{"id":247,"date":"2013-03-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-13T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sproutvideo.wpengine.com\/?p=247"},"modified":"2022-01-27T14:02:52","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T19:02:52","slug":"film-vs-motion-graphics-when-to-use-each","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/film-vs-motion-graphics-when-to-use-each.html","title":{"rendered":"Film VS Motion Graphics: When To Use Each"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you prepare to create your company\u2019s next video, you might be wondering whether it\u2019s better to film real footage, or to use motion graphics<\/a>\u00a0instead. Both can give fantastic results. In fact, there are plenty of highly successful brand videos in both categories.<\/p>\n

When choosing between film and animation or motion graphics, there a few key factors to keep in mind. Most often, your main concerns will be the budget, the staff and time available, the video\u2019s message and structure, and your target audience. With that in mind, here are some of the main benefits and limitations of both types of video production.<\/p>\n

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Video Footage<\/h2>\n

Pro: You Can Keep It In-house<\/h3>\n

Perhaps the greatest benefit of using video footage is that you can carry out a large part of the production process in-house. Provided, of course, that you have the staff and the time.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s possible to shoot quality video footage even with relatively little experience filming. Read this article for more tips on producing high quality videos on your own<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pro: You Can Do Most of It On the Cheap<\/h3>\n

There are plenty of ways to cut corners with video production<\/a> while still producing sleek, professional-looking brand videos. This isn\u2019t as possible with motion graphics and animations. Typically, they require the skills of a trained graphic artist.<\/p>\n

Con: You Can\u2019t Skimp on Editing<\/h3>\n

While you can carry out the pre-production process<\/a> and even filming with minimal training<\/a>, editing your video does take some skill, or else you have to be ready to pay someone to do it.<\/p>\n

Types of Content That Will Work Best with Video Footage<\/h3>\n

Subject matter has a big role to play in the decision between film and digital graphics. Any video that is location-specific, for example highlighting a particular city or workplace, will probably benefit from showing the real place.<\/p>\n

Videos designed to humanize your organization, such as testimonial videos<\/a> or views into the roles and people in your company<\/a>, will also most likely be suited to film rather than digital graphics. Below is an example from the team member profile series from WholeFoods whose subject matter is best suited to film:<\/p>\n