2D animation is the better choice when the thing you need to explain can’t be filmed, shouldn’t be filmed, or would take too long to film well. Policies, processes, data, future plans and sensitive personal topics all fall into that group. This guide covers when to choose animation over filmed video, the main styles, how an animated video is made, and how long it takes.
When animation beats filming
The subject is abstract or invisible. A funding process, a legal right, how information moves through a system, or what a new policy changes. There’s nothing to point a camera at, but animation can show it step by step.
The topic is sensitive. Abuse, neglect, mental health and personal finances are hard to film with real people. Animated characters can show real situations while protecting the privacy and dignity of the people the video is about.
The place or thing doesn’t exist yet. A planned facility, a future service or a program that’s still rolling out can be shown before it’s built.
You need several languages or versions. Voiceover and on-screen text can be swapped for translated or updated versions without reshooting anything.
The people are hard to film. Shift-based teams, remote staff or audiences spread across regional NSW don’t need to be scheduled for a shoot.
The main 2D animation styles
Motion graphics. Animated text, icons, charts and shapes. Clean and fast to follow, and the natural fit for data, processes and program explainers.
Character animation. Illustrated people in real situations. Best for stories, customer or client journeys, and sensitive topics.
Whiteboard-style explainers. Drawings that build up on screen as the voiceover explains. Simple, familiar and good for step-by-step learning.
Kinetic typography. Words that move in time with the voiceover. Useful for short, punchy messages and social media.
How an animated video is made
1. Brief and script. Agree what the viewer must understand or do after watching, then write the script. Most of the video’s success is decided here.
2. Storyboard and style frames. Sketch each scene and design a few finished frames, so you approve the look before any animation starts.
3. Voiceover. Record a professional voiceover to the approved script, in one or more languages.
4. Animation. Bring the storyboard to life, timed to the voiceover, with music and sound effects.
5. Review and delivery. Review rounds, then final files with captions and any short versions for social media or presentations.
Most 2D animated videos take three to eight weeks from script to final delivery, depending on length, style and the number of review rounds.
Animation or filmed video?
Filming shows real people and real places, which builds trust and suits testimonials, events and leadership messages. Animation explains. Many strong projects combine the two: a filmed introduction from a leader or participant, followed by animated sections that walk through the process or the numbers. If you’re weighing up an explainer, our explainer and instructional videos page covers the filmed and screen-based options.
Keeping animation accessible
Animation is only useful if everyone can follow it. Write the script in plain language, add captions as standard, make sure text and colours have enough contrast, and describe key visual information in the voiceover or an audio-described version. Government and education audiences expect this, and it’s much easier to plan from the script stage than to fix at the end.
Greater Visuals produces 2D animated videos for government, education and community organisations across Sydney and NSW, on a fixed price agreed before production starts. See our 2D animation and animated videos, or contact us with your brief.
Frequently asked questions
1. What types of 2D animation are there?
The main styles are motion graphics, character animation, whiteboard-style explainers and kinetic typography. Many videos mix two, such as characters for the story and motion graphics for the numbers.
2. How long does a 2D animated video take?
Most take three to eight weeks from script to final delivery, depending on length, style and the number of review rounds.
3. Is animation more expensive than filming?
Not necessarily. Animation has no crew, location or travel costs, but every second is built by hand, so length and style drive the price. A short motion graphics video can cost less than a multi-location shoot, while long character animation can cost more. A fixed quote once the script is agreed shows the real number.
4. Can the animation match our brand guidelines?
Yes. Colours, fonts, logos and illustration style are matched to your brand guidelines, and you approve style frames before animation starts.
