How to Make a Kurzgesagt Video in 1200 Hours

Introduction

Producing a Kurzgesagt video is an extensive process that requires a significant amount of time and effort. Over the years, viewers have been curious about how these captivating videos are produced. Here's a detailed look at the creative journey, which can take 1200 hours or more.

1. Choosing a Topic

The journey begins with selecting a topic. Kurzgesagt boasts an ever-growing list of potential subjects that grows with ongoing research. The topics can range from the serious and fascinating to the humorous and whimsical. This diversity is a crucial aspect of the team’s philosophy, as they aim to distill complex scientific concepts into clear and engaging narratives while also expressing their perspectives on the universe.

2. Laying the Foundation: The Script

The research process involves reading books and scientific papers, as well as consulting experts in various fields. This ensures that the content is factually accurate. Typically, after a few weeks of research, the team begins drafting a rough script, which undergoes numerous revisions and edits to avoid misrepresentation of information. This stage is particularly time-consuming, often stretching from several weeks to even years before arriving at a finalized document.

3. Visualization: Illustration

Once the script is polished, illustrators start sketching out the video. This includes creating visual metaphors and designing transitions between different ideas. On average, about 200 panels are drawn in Adobe Illustrator. While they’ve built an illustration library, most images are crafted from scratch to lend a unique touch to each video. The goal here is to create visuals that complement the script while remaining visually interesting. The illustration phase usually takes two to three illustrators approximately eight to twelve weeks.

4. Narration

After the illustrations are completed, the narration is recorded in a small studio using a high-quality Neumann TLM-103 microphone. The narrator aims to maintain a seamless flow while recording, making additional takes for any sentences that require refinement. The result is a cohesive audio track that accompanies the visuals.

5. Animation: Bringing It to Life

Next, the illustrated scenes are animated using Adobe After Effects and occasionally Cinema 4D. This involves disassembling the illustrated scenes, organizing the components, and meticulously importing them into the animation software. Characters are rigged for natural movement, and animators spend eight to ten weeks translating static illustrations into dynamic scenes.

6. Final Touches: Music and Sound Design

The final stage encompasses crafting original music, designed to enhance the viewing experience and highlight key moments in the video. Sound effects are also added to provide an immersive layer to the audio. While some may overlook these effects, they significantly contribute to the overall experience, especially when viewed with headphones.

7. The Bigger Picture and Support

Throughout this process, team members often juggle multiple videos simultaneously, fostering a collaborative environment that allows for continuous feedback and revisions. Ultimately, making a single Kurzgesagt video requires an immense collaborative effort that results in approximately 1200 hours of dedicated work.

The unique challenge of creating such content is complemented by a business model that primarily relies on viewer support, merchandise sales, and contributions via platforms like Patreon. The team emphasizes their gratitude towards their audience, acknowledging that their independence allows them to explore ambitious projects that might otherwise be daunting.

Kurzgesagt began as a personal project rooted in passion and love for storytelling, and that purpose remains central even after seven years and millions of subscribers.

Keywords

• Kurzgesagt
• Video production
• Research
• Scriptwriting
• Illustration
• Animation
• Music
• Sound design
• Audience support

FAQ

1. How long does it take to make a Kurzgesagt video?
It takes approximately 1200 hours or more to produce a single video.

2. What is the first step in creating a video?
The first step is selecting a topic from an ever-growing list based on research and engagement.

3. How does the scriptwriting process work?
The script is developed after thorough research and consulting experts, undergoing multiple revisions to ensure accuracy.

4. How many illustrations are typically created for a video?
On average, around 200 panels are illustrated for each video.

5. What software is used for animation?
Kurzgesagt primarily uses Adobe After Effects and occasionally Cinema 4D for animation.

6. How is audio recorded for the videos?
The narration is recorded in a studio on a Neumann TLM-103 microphone to ensure high quality.

7. How does Kurzgesagt support itself financially?
The team relies on viewer support through merchandise sales and platforms like Patreon, along with sponsorships and partnerships.