Abstract: An animation method in which a user directs the actions of characters on a virtual stage, rather than instructing every individual movement. Such a method of producing an animated video comprises providing a virtual stage; providing templates from which characters can be assembled, each character having a body and limbs, and the templates providing facial features and clothes with differing colours and shapes; providing objects that can be placed on the virtual stage; placing the objects and the characters on the virtual stage; instructing each character as to his emotional state, and as to any required movement; wherein each character continuously and automatically behaves in accordance with the specified emotional state.