The Teachers' Animation Toolkit

THE STAGES OF PRE-PRODUCTION
Create production team
Agree on idea
Fundraise for the project
Prepare schedule for team
Write script
Create storyboard
Design characters
Make characters and sets
Allocate roles on the production
Ensure you have all the equipment you will need
PRODUCTION
Set up equipment, lights and sets
Shoot the fi lm, following the script and storyboard
Check all shots, rethink and reshoot as needed
5.5 PRODUCING YOUR OWN ANIMATED FILM

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Record narration, dialogue and sound effects
Compose and record music
POST-PRODUCTION
Import animation fi les to your editing software
Rough cut visuals
Edit narration and dialogue to pictures
Edit sound effects and music
Add titles, graphics and end credits
Master to tape and/or DVD
Master a web-friendly version
Design box art for your DVD
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
Plan and stage a launch screening
Invite friends, relatives, VIPS
Design a publicity poster
Write a press release
Publicize the fi lm on local television, radio and in press
Publish the fi lm on the internet
Send the fi lm to festivals and television companies
Get rich and famous!
FUNDING A PROJECT
Small projects should be easy to make in school without the need 
to raise money for additional resources. So long as you have the 
equipment and a time allocation within the curriculum, you are all set 
to begin. Many styles of animation can be made using day to day 
resources found in any art room and stationary cupboard.
However, you may be starting to get more ambitious, and want to 
make something which will really make a splash at a fi lm festival. 

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The Teachers’ Animation Toolkit
There are several funding bodies you can apply to for help in the 
United Kingdom.
The leading organization which supports fi lmmaking by young 
people in the United Kingdom is First Light Movies. ‘First Light 
Movies funds and inspires young people, throughout the UK, to 
make fi lms refl ecting the diversity of their lives.’
Visit their website at http://www.fi rstlightmovies.com/
Another good source of fi nance is The National Lottery funded 
Grants for the Arts scheme, administered by Arts Council England. 
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/grants-arts/
Other grant sources can be found via Funder Finder: 
http://www.funderfi nder.org.uk/
Still from a cut-out animation

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Resources