Motion graphics is when the pieces of animation, digital footage, and graphic design are combined to form a digital film. The main benefit of the motion graphic is that it conveys ideas to the viewers easily and effectively. These graphics are presented through thaumatrope, stroboscope, phenakistoscope, zeotrope, etc. It differs from the common animation, meaning it is not strictly based on character-driven animation but often represents animated shapes, texts, and logos.
The history of motion graphics is related to computer graphics. As the development of computer graphics increased, it automatically resulted in the wider use of motion graphics. The common use of motion graphics is to create movie titles, ads, information sharing, etc. The main content of these graphics is text, and motion graphics are created by giving animation and adding audio to the text.
Effects of Motion Graphics
Though motion graphics has been a great invention, it does have affected the cinema industry in certain ways. Some of how motion graphics have affected the cinema are mentioned below:
TV Identities
Before TV identities were introduced, motion graphics, advertisements, serials, movies, etc., were less effective. Later, when television incorporated motion graphics into their identity and shows, the TV channels had two distinct groups.
The first one is the one that works on the brand of the channel itself, which is more restrictive and selective as they have certain rules that guide any other visual material created. And the one who works on each show, specifically the type of graphic, is more dynamic and open.
These types of TV identities are developed in a way where all the visual packages are seen on the screen related to the channel itself, such as the show’sshow’s schedule and lower thirds, line breaks, TV logos appearing on the screen, and end titles for some shows.
Most TV channels are continuously working on new shows for their schedules; thus, they develop motion graphic structures for those shows, similar to what you do for the channel. Being demanding, the work becomes more dynamic. However, it usually has less impact and has a constant demand.
Intros are also something that TV series have a great status. Some of them are simple edits of the scene of the shows, but the rest are beautifully designed and animated pieces such as Daredevil, Game of Thrones, etc.
Movie Titles
When motion graphic was introduced, it was in the opening titles of moves, and the intros we see in most of the movies contain the name of the staff behind their production. Earlier, these names were almost static, but once the motion graphics were introduced, we saw the titles were doing more than just presenting the names or cast of the movie. Nowadays, these intros introduce the story and build a good atmosphere where the connection with the viewers is deeper.
Nowadays, there are different varieties of titles shown in different movies. Especially in superhero movies – as it is about a superhero, it is hard not to have animated titles there. And this is becoming more and more popular, and there are plenty of designers who are dedicating their careers to this field.
Besides the titles, some of the motion graphics are also used in the movie itself. It is usually displayed as a visual interaction with an actor to represent texting or video appearing on a TV in the background. Sometimes, it is even the animations that interact with the characters.
Information Sharing
Before the motion graphics were introduced, sharing information with the audience was static and boring. But now, when motion graphic is there while sharing information with the audience, you can convert your idea into animation by adding suitable audio and other features so that the result of the content will be more acceptable and understandable for the audience.
Logo Graphics
With the help of motion graphics, your company’s logos, websites, etc., can be more attractive by adding animations. This helps in creating amazing visuals and interacting with the audience in a better way.
Social Media Post
Social Media is something that people are depended on for everything, like information, entertainment, news, online courses, etc. Adding motion graphics to the content you display on your social media can attract more people to the posts.
What are the 3 types of motion graphics?
There are three types of motion graphics, as mentioned below:
- Promotional Videos: These types of motion graphics are used to help in sealing a product or service.
- Explainer Videos: These motion graphics define a concept, product, or service, so the audience can easily understand this.
- Emotive Videos: These motion graphics make your audience feel something.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Motion graphics
Motion graphics has greatly impacted the cinema industry to make their content more appealing to the audience, but everything has its advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will learn the pros and cons of motion graphics.
Pros:
- Perhaps the reason to go with motion graphics is that it doesn’t require physical space. With traditional video, you need to schedule a time to film, Rehearse lines, and find a suitable place to shoot. But since motion graphics was introduced, any need for these things has been eliminated. Because of this motion, graphics has been really helpful in COVID-19 restrictions.
- One of the other advantages is that it requires less work from the client. Once the goals are discussed, no more effort is needed from the client’s end. The rest is on the professionals to produce the content per your specifications.
- Motion graphics are used in movie titles, advertisements, information exchange, etc.
- With the help of motion graphics, communication is easy and more effective.
Cons:
- One of the disadvantages of motion graphics is that they can be impersonal. The benefit of the traditional video was that viewers get to see the place they will be visiting or the face they will be meeting. A motion graphic video is nothing more than an animated brochure if done improperly. That’s why using some live footage, photography, or voice-over is suggested to make it more appealing to the audience.
Takeaway
The quality of the channel establishes the relationship between what is good and bad in Motion graphics and creates a relationship between what is perceived as bad and good. Suppose the custom eLearning content development with motion graphics in TV identity is well designed. In that case, it will help you reach the right audience and define a quality among other channels. Whereas, in movies or series, the quality of the introductions and titles can be the building factor as it is the first thing that comes in contact with the viewer.
That is why it is important for those mediums. Motion graphics directly influence the audience’s perception of their movie piece or brand. Of course, if this is a long time goal, then the show’s quality also matters, but building a connection beforehand helps. Fan doesn’tdoesn’t get excited seeing those texts rising until the infinite space at the beginning of star wars.
I’m an e-learning specialist. I have been a professional e-learning and training consultant for more than 7 years. In the past, I have worked for a variety of well-known companies in the UK and the USA. I’m an expert in the field of instructional design and e-learning solutions development.
