2D Animation
Hand drawn and character led 2D animation for broadcasters, brands and charities, including Channel 4, HSBC, Access Prepaid, Tearfund and Alpha International.
Start a ProjectExample 2D animation
Tales of Executional Excellence, a flat 2D character film for Pradaxa. From Pradaxa Two Films
Drawn by hand, built for the story
2D animation runs through most of what we make. A drawn character can say a lot with very little, a raised eyebrow, a pause, a change of pace. That makes 2D a natural fit for stories that need warmth, humour or a human touch, and for subjects that are hard to film.
We work in more than one style. For Channel 4's Born Naughty we drew characters into real filmed sets, down to matching the carpet and the crumbs. For Tearfund we used a chalkboard look, for HSBC line drawings over still photographs of real people, and for Alpha five films in five different styles.
We animate by hand where it matters and combine it with compositing, 3D scenes or live footage where that helps. For Rio Tinto we placed hand animated characters into 3D scenes, and for Access Prepaid we tracked 2D animation onto footage filmed in their own call centre.
2D animation we have made
Hand drawn, line drawn, chalkboard and mixed with live footage, each style chosen for the story.
What you get
Every film is shaped around its story and its audience. These are the things most of our 2D projects include.
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Character design
Characters drawn and agreed first, with the poses and expressions the story needs, so they stay consistent in every scene.
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Script and storyboard
We can write the script with you or work from yours, and the storyboard fixes every shot before animation begins.
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An animatic
Where useful, the storyboard is cut to the voice over so you can see and hear the timing before production.
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A style that fits
Hand drawn, flat, chalkboard, line drawn or mixed with live footage, chosen for the audience and the message.
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Sound and voice
Voice over, music and sound effects brought together with the animation.
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Files for every screen
Versions for broadcast, websites, social media and events, in the sizes and formats agreed at the start.
How it works
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Brief.
We talk through the story, the audience, the length and where the film will be seen.
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Script and storyboard.
The script and storyboard are written and drawn, and you review them before anything moves.
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Design.
Characters, backgrounds and colour are designed and agreed.
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Animate and review.
We animate the film and share it at key stages, with review rounds built in.
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Finish and deliver.
Sound, final compositing and the files you need, in every format agreed.
Questions buyers ask
What is the difference between 2D and 3D animation?
2D animation is drawn flat, by hand or on screen, like an illustration that moves. 3D animation builds characters and objects as models in a virtual space. 2D suits warmth, character and graphic styles, while 3D suits products and realistic spaces. We also combine the two, as in our film for Rio Tinto.
Is hand drawn animation still used today?
Yes. Many of our films use hand drawn animation for at least part of the work. It gives characters a warmth and personality that is hard to get any other way, and it sits well alongside live footage, as in Born Naughty.
How long does a 2D animation take to make?
It depends on the length, the style and the number of characters. Some of our films have been turned around in days, such as four minutes for HSBC in four days, while a longer or more detailed film takes more time. We agree a schedule with you at the start.
Can you animate our existing characters or illustrations?
Yes. For Gazprom Marketing and Trading we brought illustrator Paul Dixon's designs to life, and for the Thames Valley Adventure Playground we animated a snowman drawn by one of the children.
How many rounds of changes are included?
Review rounds are agreed at the start and built into the script, storyboard and animation stages. The exact number is set out in the quote, so there are no surprises.
Who owns the finished film?
Usage rights are agreed in writing before work begins, so you know exactly where and for how long the film can be used.
Have a story to draw
Tell us what the film needs to say, who it is for and where it will be seen. We will suggest a style and an approach that fits.
Start a Project