Process

I frequently get asked about the process and the programs that we use to make Post-Nup. So I’ve summarized our process into the following eight steps:

1. Script: Every episode starts out with a script from Sandeep which he writes in Final Draft. He probably writes about six drafts per episode before we finalize it.
2. Storyboard: A storyboard is a series of sequential images that shows roughly how each shot will appear. It helps us visualize what the episode will look like as a whole. I create the storyboard in Flash so it’s easy to integrate with the animatic and animation later on.
3. Voice Recording: Once the script is more or less locked, we go to Spliggity Fidge for a recording session. We read through the entire episode again and again, and offer each other acting direction as we go.
4. Sound editing: I import the sound files into Final Cut Pro where I have the tedious job of listening through the recordings and finding the best overall take (although we end up substituting in a few individual lines from other takes).
5. Animatic.  An animatic is basically a storyboard with sound. The animatic is essential for working out timing and story issues before we get into the animation stage where major changes are time intensive to make.
6. Animation: I do all my animation in Flash which helps save me lots of time because I don’t have to draw the same thing over and over again.
7. Editing and Compositing: The final stage of the process is when I string all the animated shots together in After Effects. I also add in transitions, camera moves, the credits, and backgrounds.
8. Sound Design: We send our product to our sound designer Josh Armel who adds in music and sound effects. We go back and forth with him and continue making changes on the animation until we get an episode that we like.

Read more in the coming weeks when describe each of these steps in more detail!