3-D Computer Animation in Training Videos

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3-D Computer Animation

We use computer animation for a variety of purposes in the production of a training video, e-learning or interactive multimedia.

For example:

the building or civil engineering project has yet to be built, but the client wants the video to show what it will look like. Computer animation will be the only way to do this.
the building has been built but it is not possible to show what's needed with a conventional video shoot; we might need to strip away layers of the structure to show the interior layout or particular systems in the building
the machine is too complex to explain to the viewer unless we break it down into component processes
a bioscience project needs us to show actions at a molecular level which cannot be captured in any other way
a safety issue is too hazardous to film, even with imaginative special effects

desert vehicles animation 1 desert vehicles animation 2
How we create 3-D Computer Animation

Modelling: very often the client will already have CAD drawings which our animator can import into our animation software. Failing that we will model this ourselves. If the machine or site already exists we will also shoot stills to capture details, finishes, etc.

Storyboarding: next we write a script to describe what the viewer will see and also any voiceover that will accompany and explain the computer animation. This allows us to agree with the client the messages that need to be put across and this in turn gives the animator an idea of exactly what should be shown, the angles, etc.

Key Frames: the animator prepares a sequence of key frames. These are individual still images, which can be approved for content.

Test Sequences: short, low resolution sequences. The equivalent of a printer's proof.

Voiceover recording: if the computer animation is to be synchronised with a professional voiceover, this is recorded by the narrator, so that the finished animation will fit the words.

Detailing: further textures and details may be added, for example stock on the shelves of a shop, signs on a machine, moving people or vehicles, waves on the surface of the sea.

Final Rendering: once the sequence has been finally approved by the client, we render it to the size required for the video. We can also produce high resolution images for print or exhibition use

bioscience animation 1

Some of our computer animation projects

Induction and Promotional Videos for a bank data centre. This replaced some earlier helicopter video footage and allowed the client to explain the layout of the centre, the various security measures in place, the resilience of the facility and environmentally friendly cooling system. This appeared as part of a conventional training video production.

Informational Computer Animation to explain a new concept in automated oil pipeline construction. This was synchronised to a voiceover narration and also had 2-D graphic sequences to summarise they key ideas.

Bioscience animation to explain the function of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System, its purpose in the immune system and the potential for developing new medical treatments

Petrol station animation to demonstrate areas of potential loss and pollution, most of which are underground and not visible to the naked eye.

Financial Model for a bank to demonstrate cashflow within a business. This was to illustrate a finance for non-financial course which we had converted to e-learning.