How We Bring CG Animations to Life. The Creative Pipeline

author :

Jakub Grobelny

tags :

[ Pipeline ]

Creating CG piece is a wild ride, and the key to making it all come together is having a solid pipeline. It’s the roadmap that takes us from an idea to a final animation, and in this article, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how we get from “Let’s do this!” to “Enjoy!”

The Stages of Our Pipeline

Without further ado, here’s our magic formula that helps us stay focused and ensures we never miss a beat. Each step builds on the previous one so we can deliver the best animation without any hiccups. While this is an outline of our generic approach, it’s always tailored to meet the unique needs of each project, ensuring we craft something truly special every time.

In every stage of the CG project, there are key “points of no return” where decisions are final. We’ll clearly identify these moments to keep the project on track and ensure alignment before finalizing each version.

There are two streamlines. One is a storyline streamline, which focuses on how we create something. This is: script, storyboard, boar-o-matic, previz, animation, FX, lighting, compositing, grading and final.

The second one is an asset streamline, which centers on what we are creating. That’s: concept, modeling and styleframe.

Let’s explain each of the stages:

Concept Phase

Think of it as laying a solid foundation, so when the action starts, we’re ready to roll. It’s where we sit down with clients, brainstorm, and figure out exactly what we want to create.

Script: Here, we define the story and flow, making sure everyone is on the same page from the start.

Storyboard: Consider this a sneak peek of the story. It outlines all the scenes, actions, and camera movements. This is our first chance to visualize how things will unfold and make sure everyone’s on board before diving even deeper into the project.
This is a point of no return for the story.

Board-o-matic: It’s a rough-cut using storyboard sketches that shows the timing and flow of the video. It acts like a blueprint, guiding the animation and giving the first taste of how the final animation will feel.
This is a point of no return for the story.

Concept: Asset design begins with sketching the object in 2D. Once the concept gets the green light, it’s ready to be moved to the next stage.
This is a point of no return in terms of asset build and structure.

Production Phase

This is where the magic happens. In production, we start bringing ideas to life. Characters, props, and environments are built in 3D, textured, and animated. It’s at this stage that the animation starts feeling real, and the project begins to take shape.

Modeling: This is where sketches come to life as 3D objects.
This is a point of no return for how the 3D objects are built.

Shading: The model gets prepped for lighting here.

Rigging: At this stage, the asset is set up for animation.

Styleframe: A sample shot from the video that locks in the look and feel, setting the tone for the entire project.

This is a point of no return for the looks.

Previz: This is the rough animation stage where we layout key movements and camera work. It’s like an upgraded board-o-matic, giving us a clearer preview of how the final animation will feel and setting the rhythm for the entire piece.

This is a point of no return for the edit.

Animation: Now, we bring our CG characters and objects to life. It’s an ongoing process of refining and polishing the animation, making sure the story aligns perfectly with the behavior of our digital actors.

This is a point of no return for all movement in the video.

FX: We simulate real-world behaviors using physics-driven systems to create high-quality animations.

Lighting: This is where we combine the camera from the previz with the animated characters. It’s the start of our digital DOP work, bringing everything into a cohesive shot.This is a point of no return for lighting.

Finishing Phase

Once the animation and light look good, it’s time to add the finishing touches. In post-production, we perfect the details, polish the lighting, and make sure everything looks absolutely stunning.

Compositing: At this point, the rendered frames head to compositing, where extra elements like text, logos, and other finishing touches are added. This is a point of no return for all on-screen elements.
Grading is the final touch in the CG process, turning high-quality into extraordinary. The “proposed final " comes together after the grading stage.
Final: The Grand Finale. Once everything is locked in and approved, we will have the video ready for delivery.

Collaboration: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Planning is important, but what really makes the pipeline work is the team behind it. We stay connected through online calls with the client, regular check-ins, and brainstorming sessions. Every team member brings their own expertise, and by working closely together, we keep the project moving smoothly and stay in sync with the client’s vision. We also use various tools for effective communication, both internally and with others, to keep everything on track.

Wrapping Up: Let’s Create Something Epic!

And... cue the applause! That’s the behind-the-scenes magic of how we bring CG visuals to life. From the first sketches to the final render, it’s all about planning, teamwork, and crafting a one-of-a-kind project.

Got an idea? Let’s chat.
— We’re always ready to bring something epic to life!

Form Meets Focus: Inside Ars Thanea’s Strategic Transformation

Pipeline

How We Bring CG Animations to Life. The Creative Pipeline

Creating CG piece is a wild ride, and the key to making it all come together is having a solid pipeline. It’s the roadmap that takes us from an idea to a final animation, and in this article, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how we get from “Let’s do this!” to “Enjoy!”

The Stages of Our Pipeline

Let’s explain each of the stages:

Concept Phase

Production Phase

Finishing Phase

Collaboration: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Wrapping Up: Let’s Create Something Epic!

Got an idea? Let’s chat.
— We’re always ready to bring something epic to life!

Form Meets Focus: Inside Ars Thanea’s Strategic Transformation

What’s Needed to Scope Your Project

How We Bring CG Animations to Life. The Creative Pipeline

Form Meets Focus: Inside Ars Thanea’s Strategic Transformation

What’s Needed to Scope Your Project

Jakub Grobelny

Creating CG piece is a wild ride, and the key to making it all come together is having a solid pipeline. It’s the roadmap that takes us from an idea to a final animation, and in this article, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how we get from “Let’s do this!” to “Enjoy!”

The Stages of Our Pipeline

Let’s explain each of the stages:

Concept Phase

Production Phase

Finishing Phase

Collaboration: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Wrapping Up: Let’s Create Something Epic!

Got an idea? Let’s chat.
— We’re always ready to bring something epic to life!

How We Bring CG Animations to Life. The Creative Pipeline

Creating CG piece is a wild ride, and the key to making it all come together is having a solid pipeline. It’s the roadmap that takes us from an idea to a final animation, and in this article, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how we get from “Let’s do this!” to “Enjoy!”

The Stages of Our Pipeline

Let’s explain each of the stages:

Concept Phase

Production Phase

Finishing Phase

Collaboration: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Wrapping Up: Let’s Create Something Epic!

Got an idea? Let’s chat.— We’re always ready to bring something epic to life!

Form Meets Focus: Inside Ars Thanea’s Strategic Transformation

What’s Needed to Scope Your Project

How We Bring CG Animations to Life. The Creative Pipeline

Form Meets Focus: Inside Ars Thanea’s Strategic Transformation

What’s Needed to Scope Your Project

Jakub Grobelny

Creating CG piece is a wild ride, and the key to making it all come together is having a solid pipeline. It’s the roadmap that takes us from an idea to a final animation, and in this article, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how we get from “Let’s do this!” to “Enjoy!”

The Stages of Our Pipeline

Let’s explain each of the stages:

Concept Phase

Production Phase

Finishing Phase

Collaboration: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Wrapping Up: Let’s Create Something Epic!

Got an idea? Let’s chat.— We’re always ready to bring something epic to life!

Got an idea? Let’s chat.
— We’re always ready to bring something epic to life!

Got an idea? Let’s chat.
— We’re always ready to bring something epic to life!