Live Action vs Animation Video: What You Should Choose?

Last Updated on April 15, 2024

Live Action vs Animation Video, Animation is a methodical process, with milestones serving as road gates and needing consent to proceed from one stage to the next. Whereas Live-action is more like surfing and making adjustments according to the weather; everything is flexible up until the camera starts rolling.

The topic of discussion for all business owners is to decide what type of video is best for their website. Animated or Live-action video? Which one should you select for your upcoming video marketing project? 

So, in this regard which form of video content should be optimized for your business?

Main Differences Between Live Action vs Animation Videos?

Live Action or Animation Videos, choosing the right type of video style is one of the most essential aspects of strategy and planning. However, you should consider the group of people you want to reach, your marketing goal, and the information you want to deliver. Spend some time considering it.

The original creative process for developing the campaign, developing the message, and constructing the concept and story are all essentially the same. The process’s similarities stop here, though. Let’s examine these variations in greater depth.

Animation Videos

Animation is a technique used to make static images appear to be moving. Traditional animation involves hand-painting or drawing pictures on transparent celluloid sheets, which are then captured and shown on film. The majority of animations created today use computer-generated graphics (CGI).

Live-action Videos

Live-action is a form of videography that uses photography instead of animation. It involves real people, animals, or objects rather than fixed images drawn or created using a computer. These are non-animated characters that are used in an animated context.

Animated vs Live Action Videos: Pros & Cons

In order to decide more easily, you should always consider the pros and cons. Let’s go through the most important ones between these two types of video content.

Pros of Animation Video

• Easy to show abstract ideas
• Longer shelf life
• Editable
• Creative freedom
• Easy to explain
• Cost friendly
• Easy Branding
• Complex aspects are shown in a simple way
• Easy to deliver any form of message
• Target any type of audience

Cons of Animation Video

• Long period 
• Required multi-discipline team

Pros of Live-action Video

• Easily capture the real-life emotions
• Real-world objects aren’t easily replicated by a computer
• Easy to create atmospheric effects
• Involves real people
• Accessibility
• Faster turnaround time
• Best tool for conveying strong messages
• Authenticity

Cons of Live-action Video

• Required professional team 
• High cost
• Hard to make huge edits after shooting
• Creativity is limited

Note:- Although both live-action and animation have advantages and disadvantages, the medium that is best for you mostly depends on the environment in which you are working and your company's requirements.

Which Type Is More Expensive: Live Action or Animated?

So, when you start thinking about your video marketing strategy and how to best use it to spread your message, you’ll have a few questions. However, before settling on a definitive choice between live-action and animated entertainment, take some important factors into account. One of them is : What is your budget? Which one is more expensive: live-action or animated? 

Animation Expenses

Before anything else, let’s talk about expenses. The format you choose should be as cost-effective as possible. Depending on your ideas and the complexity of your video, both formats might cost the same amount. 

The majority of people believe that animation will be the least expensive option because it does not require the construction of a set or the payment of a camera crew, lighting equipment, or performers.

Be that as it may, you should decrease your financial plan because of the complex innovation expected to create elaborate illustrations. The cost of specialized software and tools to make an animation may occasionally be more expensive than making a live-action video, depending on the complexity of your project. 

Live-action Expenses

Live-action videos may not require experts in animation and heavy CGI editing, but they have other expenses that you often can’t do without.

In addition to making or hiring a set, a camera crew, and a cast, you need to think about insurance and outfits. Unless you can use your own office space as a set and enlist the help of a few coworkers to practice acting, you must take into account all of these significant and costly factors. If you’re short on time or money, you could even film and edit videos with just your phone.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the response to this question is not a straightforward yes or no. It is not true that animation is less expensive than live-action simply because fewer people are involved. Before choosing a video format, you should carefully consider what you want your video to do because both formats can be equally expensive.

What Goes into Creating These Videos?

The art of animation or live-action is not a precise science. Every video content is unique; therefore, the process will vary significantly. In addition, because most companies operate slightly differently, the method will differ depending on the type of animation or live action being produced and the approaches used.

Animation Film Crew

• Animation or Creative Director
• Animators
• Character Developer
• Digital Painters
• Director
• In-betweener
• Lighting Techs
• Modeler
• Producer
• Production Assistant
• Riggers
• Runner
• Scriptwriter
• Sound Designer
• Storyboard Artists
• Studio Manager
• Voice Over Artists

Obviously, less complex projects won’t need such an extensive team. However, this goes to show how difficult and complex things can get.

Animated Film-Making Steps

• Creative concept
• Scriptwriting
• Storyboarding
• Animation
• Sound Editing
• Voiceovers
• Music
• Revisions throughout
• Final production

Live-Action Film Crew

Just like animated videos, most of the time you won’t need such extensive teams. However, there are many big projects that depend on absolutely every member and expert in the team

Film-Making Steps

• Creative concept
• Scriptwriting
• Storyboarding
• Production (Filming)
• Logistics
• Post-production
• Editing
• Visual Effects
• Sound effects
• Music
• Voiceovers and final edits

Live Action vs Animation: Which Is More Difficult to Create?

The technology utilized to produce video content nowadays, whether it is animated or live-action, accounts for the majority of the expense of the finished product. When I mention “technology utilized in videos,” I’m referring to numerous software production techniques that were used to create the film and make it more engaging to watch.

Producing an animated video takes highly skilled specialized artists, animators, and many other individuals that have a variety of information that may be utilized as input in a high-quality animated film, which is why animated videos can be so much more difficult than live-action videos. So yes, animated films are often more difficult to produce than non-animated ones.

Still Confused: Consult With Experts

Choosing what type of video you need can be difficult. Creating the video yourself is even more difficult. If all else fails, it never hurts to consult with experts who’ve created professional videos for decades.

MyPromoVideos and our team of experts can assist you in making the right choice. All you have to do is submit a quick contact form and you’ll get the advice you need.

Conclusion

Live action or animation? Which one is preferable for my project? Which format fits my company’s branding and personality the best? The conclusion is that there is no proper or improper response. Both are equally good. Everything depends on the goals you have for your material and the lessons you expect your audience to take away.