Creating TED-Ed Videos: The Tools Behind the Scenes

TED-Ed is known for its engaging educational videos that captivate audiences worldwide. But have you ever wondered what software and techniques are used to create these remarkable animations? In this article, we will explore the tools and processes behind the making of TED-Ed videos, including animation software and video editing tools. We will highlight specific software like Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro, and discuss the more specialized tools used for stop motion and green screen techniques.

Primary Software for Animation and Video Editing

TED-Ed videos are primarily created using a combination of animation software and video editing tools. Some of the commonly used software includes:

Adobe After Effects: Used for animation and visual effects. Adobe Premiere Pro: Used for video editing. Toon Boom Harmony: Often used for more complex animations. Final Cut Pro: A video editing option commonly used on Mac.

These tools provide the necessary capabilities to create high-quality animations and edit them into cohesive videos. In addition to these, TED-Ed often collaborates with various animators and studios who may use their own preferred tools and software.

Stop Motion Animation Techniques

Stop motion or stop frame animation is a technique that involves physically manipulating objects and taking individual frames to create the illusion of movement. TED-Ed occasionally uses this technique, particularly in projects that require more realistic or tactile animations. For stop motion, Dragonframe is heavily utilized by animators. This tool helps control the frame rate, exposure, and other settings, ensuring a smooth and professional-looking animation.

Green Screen and Chroma Key Compositing

Green screen or chroma key compositing is a special effects technique used to overlay an image or video over a background. It involves making a specific color transparent to reveal another image or scene behind it. The technique is widely used in video production and post-production, especially in the newscasting and motion picture industries. Adobe Photoshop is a powerful tool for editing and working with green screen composites.

Line Drawing Animation Techniques

A line drawing animation is a type of inbetweening technique where movements are created using basic line drawings. It is a simpler method compared to full-motion animation and is often used for educational content to ensure clarity and focus. A classic example of line drawing animation can be seen in TED-Ed videos, where the characters and scenes are sketched with movements that are easy to follow.

Featured TED-Ed Animators

Notable animators that have worked extensively on TED-Ed videos include:

Biljana Labovic: Known for directing the animation of many TED-Ed lessons, including examples like How Folding Paper Can Get You to the Moon and Exploration on the Big Data Frontier. Lisa LaBracio: Also a prolific TED-Ed animator, offering a taste of her work in lessons such as The Key to Media's Hidden Codes, Animation Basics: Homemade Special Effects, and Rethinking Thinking.

These animators bring a blend of creativity and technical skill to each project, making TED-Ed videos both visually appealing and educational.