Week 2 Phase • September 16, 2026

The Animatic & Hero Frames

Lock your rhythm, define your timing, and prove your visual direction before the heavy lifting begins.

Discord Google Drive Storyboard Template

The Goal

Phase 2 is about commitment. You are moving your static storyboards into a timeline to lock the pacing, script, and sound. Simultaneously, you will produce Hero Frames -- fully rendered style frames -- to prove the visual appeal of every scene.

Part 1: The Animatic

This is your technical blueprint. It doesn't need final animation, but it must have:

  • Locked Timing: Exactly how long each principle lasts.
  • VO (Scratch or Final): The narration must be present to drive the edit.
  • SFX Markers: Temporary sound effects to establish the "beat."
  • Scene Pacing: Smooth transitions between the 10 principles.

Part 2: Hero Frames

Design "Style Frames" for each scene. These are non-moving, high-fidelity renders that show:

  • Final Visual Direction: Full color, lighting, and texture.
  • Typography Placement: Where the "Principle Label" sits.
  • Environmental Context: The "stage" the hero performs on.
  • Consistency: Do all 10 frames feel like the same film?
✨ Proving Appeal through Hero Frames

Your Hero Frames are your first real test of Appeal. If your frames look flat or disjointed here, the animation cannot save them. Use this week to ensure your Hero Shape/Character has magnetic charisma in every lighting setup and composition.

💡 Pro-Tip: Timeline Markers

In After Effects, use the * key on your number pad to drop markers on your audio layer where the VO mentions a specific principle. This creates a "magnetic" roadmap for your animation next week!

⚠️ Common Pitfall

Don't start "Final Keyframing" yet. If you change your mind about the timing in Week 4, you'll have to redo all your work. Trust the Animatic. Lock the edit now so you can focus entirely on physics later.

Phase 2 Checklist

  • VO Locked: Script is read and timed.
  • Pacing Established: The 90s flow feels right.
  • SFX Cues: Every principle has a sound concept.
  • 10 Hero Frames: One per scene, full style.
  • Consistency: Visuals feel like one brand.
  • Appeal Check: Frames look "portfolio ready."

NCAD Submission Standard

Capstone2_Phase2_StudentName_Animatic_YYYYMMDD_v01

Deliverables: 1x Rendered .MP4 Animatic (with scratch VO) and 1x PDF containing your 10 Hero Frames.

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NCAD Motion Design • Capstone 2 Week 2 • Fall 2026