Animated Video Production Process
This page explains how animated video projects are developed at Sundstedt Animation, from early discovery through to final delivery. The process is structured, transparent, and handled end-to-end by the studio founder, Anders Sundstedt, ensuring consistent creative direction throughout.
Our video production process – bespoke 2D animated videos, handcrafted from scratch
01 Discovery & Strategy
Each project begins with a focused discovery phase to define goals, audience, and creative direction. This includes video type, intended platform, runtime, visual references, and messaging priorities. From this, the project scope is defined and a transparent price range and production plan are provided.
This foundation ensures the animation supports real communication goals from day one.
Timeline Overview
Every project follows a custom production schedule based on length and complexity. After discovery, the project moves forward in stages, with clear sign-off points for the script, storyboard, visuals, animation, and final delivery.
Prompt feedback keeps production efficient and protects your launch deadline. Most clients complete reviews within 24 hours.
02 Script Review & Structure
Whether you arrive with a complete script or an early concept, the narrative is reviewed for on-screen clarity and timing. This includes checking pacing, word count per scene, and how the content will translate visually. For explainer videos, voiceover is provided by the client, and for music videos the song lyrics and timing are already in place.
The result is a script that is clean, concise, and engineered for accurate runtime.
03 Storyboard
The approved script is translated into a detailed, shot-by-shot storyboard. The storyboard uses clean, professional thumbnail sketches to define composition, action, transitions, and visual emphasis. These sketches show the basics of each shot, without using final artwork.
This stage allows refinements before production begins, reducing revisions later and keeping the project focused.
04 Final Design & Visual Approval
The storyboard is translated into final, approved visuals for each scene. This includes the finished character designs, backgrounds, props, colour palette, and composition. These visuals are shown as completed still frames for approval before animation begins.
All artwork is illustrated from scratch in-house, ensuring a distinctive and original aesthetic rather than a template-driven look.
05 Voiceover (Explainer Videos Only)
Voiceover direction is provided covering tone, age, accent, and delivery style, and professional voice talent can be sourced if required. You may also supply your own voiceover.
To maintain schedule flexibility, animation can proceed using a temporary reference track, with the final recording integrated once approved.
06 Production Preparation & Rigging
Once the visuals are approved, the artwork is prepared for animation. This includes organising layers, creating any necessary additional assets, separating elements for movement, and setting up character rigs where required. Everything is structured for efficient animation, revision, and final compositing.
07 High-End 2D Animation & Compositing
Using the approved storyboard and designs, each scene is animated with precise timing and controlled motion. This phase includes compositing, post-production effects, and colour grading to achieve a polished, cinematic finish.
Review passes are shared during production so motion and pacing can be approved before final renders.
08 Sound Effects & Music
Sound effects and music are selected to support narrative clarity and emotional tone. Licensed or royalty-free music is sourced as needed, and all audio is mixed and levelled for consistent playback across web, social media, and broadcast environments.
09 Final Polish & Global Delivery
After final approval, the video is mastered in your chosen resolution, including Full HD or up to 4K. You receive optimised files ready for web, social media, and broadcast use, along with embed-ready versions.
10 Remote Collaboration & Support
Projects are handled remotely via email, phone, and video calls. You work directly with the person creating the animation and receive clear updates at each milestone.
Post-delivery support and updates are available, along with guidance on distribution best practices. See the testimonials to read feedback from past projects.
Getting Started
Share your project details via the contact form to book a free consultation. Your brief will be reviewed and a clear scope, schedule, and quote provided for your bespoke animated video.
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