New Animated Explainer Video Production for Oxford University Press

CLIENT: Oxford University Press

SECTOR: Education

SCOPE: Animated explainer video

OUP came to us recently in need of another animated explainer video production. Oxford English Hub is a new ‘all-in-one’ digital platform from Oxford University Press (OUP). This is their one place for easy access to all OUP digital English language (ELT) teaching materials and more. From here, teachers can plan and teach lessons, assign homework, track progress, and assess students all in one place. It provides interactive content to enhance learning. This includes video and audio, listening, recording and playback, and interactive activities. Smart tools to save time and track progress with gradebook, automatic marking, and lesson planning. Plus Integrated professional development to support teaching. Training modules, expert advice, course support, and methodology are all included.

Explainer video animation company GWCM created a shareable animated explainer video. Our creative and animation team combined clear narration, with concise storytelling. We used an elementary suite of character illustrations to help explain it. Initially, we produced a script that helped to outline the features and benefits. Next, we developed a storyboard followed. Then we developed an animatic, a rough draft of the sequence to help sell our concept ideas. This helped to illustrate visually what the sequence would look like when animated out.

The way Oxford English Hub is presented to the global audience is critically important. Ensuring that the OUP customer experience is consistent. We adhered to the brand guidelines, ensuring on-brand uniformity. The usual OUP brand elements, such as the logo, brand colours, and visual style were observed. All the motion graphics and character animations were carefully considered. This was to help explain the hub as easily as possible to a global audience. All creative elements were then combined. Some upbeat, energetic music was added that fitted well with the brand's tone of voice. A professional voice-over was added to help describe, explain, and offer context to what's on screen. Calls to actions were added to the closing screens including one for a free trial signup. One to help explore in more detail and one with a simple “Take your teaching to the next level with OEH” message. The videos were rendered into a final series of animations. These were to be used across Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. The results combined a simplified explanation of the hub. There is effective storytelling and an on-brand recognisable visual appeal. It effectively communicates the message, engages its global audiences, and leaves a lasting impression. OUP shared these across their social channels to help showcase their launchpad for learning and OUP brand ethos. The ELT team at OUP was thrilled with the results.