What are the best techniques to create tension and suspense in an animated film?

1 Use the rule of three

The rule of three is a classic storytelling principle that states that things that come in threes are more satisfying, memorable, and effective than other numbers. You can use this rule to create tension and suspense by setting up three challenges, obstacles, or clues for your characters to overcome or discover. For example, in Finding Nemo, Marlin and Dory have to face three dangers: the sharks, the jellyfish, and the anglerfish, before they reach the sunken submarine. Each encounter raises the stakes and builds anticipation for the next one.

2 Vary the pacing

Another technique to create tension and suspense is to vary the pacing of your scenes, using both fast and slow moments to create contrast and rhythm. Fast scenes can create excitement, urgency, and action, while slow scenes can create suspense, mystery, and dread. For example, in The Lion King, the stampede scene is fast and chaotic, while the scene where Scar confronts Simba on the cliff is slow and tense. You can use different animation techniques, such as camera movements, transitions, and timing, to control the pacing of your scenes.

3 Use sound and music

Sound and music are powerful tools to create tension and suspense in an animated film, as they can evoke emotions, set the mood, and foreshadow events. You can use sound effects, such as footsteps, whispers, or screams, to create a sense of presence, danger, or surprise. You can also use music, such as melodies, chords, or silence, to create a sense of tension, suspense, or relief. For example, in Toy Story 3, the scene where the toys are about to fall into the incinerator is accompanied by a dramatic and emotional music score, while the scene where they are rescued by the aliens is followed by a cheerful and upbeat song.

4 Use visual cues

Visual cues are another technique to create tension and suspense in an animated film, as they can show the audience information that the characters may not know, create expectations, or subvert them. You can use visual cues, such as colors, shadows, or objects, to create a sense of atmosphere, mood, or symbolism. For example, in Up, the scene where Carl and Russell encounter the dogs is filled with dark and ominous colors, while the scene where they meet Kevin is bright and colorful. You can also use visual cues, such as close-ups, zooms, or cuts, to create a sense of focus, scale, or contrast. For example, in WALL-E, the scene where WALL-E and EVE dance in space is shown with close-ups and zooms, while the scene where they approach the Axiom is shown with a wide shot and a cut.

5 Use twists and turns

The last technique to create tension and suspense in an animated film is to use twists and turns, which are unexpected or surprising events that change the direction or outcome of the story. You can use twists and turns to create a sense of shock, curiosity, or satisfaction for your audience, as they challenge their assumptions, reveal new information, or resolve conflicts. For example, in The Incredibles, the twist where Syndrome reveals himself as the villain and the turn where the family reunites and fights together are both examples of twists and turns that create tension and suspense.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?