Anatomy of an Animation

Our regular series in which we break down an animation project, explaining the considerations and processes that led us to the final version.

Everyday Health – Inside your Lungs: Severe and Eosinophilic Asthma

Executive Summary

Our Client, Everyday Health seeks to empower people to live their healthiest lives, every day. They wanted to create a series of animations on Asthma to explain the different types of Asthma and the physiological conditions that may manifest. The video above is the final version for “Why Is Your Asthma So Hard to Control”.

Read About the Process (5 mins)

The models

This animation is a consumer-facing one so the science had to be assessable and easy to understand by a non-medical viewer but also be scientifically and medically accurate. As with all of our work, the story needs to be told in a visually compelling and stunning way, with high production value, to captivate and engage the viewer.

We worked on creating models that were clean and easy for the viewer to follow. While the models where visually accurate and detailed, the information presented would focus on small, easy to grasp concepts.

Branding

One of the key considerations was to create models that the viewer could identify and relate to. We opted to create a 2D/3D combination look that would feel like a hand drawn, hand colored look as well as allow for detailed high-end rendering, and flexibility to use the model in many ways for future work in all of Everyday Health work. The background colors, the clothes, the skin tone, and the styles are all chosen to be consistent with the branding and overall mission.

Process

We follow a three-stage process for creating an animation:

Pre-production: Preparation of storyboard aligned with client’s requirements
Production: Creation of a texturized and lit computer-generated 3D model which serves as a key milestone to get client’s sign-off; motion is then added to 3D models to create a sequence of visuals
Post-production: Composting or stitching together of various sequences with narration, text and visual effects applied to form the final animation.

With 15 years of experience and thousands of animations under our belt, we’ve been able to create a system that allows our clients to have trust in the process. Our project managers all have advanced degrees in medical illustration, which allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
We make you look good.