Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a Nutshell? Well, the answer is that it takes a lot! Nutshell production is a highly iterative and collaborative process. That’s hard work, but we believe it’s the only way to achieve beautiful results.

Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at what went into making our video for Mango Health.

1. Consultation

The first step is a consultation. Our fearless leader, Josh, speaks with the client about their concept. What is the goal of the video? What points does it need to get across? At this stage, we also start thinking about some visual ideas.

A page from Josh’s notebook. Shhh. Top secret.

2. Script

The next step is writing a script. Josh personally writes the script for every Nutshell that we make. He also consults with the client, revising and rewriting the script until it’s just right. Check out version 1 of the script: Script Version 1, and the final version, 5 revisions later: Final Script.

3. Sketches and Rough Storyboard

The next step is to start work on the visuals, do some sketches, and create a rough storyboard. Our animators sketch out some ideas.

A super exclusive look into John’s sketchbook.

Hey, John, that looks more like an apple than a mango!

4. Final Storyboard

Now, we create some drawings, and turn them into a final storyboard. We send this to the client, so that they can make comments. We make changes based on their comments and refine, refine, refine until happiness reigns.

5. Character Design

Next, we work on finalizing the most important visual component: character design. We submit our best designs to the client for their input.

Trevor and John had a lot of ideas about what Mary, the star of the Mango Health video, should look like.

With the character model complete, we create assets. These are the illustrations that will be animated in the video.

The final character design, and some other assets. Looking good, Mary!

6. Animation and Sound Design

Next, we animate the assets, and sync them up with the music and voiceover. We ask the client about any last minute changes, and make them. When we’re all done, it looks a little something like this:

We’re not into tooting our own horns too much, but we’ve really been up to some great things here at Planet Nutshell. We think this demo reel shows that off quite nicely.

Check it out, and let us know what you think!

We’re passionate about cycling here at Planet Nutshell, so when Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center asked us to make a bicycle safety video for their upcoming Obliteride cancer benefit ride, we were thrilled! The video goes over some basic tips for safe riding, and reminds cyclists of something very important: never ride like a cat.

Obliteride will be taking place from August 9-11. If you’re in the Seattle area, it’s not too late to register for the ride! Even if you’re not nearby, you can still participate as a “virtual rider” by making a $25 donation, and asking your friends to do the same.

Check out the video, and ride safely out there, folks!