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This question above is more common than you think. Frequently, our clients ask us about it. “What are the pros of animation?”, “What are the cons of live action?”, “Which is better?”. What are the correct answers for all these questions? All styles are work in the right context and all production methods are have a purpose. The important thing to know is when to use each one to promote your company and deliver your message to the audience you’re targeting.
If you still have a doubt about it, we can tell you that you don’t have to choose one instead of another. The thing is animation doesn’t need to exclude live-action and vice versa. You can use motion graphics animation in a live-action video or screencast in an animated video, or all of those styles together.
Here’s a good example: if what you need is to showcase how your actual product works in real life, then you should go with live action. But let’s say you need to showcase the technology or mechanisms of the product; for that animation would be best. This also makes a good case for using both in the same video.
In animation and live-action production, there are a variety of factors at play. It’s very important to look at the time you want to invest; the energy you are wanting to commit to; and how flexible you are with the direction. Take a look below a typical animation and live action processes and make the comparison:
THE ANIMATION PROCESS
A typical animation process would normally go as follows:
Creative concept;
Scriptwriting (more on this later in the pros and cons);
Storyboarding;
Animatic;
Animation creation;
Sound editing including any effects,
Voiceovers
Music.
THE LIVE ACTION PROCESS
The live-action process tends to follow a similar line to animation, but it has some crucial differences:
Creative;
Scriptwriting;
Storyboarding;
Stage/scene production (Filming)
Logistics;
Post-production
Editing including visual effects,
Sound effects,
Music
Voiceovers (if necessary).
Important factors to think about!
Your choice between animation and live action will depend on many factors about your business:
- Your business culture, identity, and image;
- The message you need to express and its complexity;
- Your audience and their preferences; and
- The objectives of your video content.
When it comes to speed and cost, no approach is inherently better than the other. So you need to think exactly what you want to achieve and be sure you base your choice on evidence. And if you’re still confused, count on an experienced video agency like Bee Video!