The 3D-Animation – from the idea to the film
The fascination of 3d holographic content is still up to date. However, it is often underestimated that suitable content must always be created for each piece of hardware (hologram displays, LED fans or transparent screens).
Basically, if something has to appear 3-dimensional, the source material (i.e. the film) must also be 3D. Many companies nowadays have digital twins of their own products, systems or objects. This is also the most important starting point for creating 3D animations. Nevertheless, the existence of 3D data does not mean that you can make easy and quick a 3D animation out of it. In the following we would like to present the processes in more detail.
The development of 3D animations is divided into different steps. The workflow:
- Concept: In this phase you develop the ideas and concept for the 3D animation, which includes the definition of the goal, what are the USP´s and what kind of information has to transferred to whom. As a next step you need to create of a storyboard/script that describes the progression of the animation. At this stage, close coordination between the client and the creative team is necessary. It is important to point out here that the approval of the storyboard is also always the basis for the production of the animation. At this point an offer can be made.
- Model: This step creates the three-dimensional models of the objects, characters, or scenes that will be used in the animation. Modeling involves creating the basic shapes.
If 3D models already exist, modeling is not necessary. n this case, the customer provides the existing 3D files in the most common formats (STP, IGES,...). Sind die 3D Daten vorhanden, sollten diese eingespielt und überprüft werden. Ideally, the 3D data is tidy and grouped, which speeds up the process and reduces costs. - Texture: After modeling, textures are assigned to the 3D models to give them a realistic look. This involves creating surface materials and assigning colors, patterns or images to the surfaces.
- Animation: In this phase, the 3D models are brought to life. Animation involves creating movements, deformations and interactions of the models. This involves setting keyframes that define the main positions and movements.
- Lighting: Now you set up the lighting for the to create the desired atmosphere and mood. This includes placing light sources, adjusting the intensity and color of the light, and using shadows and reflections
- Rendering: Rendering is the process of exporting a 3D scene or animation into a final movie. It involves calculating the lighting, shadows, textures and other visual effects to create a realistic or stylized representation of the 3D scene.
- Compositing: This is a post-production process in which various visual elements such as renderings, graphics, texts and other effects are assembled into a final image composition.
- Sound: If necessary, a soundtrack can also be added to the animation. This includes recording or selecting dialog, background music, sound effects and synchronizing with the animation.
These individual steps can vary in scope and complexity depending on the project. Often we are asked for lump sum costs for 3D films. Especially because in many animations additional effects (water, fog, currents, glow...) highlight the individual sequences, no "per minute" costs can be given.
Overall, customers and service providers should be aware that such implementations and the individual steps require intensive consultation and close cooperation. We hope we have been able to give you a clear description of the process of creating an animation and look forward to your numerous questions.