A rough animated version of the storyboard: frames played in sequence with audio, used to test timing and pacing before the full production begins.

Animatics are useful for complex animated videos or videos with precise editorial timing. They let directors and clients see how a sequence will flow before committing to the expense of full production.

Animatic in the real world

For Michel Gondry’s Around the World video for Daft Punk (1997), an animatic was created before production to show how the different groups of dancers representing each instrument would interact on the circular stage. Because the entire concept depended on the visual rhythm of movement matching the sonic rhythm of the track, testing the timing in an animatic before choreographing and filming was essential.

Related terms

Storyboard, VFX, Rough cut, Animated video, Director