1
Brief
We start by getting to know your project and goals. Together we discuss and determine the production budget, based on the scope of work, the implementation schedule and the specific stages. Together we plan the approach, taking into account the distribution channels for the production, the target audience and the message you aim to communicate.
2
Script
If you don't have a ready-made script, we create and propose a story that fits your message and target audience. We go through several stages until we have a ready-made script that clearly describes the entire action and all the lines. We can also work with screenwriters who have international experience and credits.
3
Visual preparation (mood board)
We create a document with sample images and designs in a style appropriate for your target audience and story. This is the starting point where we define and discuss the direction of the style with spesific examples before we even start drawing. This document is the starting point from which we start talking specifically about atmosphere, colors, style of sets and characters, even music and sound. We can use photos of places, people, costumes - anything that helps us describe our idea to make sure we are moving in the right direction. For example, for the promotional videos for KPMG Czech Republic, our clients wanted us to include real locations from their offices in Prague, as well as real employees of theirs, as cartoon characters.
4
Character and background design
Based on the visual preparation, we begin the character and background design process. We create an entirely new style, based on what we have discussed, specifically for your purposes.
Once we approve the look of the characters and background design, we create what we call “style shots.” These are key moments from the script that we develop into the final style of the video as an example and guideline. After discussion and approval from you, these images become the "template" for the look of the entire video that we strive for as an execution.
5
Video sketch
Once the design and vision are set, we make a video sketch of the entire production. This is a moving video of the final product, often working with sample music and non-final voice-over. This is where we see moving footage for the first time - we check the sequence, the rhythm of the action and the overall feel, as well as whether the lines and story are clear enough. Sometimes, this is where we can also record the final voice-over, as well as make the final music to animate to a specific rhythm.
6
Production
After the video sketch and design are approved, the production itself begins. Any changes after the start of production would require significant time and resources – so we carefully review and discuss everything done and planned so far.
The animation goes through several stages—rough animation, clean animation, and final color and line art. This ensures high-quality results.
Along with the animation, we also create all the necessary final backgrounds, which go through two stages: a black-and-white sketch and the final color version. For the final color version, we first develop a color sketch of the entire video, which serves as a template for all scenes.
7
Compositing and post-production
Once the animation is complete, the final image is composited with the final backgrounds. Final color corrections, effects, shadows, camera movements, text, and so on are added. At this point, the video takes on its final form.
We add music, voice-over, and sound design. Sometimes we work with a composer and musicians who write and perform original music for the video. Sound effects and post-production are added so that the voice-over and music work together.
8
At the end!
The animation is complete and ready to be shared with the world! We provide all supplementary materials, as well as the final video in the required formats.
9
Feedback
At Studio Zmei, we’re always striving to improve our processes and our work. That’s why our collaboration doesn’t end with the final video—we discuss how the process went from your perspective, what we can improve, what worked well, and what could be better. This ensures that when we work together on our next project, everything will go even better!
Get in touch with us
If you have any questions, need additional information, or would like to contact our team, please do not hesitate to write to us. We will be happy to help you!
