video/skills/pipelines/animation/idea-director.md

Idea Director - Animation Pipeline

When To Use

Use this pipeline when the video should be built primarily through designed motion: motion graphics, kinetic typography, diagram-led explainers, math visuals, or illustrative animation.

Do not use this pipeline when the project is really footage-led with a few overlays. That belongs in hybrid.

Reference Inputs

• docs/animation-best-practices.md
• skills/creative/animation-pipeline.md
• skills/creative/storytelling.md

Process

1. Classify The Animation Mode

Choose the primary mode:

• diagrammatic
• motion_graphics
• kinetic_type
• math_animation
• illustrative
• mixed_animation

2. Decide The Visual Path Early

Figure out which tools are supposed to do the work:

• diagram_gen
• math_animate
• code_snippet
• image_selector
• video_selector or a concrete video provider tool
• source-provided art

If the requested mode depends on unavailable tools, say so in the brief metadata immediately.

3. Choose A Reuse Strategy

Animation gets expensive when every scene is unique. Define:

• recurring motifs,
• layout system,
• transition family,
• typography hierarchy.

4. Build The Brief

Recommended metadata keys:

• animation_mode
• visual_path
• narration_strategy
• reuse_strategy
• timing_style
• blocked_capabilities

5. Quality Gate

• the animation mode is explicit,
• the visual path is feasible,
• the project is designed for reuse,
• the brief is honest about missing tools.

Common Pitfalls

• Treating all animation as one generic category.
• Planning bespoke visuals for every scene.
• Hiding missing tool paths until the asset stage.