We were tasked with the production of a 2D character animation corporate video for BBW International. BBW International are training and transformation specialists, with a global footprint of success centered around change management and skills development. On top of working with BBW International, we also collaborated with the Tshwane University of Technology, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and SEQUA on this animated corporate video.

When working with multiple organisations on a project, it vital that you set up clear channels for communications and collaboration. Clearly stipulate each project members role during production. This ensures feedback is delivered as per the members specialty. In addition we recommend planning your feedback in advance for each step of animation production. This ensures that as soon as there are items ready for perusal, there are no additional delays in feedback. A single missing person could delay large parts of the animation production depending on their role. A similar approach should also be taken with the videos script, in this case a very long one that involves many different subject matter experts. Collaborating on the script for an animated video sets the tone of production as it massively influences the project storyboard and subsequent animated assets to aid in the visual representation of the video. Also depending on the size of the video and number of scenes, you may want to produce the animated assets in advance, as the feedback for them could take considerably longer than anticipated.

For the narration of the video we opted for an in-house voice artist. This formed a part of our bespoke service, as every element of the animated video was produced by the same teams under the same roof. It also meant as soon as the script was ready we could record the video narration and send it to the client for perusal along with the storyboard. This option also saved our clients on their budget as no additional talent needed to be hired. This meant more of the project budget could go straight into the custom animation, backdrops and post-production.

Another great benefit of using 2D character animation is that there is no need to film, which helps both with social distancing and with the additional costs associated with traveling and filming. All the animated characters and backgrounds are also easy to updated and reproduce. Which means future video adaptations will take considerably less time and budget to update. The animated assets can also easily be repurposed for other applications like training, marketing and sales. 2D Character animation is perfectly suited for corporate videos, where the subjects deal directly with employee behaviour and communication. The characters can also be based on real life employees, or even act as mascots for other applications like change management and training.

It was a pleasure working on this project. Every step of production was handled on a remote-basis, with streamlined production and perfectly met deadlines from all parties involved.

Looking to produce 2D character animation for your next corporate content project? Get in touch with our team today!

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