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Animation Vs Live-Action: Choosing Your Video-Marketing Style

“Which style is better for business video: animation or live-action?” is one of the most asked questions by our clients. In this post, we’ll dive deep into this topic, exploring the myths, the differences between the two styles, and considerations for your unique business needs.

“Pros Vs Cons”

Clients often have the common desire to compare the pros and cons of animation vs live-action. “What are the cons of animation?” “What are the pros of live action?” “Which style is better?” are some of the questions we always hear from our clients

HOWEVER! The truth is that all styles and production methods have their merits. The important thing is knowing when to use each style to effectively convey your company’s message to your target audience.
“You must choose one style over the other” this statement is totally not true!
Animation and live action can complement each other. Incorporating motion graphics animation in live-action videos or using screencasts in animated videos adds versatility to your communication strategy. Ultimately, design is a form of communication, and the choice of style depends on the specific message you aim to deliver.  

You must know who you are addressing before you start communicating with them. What the context is, what culture you’re interacting with, etc. For example, there aren’t pros and cons of talking loud or low, or with a smile or with anger. It all depends on what you are trying to say.

Which Style Should I Choose for My Business?

In order to choose the right style for your business, we recommend that you have a professional consultation first . While there are general guidelines, every company is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t apply.

But if we are talking in a very general way, then if you need to showcase your product in real situations, live action might be the preference. And if you want to highlight technology or mechanisms, animation could be the ideal choice, and in some cases, a combination of both styles works best.

How to Plan Your Budget?

A common misconception is that animated explainer videos are always cheaper than live-action. That is not always true as it all depends on the story you want to tell and the production quality.

On the other hand, live-action budgets can be a bit harder to plan as they vary widely based on the complexity of the project and the other elements needed for it involving actors, crew, sets, and locations.

Budget Friendly Solutions if You need a Live Action Video & Your Budget is Tight?

Stock Footage Videos

You can leverage stock footage videos for real footage with minimal investment. This is a great option when you have a limited budget.

Animated Videos

Animated videos are a viable alternative. They have the ability to convey messages creatively even with budget constraints.

Ultimately, the decision between live-action and animation depends on your project, and its goals, message, and available resources. Both formats have their merits and have proved how successful they are countless times.

Animation serves as a limitless canvas for creativity, offering an ideal platform to articulate abstract or fantastical notions. On the other hand, live-action lends an authentic touch, establishing relatability by showcasing genuine products, people, and scenarios.

We, at Creatures, understand the importance of choosing the right video format for your project needs.

Contact us to explore how we can create engaging videos that leave a lasting impression on your audience 😉

FAQ

Both Live-Action and Animation Work Well for My Business, which one should I use?

What goals should your video achieve? If you’re creating an explainer video for example, then animation makes more sense. Why spend more money if you don’t have to?

Which One Takes a Longer Time to Produce, Live Action Or Animation?

It all depends on the length and complexity of the project. Sometimes it’s faster to produce an animated video. In other instances live-action is way faster.

Which One Is Easier to Edit afterwards?

Animation by a long shot. In live-action you only have what you already shot. Any new scenes need to be filmed from scratch using the whole production process all over again.

Which One Is Better for Product Demonstrations?

If you want to showcase your product in real-live scenarios then live-action is better. But, if your product is complex or you want to show it inside and out then animation makes more sense.

Which One Is Better for Explaining Complex Ideas or Abstract Concepts?

Animation for sure. You can explain the most complex ideas and concepts using animation. Your only limit is your own imagination. That’s why animated videos are the preferred option for startups, tech companies and online service providers.

Which One Is Cheaper?

There is no clear answer to this question. A simple live-action video with a small crew and one location can be cheaper than an animated video with multiple complex scenes. It all depends on your project and its needs.
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