How to Make a Kurzgesagt Video in 1200 Hours

Summary

This script reveals the meticulous process behind Kurzgesagt's engaging science videos, from selecting exciting topics to extensive research, scriptwriting, illustration, narration, and animation. It emphasizes the team's dedication to fact-based storytelling, their creative approach to visual metaphors, and the importance of music and sound design. The video also discusses the challenges of funding such ambitious projects and expresses gratitude for the community's support, highlighting the team's passion for making science both beautiful and accessible.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Kurzgesagt videos are created with a passion for making complex topics understandable and visually appealing.
• 📚 The video-making process begins with extensive research, including reading books, scientific papers, and consulting with experts.
• 📝 Scripts are meticulously written, revised, and fact-checked by experts, taking weeks to years to finalize.
• 🎨 Illustrations are crafted to visually represent the script, with 200 panels typically created in Adobe Illustrator.
• 🎙 Narration is recorded with attention to flow, often requiring multiple takes to ensure the delivery feels right.
• 💻 Animation brings the illustrations to life using Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D, with each element moved manually.
• 🎵 Original music is composed for each video to enhance the atmosphere and highlight key moments.
• 🔊 Sound effects add depth to the videos, often going unnoticed but essential for a full sensory experience.
• 🔁 The video creation process involves multiple revisions and edits, with the team regularly reviewing and tweaking the work.
• 👥 Kurzgesagt operates on a collaborative model, often working on several videos simultaneously at different stages.
• 💰 The team relies on various sources of income, including commercial work, sponsorships, grants, and direct support from viewers.
• 🙌 Support from the audience, through Patreon and merchandise sales, is crucial for Kurzgesagt to continue creating free content.

Q & A

What is the primary motivation behind Kurzgesagt's video creation process?

The primary motivation is to explain complicated topics in an easily graspable way, making science-y subjects fascinating and beautiful, and occasionally telling stories to express their feelings about the universe.

How does Kurzgesagt select the topics for their videos?

Kurzgesagt selects topics from their ever-growing list based on what they find exciting at the time, which can range from serious to personal or even seemingly trivial subjects.

What is the role of research in Kurzgesagt's video production?

Research is crucial as it helps Kurzgesagt to have a fact-based worldview, often leading to changes in their initial view on an issue during the production process.

How long does it typically take to complete a script for a Kurzgesagt video?

Completing a script can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the complexity of the topic and the research involved.

What is the significance of illustration in Kurzgesagt's video production?

Illustrations are essential for visualizing the script, creating visual metaphors, and ensuring that the images align with the script's words to explain concepts clearly.

How many panels are typically illustrated for a Kurzgesagt video?

On average, about 200 panels are illustrated for a Kurzgesagt video, with most illustrations being created from scratch for uniqueness.

What equipment and software does Kurzgesagt use for video narration?

Narration is recorded using a Neumann TLM 103 microphone and Pro Tools, with the aim of maintaining a natural flow and making necessary retakes until the narration feels right.

How does Kurzgesagt approach animation in their videos?

Animation is done in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D, with scenes being broken down, organized, and characters being rigged for natural movement. All moving elements are animated manually.

What is the duration of the animation process for a Kurzgesagt video?

The animation process takes about eight to ten weeks, with two to three animators working on the video.

How does Kurzgesagt integrate music and sound design into their videos?

Original music is composed for each video to create a unique atmosphere and highlight important parts. Sound effects are added as an additional layer to enhance the viewing experience.

What are the main sources of income that Kurzgesagt relies on to sustain their video production?

Kurzgesagt's main sources of income are direct support from viewers, merchandise sales, and Patreon contributions, which allow them to remain independent and work on ambitious projects.

How does Kurzgesagt ensure the quality and accuracy of their video content?

They involve experts in fact-checking and correction during the scriptwriting phase and undergo countless revisions and edits to ensure the content feels just right.