If you own a business, marketing is one of the most important aspects that you can’t do away with. And in the modern times, video marketing is considered one of the most effective forms of marketing.

According to Cisco, videos make up about 82% of the internet. This is because people understand more when they are explained with visuals. Videos resonate more with the interests of the audience and  it helps make concepts clear to the viewers. 

There are many videos that marketers use in their product or service promotion strategy. The key is to choose the type of video that works best for your business. It can be an explainer video, video animation , motion graphics, live videos, testimonials, etc. 

In this blog, let us understand the effective use of live action videos and animated videos in video marketing by comparing these two types of videos.

What are Live Action Videos and Animated Videos?

Live action video is a recording of either stationary or moving things that is captured in real time. Both cinematography and videography that does not make use of animation can be referred to as “live action videos.”

Animation is the art of creating drawings and objects and displaying them in a succession of frames in a way that gives the impression that the visuals are moving. Animations are frequently used in explainer videos, which are videos that are intended to teach and enlighten their audience.

What to Consider When Choosing the Video for Your Marketing Strategy?

If you're trying to decide between live-action and animated videos, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are three of the most important ones to keep in mind:

Do you Have Any Specific Goals in Mind for Your Video?

The video you create will differ depending on what you're attempting to market or which business you'd want to target. For the most part, it's a good idea to inquire if an animation video or live-action video would work best in your situation.

In the hospitality and business industries, live-action videos tend to be more appropriate than other types of videos. Healthcare and technology companies and any other business looking to simplify their complicated goods or services might benefit from animated movies.

What is the Budget for the Video?

The amount of money you're prepared to spend on your video production should also be taken into account. In the case of live-action videos, you'll have to pay for performers and equipment, and in the case of animated videos, you'll have to pay for animation services, which may cost a lot of money.

If you want a high-quality video, you may have to pay more for animated videos than for live-action ones. It's critical to strike a balance between getting high-quality videos and staying within your budget.

Do you Have a Certain Date in Mind?

When deciding what kind of video to produce, it's critical to consider how much time you're prepared to devote to the project. There may be a delay in the creation of animated videos since animators must first build all the pieces in graphic design before animating each frame.

Live-action videos, on the other hand, may be time-consuming since you have to plan everything from the location, the crew, and the cast before you can begin creating videos. When filming, things might also go astray and take longer than intended, especially if everything isn't meticulously prepared.

Pros and Cons of Live-Action Videos

Pros

  • Live-action videos have a more genuine feel to them than animation. Adding a human touch to your movie is one of the most significant advantages of using live-action footage. Seeing genuine people and places might help viewers connect and interact with the video's main message more easily
  • Live-action videos have a higher level of realism than other mediums. Due to the fact that live-action videos feature actual people, they indicate realism. A company's human aspect may be shown through these videos, which are the closest thing we have to a human experience.
  • Live-action videos can be more accessible to a wider audience. It's possible to generate raw-looking videos with a smartphone, which is already commonplace. Filming something quickly and clearly conveying your point might still perform well online.
  • When it comes to creating a live-action video, the process takes less time. Creating a live-action video might be more efficient if you plan it well and have a basic production and theme in mind.

Cons

  • It is more expensive to produce a live-action video. Businesses, on the other hand, are more likely to prefer high-quality videos that are more expensive and time-consuming to produce. This entails higher expenses for everything from performers to props to set locations to post-production.
  • There may be a lack of versatility when it comes to capturing and editing live-action videos. Reshooting a scene or scenes during a shoot is a pain since it throws off your entire schedule and affects everything you've planned and scheduled. In the long run, reshoots are a waste of both time and money.

Pros and Cons of Animated Videos

Pros

  • Actors aren't necessary. People who don't have to behave in front of a camera won't be needed. Only a narrator for your animated video will be required at this point.
  • There's no need to spend money on site scouting. You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey set settings that is required for filming. If you use animated movies, you can keep tabs on the development of your project from the comfort of your own home or office computer.
  • Animated videos may be used to help explain difficult concepts. Complex concepts can be simplified by using animated movies. They have the ability to simplify and reinterpret complex subjects for a broad audience. This can improve the readability of the material.
  • A more imaginative approach might be taken with animated videos. Because animated videos don't have to adhere to the norms of reality, you may be more imaginative in your approach. Your message may be conveyed more effectively if you allow your imagination to run wild.
  • Videos that are animated can be made for a lower cost. Animated videos are usually less expensive to produce since there are fewer variables to consider when calculating their costs. Just hire graphic designers and even animators to make your film seem good.
  • It is possible for animated videos to have a longer lifespan. Animated videos may be updated over time if your product or objective changes or evolves in the future. Adding or removing something from a script is much easier with animated videos than it is with live-action ones.

Cons

  • Animated videos may not feel as intimate.
  • Some viewers may experience a loss of intimacy when watching animated videos. Adapting some cartoons for certain audiences is one way to ensure that they work well in a variety of settings and contexts. In some cases, the creation of animated videos may necessitate a lengthier timeline.
  • In order to make an animated video, you must start from the beginning. To ensure that the final video is flawless, each and every aspect of the video must be meticulously planned, created, animated, and evaluated. On the other hand, high-quality animated videos need a lot of patience since they take a lot of time to produce.

Final Words

There are a lot of variables to consider when making a decision between live-action and interactive videos. You can't go wrong with either of these videos if you have them both prepared.

I have in this blog listed out to you the pros and cons of live-action and animated videos. I have also described what you have to consider while choosing the type of video for your video marketing strategy. Hope you will be able to choose what is best for you!

In case you need assistance, head over to www.webdew.com or contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

The choice between live action and animation depends on your specific project goals and creative preferences. Live action excels in portraying real-life scenarios, authentic human emotions, and a tangible connection with the audience. On the other hand, animation offers limitless creative possibilities, making it ideal for visualizing abstract concepts, fantasy worlds, or scenarios that are physically impossible to film. The decision often boils down to the storytelling needs and the intended impact you wish to achieve.

Live action films are not inherently better than animation; rather, they serve different purposes and cater to distinct audiences. Live action can excel in portraying real-world authenticity, emotional depth, and relatable human experiences. It is often chosen when the narrative relies heavily on actual locations, physical performances, or when the story demands a connection to reality. However, animation can surpass live action in exploring fantastical or surreal narratives and conveying complex ideas through visually engaging and imaginative means. The choice depends on the creative vision of the project.

No, live action and animation are distinct forms of filmmaking. Live action involves shooting real people and objects in physical settings, while animation uses drawings, computer-generated imagery (CGI), or stop-motion techniques to create characters and scenes. While both can be used to tell compelling stories, they differ in their visual styles and production methods. Live action captures real-life performances and surroundings, while animation relies on artistic interpretation and manipulation of visuals to convey its narrative.

The difficulty of animation versus live action largely depends on the specific project, its complexity, and the skills of the filmmakers involved. Animation can be challenging due to the meticulous planning, frame-by-frame creation, and attention to detail required. It often demands a significant amount of time and resources. Live action, on the other hand, can be complex in terms of coordinating actors, locations, and practical effects. Ultimately, both forms of filmmaking require unique skill sets and present their own set of challenges, making it challenging to definitively say which is harder; it varies from project to project.