The secrets behind creating an anime
The origin of an anime
An anime can have two possible origins: an adaptation or an original creation. An adaptation is when it is based on a previous work, such as a manga, a novel, a video game or a movie. An original creation is when you start from a new idea, which has no previous reference. In both cases, the first step is to create a script, which is the document that describes the plot, characters, dialogues and scenes of the work. The script can be written by the original author of the work, by a professional screenwriter or by a team of screenwriters. The script is divided into story arcs, which are the main parts of the story, and episodes, which are the narrative units that are broadcast on television or the Internet.
The design of an anime
The next step is design, which is the process of giving visual form to the elements of the script, such as characters, settings, objects and special effects. The design is carried out by a team of artists, who can be illustrators, animators, modelers or programmers. The design is divided into several stages such as concept design, character design, background design, color design, and sound design. Concept design is the initial phase, where the general characteristics of the anime are defined, such as genre, tone, style, and target audience. Character design is the phase where the physical features, clothing, expression and personality of the characters are drawn. Background design is the phase where the settings where the scenes take place are drawn, such as cities, forests, schools or spaceships. Color design is the phase where the colors to be used for characters, backgrounds and objects are chosen, taking into account lighting, contrast and harmony. Sound design is the phase where the sound effects, music and voices that accompany the images are created.
The animation of an anime
The final step is animation, which is the process of giving movement to the designs, creating the illusion of life. The animation is done by a team of animators, who can be cartoonists, painters, editors or directors. Animation is divided into several stages, such as storyboard, layout, key animation, intermediate animation, finishing, compositing and editing. The storyboard is the phase where a sketch of each scene is drawn, indicating the planes, angles, movements and times. The layout is the phase where the background and the position of the characters in each plane are drawn, taking into account perspective, depth and composition. Key animation is the phase where the main frames that define the movement of characters and objects are drawn, marking the beginning, end and intermediate points of each action. Intermediate animation is the phase where secondary frames are drawn that fill the space between key frames, smoothing movement and creating fluidity. The finishing is the phase where the color and details of the paintings are painted, following the color design. Compositing is the phase where frames are combined with backgrounds, special effects and sound, creating the final image. Editing is the phase where the paintings are cut, ordered and adjusted, creating the rhythm and coherence of the work.
The broadcast of an anime
Once the animation is finished, the anime is ready to be broadcast to the public, whether on television, online or through other media. The broadcast is carried out by a team of producers, who may be distributors, licensees, sponsors or advertisers. The broadcast is divided into several stages, such as planning, programming, promotion and evaluation. Planning is the phase where the format, duration, schedule and broadcast channel of the anime are decided, taking into account the budget, the market and the competition. Programming is the phase where the order and frequency of the episodes is established, taking into account the season, day and time. Promotion is the phase where the anime is disseminated to the public, using media such as posters, trailers, social networks or events. Evaluation is the phase where the impact and success of the anime is measured, using indicators such as rating, share, sales or reviews.
Creating an anime is a complex and fascinating process, involving many professionals, tools and stages. From the script to the broadcast, each step requires creativity, technique and passion. Anime is an art form that allows us to travel to imaginary worlds, meet unforgettable characters and experience intense emotions. If you like anime, we invite you to learn more about its production process and appreciate the work behind each work.
