Animatic
An animatic is a preliminary version of a movie, commercial, or animation that helps visualize how the final product will look. Think of it as a rough draft that combines storyboard drawings with timing, sound, and basic movement. It's like a blueprint that shows everyone involved in the project – from directors to clients – how the final animation will flow. Animatics are created before doing the full animation to save time and money by catching any story or pacing issues early. Similar terms you might see include "story reel" or "leica reel." This is a crucial step between static storyboards and the final animated product.
Examples in Resumes
Created Animatic sequences for television commercials using Adobe After Effects
Developed Animatics and Story Reels for animated series pilots
Led team in converting storyboards into detailed Animatic presentations for client approval
Typical job title: "Animatic Artists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Animatic Artists
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle client feedback and revisions in animatic production?
Expected Answer: A senior animatic artist should explain their process for organizing feedback from multiple stakeholders, implementing changes efficiently, and maintaining project timeline while accommodating revisions.
Q: How do you manage a team working on complex animatic projects with tight deadlines?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in team leadership, project planning, resource allocation, and maintaining quality while meeting deadlines.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for turning storyboards into animatics?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they time out scenes, add camera movements, incorporate sound, and create smooth transitions between scenes.
Q: How do you ensure consistency in style and timing across an entire animatic?
Expected Answer: Should discuss their methods for maintaining visual consistency, managing scene timing, and ensuring smooth flow throughout the entire piece.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What software do you use for creating animatics?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss common animation software like Adobe After Effects, Premiere, or ToonBoom, and basic understanding of their features for animatic creation.
Q: What's the difference between a storyboard and an animatic?
Expected Answer: Should explain that storyboards are static images while animatics add motion, timing, and sound to show how the final animation will flow.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic animation software knowledge
- Understanding of timing and movement
- Simple sound integration
- Basic editing skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced software proficiency
- Camera movement creation
- Sound effect and music integration
- Client presentation skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Complex animation planning
- Client relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic animation principles
- Lack of timing and pacing understanding
- No experience with animation software
- Poor understanding of storytelling through visuals
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