5 Reasons Why We Love Motion Graphics

We’ve compiled 5 reasons we think you should be considering motion graphics for your next video content…

So what is motion graphics anyway?

It’s a good question and one I ask myself from time to time. In this ever-evolving industry, the distinction between full-blown animation and motion graphics is forever blurred. In my own words then, motion graphics usually (but not always) is a mix of both typography and graphics animated to illustrate a point, message, theme, narrative or emotion. Its basically graphic design…but, well…animated. This is why motion graphics is such an essential discipline to be able to deploy when necessary for explainer videos, news segments, product launches and promo films.

https://youtu.be/3sA1en26sgM

But it’s not only the above examples that benefit from motion graphics. Title sequences for cinematic film, documentaries and television series also employ motion graphics. It’s used to communicate a theme, tone, narrative, even clues. It’s cutting down on the need for exposition once the film, documentary or series begins. Indeed, one of the main architects of motion graphics is the genius, Saul Bass. His cinematic title sequences for films such as ‘Anatomy of a murder’ combine animated typography, simple illustration, iconography and photography which playfully communicate the complex themes and narratives of the film you’re about to watch.

Without further ado here are 5 reasons why I think you should consider motion graphics for your next project.

1. The best videos combine live action and motion graphics

Some of our most successful films feature both motion graphics and live action. When employed properly motion graphics is a way of communicating complicated information that would otherwise eat into the live-action pace, or muddy the narrative. Motion graphics can be integrated into the live footage making it an immersive, exciting and playful viewing experience. See the above promo we created for the Natural Theatre Company.

Live-action allows the audience to connect eye to eye with the interviewee or presenter, for example, or to see the location in all its glory. Motion graphics simply does not capture that human element. It does, however, allow you to maintain tone and brand which are essential for corporate and promotional films. By using colours, typography and imagery as part of the overall aesthetic, motion graphics maintains brand awareness throughout.

Motion graphics as mentioned in the introduction can also be employed in film title sequences to pre-empt tone, narrative or theme. Next time you watch a new series on Netflix notice how quickly you judge whether the show is for you merely by watching the title sequence!

2. Stories can be told, products explained.

If you need to explain how your product works, or communicate complex information motion graphics can make this is an engaging way to share. Plus it is an easy way to reach a wide audience. Motion Graphics is a useful tool for communicating less tangible items, such as facts and figures or work processes, that cannot be so easily captured on film. Motion graphics can communicate images, text, statistics and brand identity all at the same time.

3. The only limit is imagination.

There is really no limit to what you can create using motion graphics. A cool, crisp colour scheme and beautiful words, or lots of noise, action and colour are all possible. Motion graphics is totally versatile. Loud statements can be made or subtle points highlighted. Stories told in forever streaming and constantly morphing text and imagery. A visually striking immersive experience for the audience.

You can tell any story as you are not limited by what you can physically capture on film. No location, crews or time interruptions to your busy schedule interviewing staff and customers. All it takes is an outline of the message or story you want to tell.

Or take things in a new direction if your business needs a change of pace or you are offering your customers something new. Plus you can incorporate your existing brand identity colours and logo and build on your brand recognition.

4. People like watching videos.

Whether you reach your customers via social media, email or your website an engaging video will always go down well. 30 seconds to 3 minutes is the perfect length to catch in between the other information that we scroll through on a daily basis. If a beautiful or funny video pops up on screen it takes no effort to watch even a little bit of it. If it’s a good video too, your audience will watch it to the end and then share it. How’s that for free marketing!  

Short, simple messages can be re-watched. It is not often you will re-read an interesting article, or if a friend or colleague shares one with you, you might not even read it at all. But a video is a different kettle of fish.

5. Videos are shared and can be re-purposed across multiple platforms.

Once you have your video you can share it across many platforms. You can post it on your website, email it, and it’s a perfect fit for social media and smartphones. Make the best use of your social media pages by taking direction from influencers linked to your business and use trends to boost your brand. There is no limit to how useful this can be in your marketing tool bag. We can help you to optimise your video for wide distribution.

Plus, adding videos to your website will boost your search engine optimisation (SEO). It is a good idea to have a video on your website landing page (and other pages too!). And the longer people stay on your website to watch, the more your SEO increases.

Whatever look you want for your business, it’s all ready for the taking as we create our graphics in-house. Tell us what you want and we’ll turn your ideas into a reality.  

Considering Motion Graphics for your next project: contact us today