Animation for Science Communication: A Description of the Production Process and Contexts for Using Science Animation

Mhairi Claire Towler (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Animation as a visualization tool for explaining scientific concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences is widely used. At Vivomotion we have developed a process over the last 10 years, when working with scientific collaborators to develop a visual narrative for their research, as follows: (1) Write a script, (2) Create a voice-over, (3) Storyboard the script, (4) Illustrate the storyboard, (5) Animate the illustrations, (6) Receive comments on the draft, and (7) Produce and deliver the final animation. These steps encompass the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of animation production and simplify the process so we can explain it with ease when embarking on new collaborations.

This chapter discusses, using case studies, how this process is executed, where the pitfalls lie, and how to select a 2D animation versus a 3D animation. This process is proposed as a methodology for those collaborating on scientific animation productions and those involved in animation production of technical subject areas. It highlights the different contexts, with case studies, where animation can be used for scientific communication.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationApproaches for Science Illustration and Communication
EditorsMark Roughley
PublisherSpringer
Chapter5
Pages117-132
Number of pages16
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9783031416521
ISBN (Print)9783031416514, 9783031416545
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2023

Publication series

NameBiomedical Visualization
PublisherSpringer
Volume4
ISSN (Print)2731-6130
ISSN (Electronic)2731-6149

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