> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.videodraft.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Animatics

> Timed storyboard preview with motion and audio

## What is an Animatic?

An animatic is a timed video preview made from storyboard images. It shows pacing, timing, and flow before you generate final video clips.

Think of it as a rough draft of your video using still images.

## Why Use Animatics?

| Benefit        | Description                                    |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Preview pacing | See if scenes feel too fast or slow            |
| Check flow     | Verify story makes sense visually              |
| Test audio     | Add scratch dialogue and music                 |
| Save credits   | Catch issues before expensive video generation |
| Client review  | Share direction before final production        |

## Animatic Elements

### Shot Duration

Set how long each shot stays on screen:

* Default: 3 seconds
* Adjustable per shot
* Total runtime calculated automatically

### Camera Movement Preview

Visualize planned camera movements:

* Pan (horizontal)
* Tilt (vertical)
* Zoom (in/out)
* Tracking (lateral)

### Scratch Audio

Temporary audio for timing:

* AI-generated dialogue
* Placeholder voiceover
* Temp music
* Sound effect markers

## Animatics Director Agent

The AI Animatics Director helps with:

* Timing recommendations
* Pacing analysis
* Shot duration suggestions
* Motion planning

### How to Use

1. Complete your storyboard
2. Click "Consult AI Film Crew"
3. Select Animatics Director
4. Ask for timing/pacing help
5. Apply suggestions

## Creating an Animatic

<Steps>
  <Step title="Complete Storyboard">
    Have images for all scenes/shots
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Durations">
    Adjust timing per shot (default 3s)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Audio">
    Generate dialogue, add temp music
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview">
    Play through and note issues
  </Step>

  <Step title="Refine">
    Adjust timing and order as needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

## From Animatic to Production

Once your animatic is approved:

1. Generate video prompts - AI suggests prompts based on storyboard
2. Select models - Choose video generation models
3. Batch generate - Create videos for all shots
4. Use first/last frame - Kling v2.5 Pro for controlled transitions

## Animatic Toolkit

| Feature         | Purpose                          |
| --------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Scene layouts   | AI-generated compositions        |
| Motion paths    | Animated camera movements        |
| Timing controls | Shot duration sliders            |
| Export options  | Video, PDF storyboard, shot list |

## Production Types

### Animatic / Story Reel

Current production mode:

* Storyboard images in timeline
* Video prompts generated
* Dialogue speech synthesized
* Generate videos shot-by-shot

### AI Production (Coming Soon)

Automated full production:

* Auto-generate all shot videos
* Auto-adjust pacing
* Add voiceovers automatically
* Complete video ready to share

## Tips

Start rough, refine later

* Get timing right before perfecting images
* Easier to adjust pacing early

Watch multiple times

* First watch: overall flow
* Second watch: individual shot timing
* Third watch: audio sync

Get feedback early

* Share animatic before production
* Cheaper to change storyboard than video

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Video Models" icon="video" href="/models/video-generation">
    Choose generation models
  </Card>

  <Card title="Production Pipeline" icon="diagram-project" href="/concepts/production-pipeline">
    Full workflow
  </Card>
</CardGroup>