Animation can be a great addition to science communication; it extends the reach of a message and boosts the recall of a video.
Unlike live action, it can be repurposed for educational outreach as well as the socials.
Ive found that a 2d style is achieving more cut-though than the 3d animated style of the past. The ease of AI generated 3d material has had some effect on the perceived quality of that style.
The animation process is slightly different to a live video production, though both always begin with a script.
These few examples give a good idea of some effective animations.
The wagtail video received over 10,000 views in its first week.
Other videos on this page have been popular with educational outreach programs.
I regularly work in print and have been successfully delivering assets for magazines, conferences and presentations for many clients.
The general process involves roughs, fine tuning and a few rounds of corrections.
Ive enjoyed working in illustration for many years and still find it very effective.
Now mainly working in a loose or cartoon style, Ive moved away from 3d as AI generated pieces by non illustrators has flattened the look into a cheaper generic feel.
But there is still plenty of need for accuracy delivered by experienced illustration when people strive for detailed and accurate renders of new processes or discoveries.
With a TV production background of over 20 years working in commercial tv and live comedy I’ve provided animation and graphics for channel 2, 10, and SBS.
Over that time I’ve worked on docos, promos, lifestyle shows, weekly comedy show fast turnarounds and social media launches. Collaborating with many different teams of talented people to produce broadcast quality shows and media.
I’ve a deep background in most forms of video production and can produce most forms of video, helping with scripts, voiceovers, editing, camera or direction.
I’m just as much at home behind a camera as a screen.
Here’s a small selection of varied work from the last few years.
A fast turnaround video produced to a script from the ever busy Mary O’Malley, generated for the ARC Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.
Evan Manell is a session drummer, often working with Paul Dempsey of Something for Kate fame. This was his first video.
Paul McDermott and I created this with photos I’d shot from around the world.
This is an unusual special on The Doug Anthony Allstars that I edited together from a slab of footage unseen for 10 years. Theres’ never been a full DAAS show broadcast. This is one of only two shows recorded. Ive still got to do an audio clean up on it but its starting to look like a show.
Back when short films were a stepping stone to filmaking Paul McDermott asked me to help animate one of his stories. This film went on to win an AFI for best short, get shortlisted in the berlin film festival and win Flickerfest.
Sometimes when Ive the time, I’ll approach a charity with an idea or two. This one went on to get over 10,000 views for a worthy cause. Paul pretty much adlibbed most of this on the day. Incredible talent.
These two guys are geniuses - Paul Livingston and Steve Abbott AKA flacco and the sandman.
This was part of an online series for Openhouse Productions. There still should be room for them to get more exposure.
Brilliant stuff. Again, improvised mostly.