The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Animatic

1 minute read | Last updated: 4 months ago

What does Animatic mean?

Animatic refers to a preliminary version of a film or animation that combines storyboard images with a rough soundtrack to give a sense of timing and pacing for the final production. An animatic serves as a visual guide, allowing filmmakers to test how a scene or sequence will flow before full animation or live-action footage is completed. The storyboard images are typically played in sequence with temporary sound effects, dialogue, and music to simulate the final product. This process is often used in animation, commercials, and complex action sequences in films to ensure that the pacing, transitions, and overall structure work effectively before committing to costly production stages.

Example:The animatic for the animated feature allowed the director to visualize how the action sequences would play out, making adjustments to the timing before the final animation was produced.
Example: An animatic of the commercial was shown to the client, giving them a rough idea of the finished product before the full shoot began.

Did You Know?
The term “animatic” is a combination of “animation” and “static,” referring to the use of static images to simulate motion in early production stages!

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