Animation in South Africa: Great Animation Takes Time

Animation in South Africa has become a powerful storytelling medium, captivating audiences with visually stunning and imaginative content. But behind every jaw-dropping scene lies a question many people can’t help but wonder: How long does this actually take to create? Most are surprised to learn that bringing an animated film to life is a meticulous, time-consuming process. It can’t be that hard, right? Just a few computer clicks and voilà, a film is born. Not quite. In South Africa, the animation industry is growing rapidly, fuelled by passionate creators who dedicate countless hours to perfecting every frame. And while the results are always exciting, there’s much more to the process than meets the eye. What does it really take to produce animation that stands out? The answer lies in the dedication, time, and resources required for truly high-quality production.

The Time Commitment in Animation

The process of producing an animated film is much more time-consuming than many anticipate. Unlike live-action filmmaking, where actors perform in real time, animation in South Africa requires the creation of every single frame from scratch. This could range from traditional hand-drawn animation, where each movement is illustrated by an artist, to modern 3D animation, where digital models are manipulated to produce fluid motion.

A standard animated film is typically produced at 24 frames per second (fps). This means that, for just one second of animation, 24 individual frames need to be created. To put that into perspective, a short 10-minute animated film requires approximately 14,400 frames! Now imagine how many frames are needed for a full-length feature.

Phases of Animation Production

The length of time it takes to create an animated film depends on several phases of production:

1. Pre-production:

This phase includes idea development, scripting, and storyboarding. Each scene is planned out in detail to ensure that the animation team, particularly in animation in South Africa, knows exactly what needs to be created. Pre-production can take anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the story.

2. Design and Modelling:

Once the storyboard is ready, designers create characters, environments, and props. In 3D animation, models are built in specialised software, while 2D animations require illustrations for every scene.

3. Animation:

The animation phase is where the real time investment comes in. Animators, especially those involved in animation in South Africa, bring characters and objects to life, ensuring movement looks natural and matches the tone of the story. This phase can take months, depending on the length of the film and the intricacy of the action.

4. Post-production:

After the animation is completed, post-production adds final touches such as lighting, sound effects, and music. This final stage can also take several weeks, polishing the film to its finished state.

Why Does It Take So Long?

The long-time investment in animation is due to the attention to detail required for each scene and frame. Whether you’re producing a 30-second ad or a full-length animated movie, animation in South Africa is a meticulous process. Animators here are known for their dedication to quality and creativity, but as with any high-quality product, good work takes time.

Advantages of Using Animation

Despite the time commitment, animation in South Africa offers numerous advantages, particularly in the country’s growing creative landscape. One of its greatest strengths is creative freedom, allowing creators to explore ideas, settings, and characters that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive in live-action productions. Whether it’s futuristic cities or fantastical creatures, animation can bring any vision to life. Additionally, while animation requires significant upfront investment, it often proves more cost-effective in the long run, as content can be reused, re-edited, and repurposed without the need for costly reshoots. Animation also boasts a timeless appeal, with the ability to remain relevant for years, unlike some live-action films that may feel dated over time. Finally, animation excels at engaging audiences of all ages, offering exaggerated expressions, imaginative settings, and unique visuals that capture attention in ways live-action often cannot, making it universally appealing.

Creating an animated film takes time, skill, and patience. In South Africa, animation is flourishing, with talented teams like Oliver Karstel Agency at the forefront. While the time investment may seem daunting, the final result is always worth it. Animation offers unmatched creative potential and the ability to connect with audiences in a powerful way.

If you’re ready to create high-quality animated content that transforms your ideas into unforgettable stories, understanding the process is key—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today, and let’s bring your vision to life through the power of animation.

We are a leading video production company in Johannesburg and have one of the top learner management systems in South Africa. We specialise in Video Production, Photography, Graphic Design, eLearning Development, Web Design, Animation and Creative Consultation. | info@oliverkarstel.co.za | www.oliverkarstel.co.za | IG.com/oliverkarstel