Introduction

In the world of animation, especially for new episodes of television series, the process of creating a polished and engaging product is a meticulous one. Beyond the well-known storyboard, what else does 'they' send to animation studios to ensure the quality of the production? This article delves into the various pre-production elements and their importance.

Understanding the Roles

First and foremost, it's important to clarify who 'they' are. Typically, 'they' refers to the client, such as Disney, HBO, or Warner Bros., which works closely with a supervising animation production studio. This supervising studio is responsible for developing the pre-production elements, which are then sent to the production studio for further development. The process is a collaborative one, ensuring that the final product meets the highest quality standards.

Pre-production Elements Overview

While the primary responsibility for some pre-production elements often falls on the supervising studio, there are several key components that must be sent to the production studio to ensure a smooth and successful project. Here's a detailed look at these elements:

1. Scripts and Sound Production

The first step is the script. It serves as the blueprint for the sequence of events, dialogue, and action. Additionally, the supervising studio may supply the voice recording and some basic sound production to ensure that the production studio has a solid foundation to work with.

2. Storyboards

Storyboards are crucial for visual storytelling. They provide a visual representation of how the sequence of events will unfold on screen. The supervising studio often provides the initial storyboards, which the production studio can then refine through multiple rounds of feedback.

3. Animatic and Voice Record

After the storyboard is approved, the production studio creates an animatic. This is an animated version of the storyboard that includes basic animation of characters and scenes. The production studio will then create the voice recording, cutting it to time with the storyboard illustrations. The supervising studio can then provide notes on the animatic and the voice recording to ensure consistency and quality.

4. Design Notes

Design is a critical aspect that should not be overlooked. The supervising studio will provide detailed design notes, including character modelsheets, turnarounds, reference materials, and design elements such as body colors, clothing, and equipment like vehicles and weapons. Size comparison charts and detailed instructions on how to draw specific elements like eyes, mouth shapes, and facial expressions are also essential.

5. Animation Rounds

The production studio will go through multiple rounds of animation revisions, with feedback from the supervising studio. This process ensures that the final animation aligns with the client's vision and meets the required standards.

6. Ex-Sheets and Layouts

Exposure sheets, or Ex-Sheets, control the timing, compositing, dialogue, lip synching, and length of the scenes. These sheets are crucial for maintaining the precise timing and synchronization of the animation. Additionally, there are sample drawings and layouts of the scenes, which provide visual references for the production studio.

The Importance of these Elements

These pre-production elements are vital for maintaining consistency and quality throughout the production process. For example, the redesign of the 'Batman' characters in the late 1990s highlighted the importance of maintaining a specific model. As the characters began to be drawn less angular and more rounded, Warner Bros. TV Animation decided to redesign the characters to ensure they stayed on model. This redesign was crucial for controlling the proportions and limiting deviations from the original design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the storyboard is an essential component of the pre-production process, it is far from the only element that 'they' send to animation studios. The script, sound production, design notes, animations, and Ex-Sheets are all critical in ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality. By paying attention to these pre-production elements, animation studios can create engaging and visually stunning episodes that meet the client's standards.