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Motion Graphics vs. Live Production

Videos combine audio, visuals, and narrative to form an engaging medium that connects with people’s brains in a way that images and text alone cannot. With the surge of online video consumption, videos are now the preferred method of communication for marketers and customers alike. But not all videos are the same. At Kaulig Media, videos tend to land in two primary categories: motion graphics and live production. Each have their distinct characteristics, methods, and goals:

Motion Graphics Videos

  • Best for communicating complex information or abstract concepts
  • Perfect for reinforcing brand presence, color, or other assets
  • Combines animated images (2D and 3D), illustrated graphics, text, and audio
  • Typically includes a script and a voiceover
  • Utilizes computer animation software, like Adobe After Effects
  • Simpler pre-production process (no need for sets, crew, lighting, actors, etc.)
  • Potentially shorter production timelines
  • Potentially less expensive than live production

Live Production Videos

  • Best for communicating feeling, presence, and real life situations
  • Perfect for communicating a brand, story, or message in a genuine way
  • Live video footage of humans, places, products, sets, etc., to tell a story
  • Involves a crew, lighting, set(s), product shots, etc.
  • Process involves three key steps: pre-production planning, shoot day(s), and editing and post-production
  • Can utilize a script or be interview style
  • Helps for sharing demonstration or instructional content (e.g. Tasty Videos)
  • Potentially more expensive than motion graphics (based on production needs)

Which is the right choice for you? Know your objectives.

Things to think about:

  • What is the main message, story, or idea?
  • Who is your key audience and what is the best method of communication for them?
  • What is the end use of the video (e.g. social media, website homepage, marketing campaign, etc.)?
  • Is it a promotion, or will it be on your website for years to come?
  • What length of a video are you considering (e.g. 30, 60, 90, seconds, 2 min)?
  • How complex or abstract of a message or concept are you communicating?
  • Do you want a humanity element to communicate more emotion?
  • Do you have willing participants who will represent your company well (for interviews or on camera shots)?
  • Is this video going to revolve around a product or the company?
    • What type of product?
    • What is the aesthetic of your company?
    • What locations will be used?
    • What talent/actors will need to be used?

Conclusion

Choosing the right kind of video production method isn’t always easy, but it’s always best to discuss your messaging, audience, objectives, and end use at length before moving forward.

A combination of both motion graphics and live production is a wonderful concept when it successfully fulfills the purpose. The addition of motion graphic design with live production introduces an additional element to the end product that is engaging and memorable. Knowing your objectives first will help this decision. It is also possible to combine still photos with motions graphics animation in a way that brings real life to an animated video.

The best way to find out more about what kind of video you need is to talk to us about it. We’d love to engage in a conversation about your video needs and help direct this exciting step for you.