Explanation video is not equal to explanation video and that is also good so! Due to the variety of styles and techniques, very individual explanation videos can be produced, which leave nothing to be desired and if necessary stand out clearly from the videos of competitors. Which production techniques there are and which advantages and disadvantages are connected with it in each case we clarify in this article in co-operation with Inah, an experienced video specialist. This article also gives an overview of the different price levels.
Laying technique
In the laying technique or flat figure technique, objects are drawn on paper or printed out, cut out and moved with the hands on a flat, mostly white background. This process is filmed and then backed up with spoken text. The hand movements are often seen in the finished video. Scene changes are represented by wiping away all objects.
Animation video
The term animation describes the series of static individual images in a sequence that gives the eye the impression of movement when reproduced. 24 frames per second (fps) are needed to simulate an almost fluid motion.
A distinction is made between 2D and 3D animations.
In the field of video, 3D animations are used with comparatively high effort in creation and conception. In addition, larger 3D animations require corresponding computing power and possibly long waiting times for output processes. They are mainly used for technical visualizations, in computer games and scenic films (feature films).
Motion Design (Motion Graphics)
Much more common is the use of 2D animations. Motion Design (also called Motion Graphics) describes the discipline of moving image design from graphics and typography and has its origin in the creation of pre- and post-processing for films. This art has already become known in the early history of film. The very elaborate and artistically valuable intro sequences of the James Bond films were groundbreaking. A tradition that is still cultivated today.
The term keyframe comes from the production process of animated films. The main draughtsman creates all the important images of the plot. In order to represent a movement, however, it still needs many intermediate images. However, these are now made by intermediate draughtsmen.
In the computer generated animation this intermediate step is no longer necessary. However, the terms have remained. By means of keyframes the software is taught which settings should be applicable at a certain point of the action. Instead of an intermediate draughtsman, however, the computer takes over the creation of all further images at this point. Of course, this can be influenced in order to optimize the result accordingly.
For many explanatory videos, however, the depiction of “flowing” movements is dispensed with. In order to keep the animations simple and quickly interchangeable, the characters often move rather erratically, which doesn’t break the illusion of movement (although rather abruptly).
Real shooting
A real shoot has many possibilities. Whether a short film with script, a film in interview style or the representation of a company, a product or a service in an image film. There are almost no limits to the possible applications if the budget is right.
Shooting can take place indoor and outdoor. Deployments in the studio, in the nature, in companies directly, on fairs, or also Events such as concerts are possible.
The smallest constellation of a film team consists of a camera operator and his assistant. However, since filming involves a wide variety of tasks, the number of participants in a film shoot increases in proportion to the effort involved in the script. In scenic film productions, for example, the term “film staff” is used, which can consist of several hundred people. For simple explanatory videos or even image films, however, this order of magnitude is not usual. Here mostly smaller installations from for example camera operator, sound technician, light technician and editor are used.
In post-production (post-production), film material generated during shooting is then processed. In addition to video editing (montage), the sound design is created in this step.
Material from a real shoot can also be combined with animated material, for example by a filmed presenter explaining facts, which are then illustrated in the background by animations.
Stop motion technology
Stop motion technology is also part of real shooting. If a scene is photographed in individual frames and something is changed from frame to frame in this scene, a stop motion is created in the final montage.
In addition to various scenic film productions, it is also used in advertising, music videos and explanatory videos. However, the production of such videos is comparatively complex.