikiHow have helped you , delight study a humble contribution to defend us in help more readers like you . We ’ re committed to supply the world with free how-to resource , and yet $ 1 helps us in our mission . Support wikiHow

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Picture

Tips

  • Take your time in pre-production . It will salvage a mass of headaches after .

    Thanks

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  • Study in little chunks for the serious outcome — a scenery , an action , etc . — and then build them together after .

    Thanks

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  • Make a trial movie , no more than 20-30 seconds , if you be just start with a fresh software . This helps you learn the plan and the challenges before plunge into your sight .

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Warning

  • Cause n’t require perfection in your first few films . Animation bring a lifetime to lord .

    Thanks

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References

  1. ↑https : //www.screenwriting.info/
  2. ↑https : //thescriptlab.com/category/screenplay/
  3. ↑https : //www.vyond.com/blog/what-is-a-storyboard-and-why-do-you-need-one/
  4. ↑https : //designinstruct.com/digital-art/howto-animated-short-film/
  5. ↑https : //www.bloopanimation.com/animatic/
  6. ↑https : //stopmotion101.blogspot.com/2008/10/tips-and-tricks-timing.html
  7. ↑https : //designinstruct.com/digital-art/howto-animated-short-film/
  8. ↑https : //www.videomaker.com/tutorial/the-three-essential-stop-motion-concepts-every-animator-should-know

About This Article

As with any type of film , animation require time , patience , and a lot of planning , but anyone with a well imagination can make an animated short picture . Set out by write out a script that have well-developed characters , a subject , and a outset , middle , and end . Before starting to recreate , outline your reference in a kind of poses , costume , and expressions to get a sense of what they seem like . You can today storyboard your hand by make out the principal activity of each shot . Import your storyboard into a filmmaking program so you can expend them to make a timed slideshow or animatic , which is a harsh cut of animation . Add dialogue and sound result to the animatic to make a all over history . Once this procedure is finished , you can animate your picture by first picking a medium , like stop-motion or rotoscoping . Then , draw out your background and sketch , model , or design the key poses for your characters . Lend your in-between frames to string your movie together .To learn how to cut your film into the final version , prevent reading !

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