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Illustration forms overview

There are film categories that are radically different visually and which have advantages and disadvantages worth considering whenever envisaging a production project. We call them 'illustration forms' and outline the most common ones below.

Live-action video

The film is made of 'real world' images shot with a camera. Classically, it mixes illustrative shots with video interview footages. Messages emerge mainly from the interview content editing choices and voice over.

Pro's

  • warmer, more prone to create empathy
  • movie-quality images now more affordable

Con's

  • higher production costs usually
  • illustrating ideas is sometimes more complex
  • tend to be longer and slower
  • can be perceived as old-fashioned if done classically

Animation

The film is purely digitally assembled from computer animated graphic design work. Messages emerge from graphic elements, text and voice over.

Pro's

  • neat design, modern, professional look and feel
  • unlimited creative potential
  • animation effects adds another narrative dimension
  • "everybody loves cartoons" effect

Con's

  • sometimes cold, less human
  • heavily dependent on a good narrative
  • risk of "corporate" look and feel if abused

Stop Motion

The film is animated image per image using a variety of modelling techniques and materials (clay, paper fold, etc...). Messages emerge from the universe created and animation, whether supported by text/voice over or not.

Pro's

  • exclusive distinctive potential
  • unlimited creative potential
  • animation effects add another narrative dimension
  • "everybody loves cartoons" effect

Con's

  • higher production costs
  • tends to require more creative work
  • needs to be kept relatively short

Hybrid

The film mixes real world images with animated graphics or models. It can be mainly video, mainly animation or a balanced mix. Messages can emerge from all content used.

Pro's

  • most impressive when well done
  • can capitalise on positives and balance downsides of each component, notably cost

Con's

  • consistency more difficult to obtain
  • requires  a carefully-built narrative flow to be effective

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