What is an Animatic? Definition and Examples

Whether you're creating a short film, commercial, or full-length feature, animatics are the secret weapon that bridges the gap between initial concept and final production. You've likely seen these moving storyboards in action during behind-the-scenes content, even if you didn't realize what they were called.

So what exactly is an animatic, and why do major studios from Disney to Marvel rely on them for every project?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the animatic definition, explore why they're essential for successful filmmaking, and show you real examples from industry leaders. Plus, discover how modern tools like LTX Studio make creating professional animatics easier than ever. If you've already got storyboards, you're halfway to creating your own animatic.

{{blog-banner-video06}}

What Is an Animatic?

An animatic is a pre-production tool that turns static storyboard frames into a time-based sequence so filmmakers and animators can test pacing, rhythm and scene flow before committing to final production. Knowing what is an animatic is essential film terms knowledge for anyone in visual storytelling. This animatic definition is any moving storyboard that includes timing, basic animation and often temporary audio or dialogue.

The main difference between static storyboards and animatics is their dynamic nature. Storyboards show individual moments, an animatic in film and animatic in animation projects adds movement, timing and audio to create a rough version of the final sequence. A video animatic is a bridge between concept and final production, helping teams see how scenes will play out in real time.

Types of Animatics

2D Animatics

2D animatics are built from hand drawn or digital storyboard frames, with basic camera movements like pans and zooms and temporary audio or dialogue tracks. These 2D animation animatics are used across animation studios, ad agencies and independent filmmakers who want to test story beats and timing without committing to complex 3D production. A storyboard animatic in 2D format allows creators to experiment with pacing and narrative flow while keeping the artistic style of the initial concept art.

3D Animatics (Previsualization / Previs)

3D animatics are a more advanced form of pre-visualization, using 3D models, digital environments and virtual cameras to create detailed motion studies. These 3D previs sequences show accurate blocking, spatial relationships and camera movement that matches the intended final shots. 3D film animatics are essential for big budget productions, VFX heavy sequences and video game cinematics where precise staging and technical details are critical to success.

Why Animatics Are Important in Filmmaking

Knowing the importance of animatics reveals their value as cost saving and creative alignment tools in production. Animatic filmmaking allows directors and producers to see timing and pacing before final production begins, identify problems early on and save time and budget. A well done pre-production animatic helps align the creative team including directors, editors, animators and clients around a shared vision of the final product.Animatics are communication tools that go beyond language and technical skills, so stakeholders can experience the intended flow and emotional beats of a project before significant resources are committed to final production phases.

Animatic vs Storyboard

The animatic vs storyboard comparison shows the evolution from static to dynamic pre-visualization. A storyboard is a static visual panel that shows key moments and compositions, an animatic turns that storyboard animatic into a time-based sequence with motion, sound and timing. This from static to animated allows creators to test not just what will be shown but how it will play out over time.

Examples of Animatics in Film & Animation

Film animatic examples span across multiple industries and production scales. Major animation studios like Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks use 2D animatics to test story beats and emotional pacing before committing to expensive final animation. Animation animatic examples from these studios often become internal references for the entire production.

In live-action filmmaking, 3D animatics have changed the way action sequences and VFX heavy scenes are produced, allowing directors to experiment with camera angles and timing before expensive location shoots. Commercial production uses animatic in commercials workflows where 2D animatics are used as client approval tools before shooting begins to ensure creative alignment and budget efficiency.

Creating Animatics in LTX Studio

In LTX Studio, you can create animatic-style previews that serve the same purpose as traditional pre-production animatics. The animatic LTX Studio workflow allows you to turn storyboard into animatics by setting shot sequences in the editor, adjusting pacing and dialogue timing, and previewing your entire project before rendering final output. This video pre-visualization LTX Studio approach ensures your creative vision translates to the final product.

For filmmakers looking for pre-production planning tools, LTX Studio’s storyboard and sequencing features are the foundation for animatic creation. Whether you’re planning a simple dialogue scene or a complex action sequence, the platform’s timing and preview capabilities let you test your creative decisions before final production commitment.

{{blog-banner-video02}}