How to brief motion graphics for agency video
Start your motion brief with what should appear on screen, which assets are ready and which files you need back. Three callouts over supplied footage require different work from an animation that still needs designing.
A completed motion brief
This fictional backpack video illustrates a brief. It is not a completed client project or a fixed offer.
- Assets: an approved 20-second edit, logo, font, brand colours and an approved style reference.
- Motion: three callouts using the final wording "Front pocket", "Padded straps" and "Side pocket". They appear at seconds 2, 7 and 12 for three seconds each, beside the named feature.
- End card: show the supplied logo from second 17 to 20. Keep the existing edit and music.
- Approval: the agency producer approves one still design with a callout before animation. Then review the finished wording, timing and legibility together on a phone.
- Delivery: one 1080 × 1920 MP4 video in 9:16. Editable project files and a reusable template are not requested in this example.
Name any new design work
This brief already has an approved edit, wording and brand style. If you need new icons, an interface sequence or a complete explainer, specify that work separately. Name who designs it and who approves it before animation begins.
Another aspect ratio may need different positioning and timing. Add that version to the brief with its required duration and dimensions.
Video, project file or template?
A finished video is ready to publish. For an editable project, agree the application version, media, fonts and effects needed. Have the recipient open it and test an export. Adobe says required resources must be available on both systems; some third-party effects may still need adjustment across operating systems.
For a reusable template, specify which text, colours and images should change, in which application and within what limits. Test a longer product name, for example. A copy of the original project does not establish that those changes will work.
Sources
- Adobe: planning an After Effects project handover
Required fonts, effects, codecs and cross-platform considerations. Checked: 2026-09-16.
FutureFlows edits supplied material and adds motion within the agreed scope.
Explore motion graphics support