How to make an animation? From design to a finished video.
Updated: 31.3. 2025
How is an Animated Video Created?
What are the different types of animated videos?
Or how much work goes into creating 30 seconds of animation, and what does it all involve?
We have created dozens of animated videos for a variety of clients, including mobile and web applications, public administration, and e-shops.
So, we would like to share with you what goes on behind the scenes. :)
>>> How is animation made?
Online course MARKUSFILM ACADEMY worth 1999 CZK FREE HERE! <<<
1. Briefing
Everything starts with the client’s briefing, where they describe their vision and the purpose of the animated video in a few sentences.
For example, in our campaign for the e-shop Trenýrkárna.cz, the goal was to create short commercial spots with a clear and memorable message, which were later shared on YouTube.
We created an animated video for company Dryout. The objective was to explain the air-drying technology on their website in a simple way.
Each video has a unique character, so the animation script must be tailored accordingly.
Here’s an animated video we created for eshop Trenýrkárna.cz, which has 250,000 views on YouTube.
Can you recognize the voice of a well-known actor in the video? :) You’ll find the name under the video.
Yes, it’s Petr Rychlý.
2. Idea
Sometimes the idea is already clear from the briefing, which makes things easier...
If the client doesn’t have a specific story in mind, that’s when the creative process begins.
We brainstorm ideas and write down everything that comes to mind until we crystallize a compelling story to present to the client. :)
Here’s a short vlog from the making of an animation for the educational web application Chápeš.cz, where we showcase the process of creating animated videos at our studio Markusfilm.
How is an animated video made? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the creation process in our Markusfilm studio.
3. Scriptwriting
Once the concept is approved by the client, everything is written into a simple script. For more complex animations, we also create a storyboard.
A storyboard includes sketches of all the characters and the places they appear in. Once it is done, the real work begins.
Here’s an animation we created for the Chápeš.cz educational app, for which we also wrote the script.
The voiceover was done by Karel Zídka, a radio host from Fajn Radio.
>>>Find the pricing of our animated videos HERE <<<
4. Animation Creation
The foundation of an animated video is a series of drawings, often done in simple line art.
This serves as the skeleton of the animation and is the most time-consuming part of the process.
Next, individual objects are animated using Adobe Animate, a program previously known as Adobe Flash.
The animation process is long and labor-intensive, requiring meticulous hand-drawn elements. There’s no shortcut to this level of detail.
>>> Need an animation? Contact us! We look forward to working with you! <<<
5. Final Delivery & Adjustments. And What About the Price?
The last stage is delivering the animation to the client.
We then wait for feedback and make minor adjustments if necessary. These are usually small, cosmetic changes that don’t take much time.
How much does an animated video cost at Markusfilm?
If we handle the full concept and drawings, a 30-second animated video starts at 40,000 CZK. For shorter videos, it can be 30,000 CZK.
Longer or more complex animations range from 50,000 to 80,000 CZK.
For high-end projects with 3D animations, the cost can go up to 100,000–200,000 CZK.
Since a blacksmith’s horse shouldn’t go barefoot, we made an animated video for our own studio. :)
It works great in PPC ads on Google and Facebook.
>>> Looking for voices for your animation? Thousands of registered actors, actresses, and models HERE <<<
6. Types of Animation
There are many types of animated videos.
One of the simplest types is whiteboard animation, created in software like VideoScribe, Doodly, and others.
This type doesn’t require complex character and environment drawings. Most elements are pre-made within the program.
The advantage is its low cost, but the disadvantage is that it is not very original. However, it often serves its purpose.
Here’s a PR video we created for a major cash processing company using whiteboard animation.
Another common type is website animation, which is ideal for e-shops.
It works well for PPC campaigns and even cinema advertisements.
For example, we created a commercial animation for the Mujkoberec.cz e-shop, which was screened at the Febiofest film festival.
Another type is classic hand-drawn animation, created in Adobe Animate.
This includes all the animations mentioned above, such as the one for Trenýrkárna.cz.
Here’s a video for an e-shop shopping app.
A hybrid of live-action video and animation is another popular option.
This works great for PPC ads on Facebook and Google, as well as for in-store display videos and trade fairs.
Here are some examples of hybrid videos we’ve created for e-shops.
Need an Animated Video?
Animations explain services or products better than a thousand words.
They are also highly effective in PPC ads on Google and Facebook.
We create animated videos for businesses across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
>>> Contact us! <<<
We look forward to working with you! :)
Auther of the article:
Mgr. Marek Dvořák
Owner of Markusfilm Studio
Translator of the Article:
Patrícia Truchlíková, DiS. art.