How to Hire & Work With a 3D Animation Company

Do you want to hire a 3D animation company to help you create a custom animated video but aren’t sure how or where to get started? Luckily, you’re in the right place! Video Igniter’s guide to hiring and working with a 3D animation company has answers to all of your top questions, including:

What does it cost to hire a 3D animation company?
How long does it take to create a 3D animation?
How do I hire a 3D animation company?
What is the production process like to create a 3D animation?

All that and more, including tips to help you save $1,000 or more off the cost of hiring a 3D animation company. But first, let’s take a look at some examples of the different kinds of 3D animation that Video Igniter’s team can create for you:

3D Animation Company Production Examples

Video Igniter can make any kind of 2D or 3D animation for you. You can see some of our favorite example videos below. For additional production samples, check out our animation portfolio or request access to our demo reels and price sheet.

Are you looking for a different type of 3D animation example? Send us a message to let us know what kind of production example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

How do I hire a 3D animation company?

Finding and hiring the right 3D animation company for your project is one of the most important steps in the production process. That’s why we wrote an whole article dedicated to the topic:

How To Hire An Animator

In the article, you’ll learn:

Where to look for animators.
How to evaluate animators/studios before hiring them.
Tips to negotiate a lower production budget.
Details to include in your production agreement.

And so much more! Get the full guide here.

How do I create a video with a 3D animation company?

Let’s take a brief look at the production process so you understand how to turn the idea in your head into a custom 3D animated video.

Step 1: Get A Quote

Contact our 3D animation company to get a quote for your video. After we agree to the scope of the project, budget and timeline, you will receive a production agreement to sign and an invoice for 50% of the project budget.

Step 2: Write The Script

Our script writers will have a call with you to learn more about what you want to show and communicate in your 3D animation. We’ll develop a draft of the script and propose some visuals to go along with each part of the script.

You will receive a link to the first draft of the script. The link will enable you to share your script and collect feedback from members your team. Once the feedback is in, our writers will work with you to revise the script until it’s perfect.

Step 3: Create The Storyboard

Next, we’ll turn your script into a storyboard. The storyboard becomes the blueprint for your video. It tells our 3D animation company exactly what to create for every part of your script.

You will receive a digital copy of the storyboard to review with your team. If we need to show something in a very specific way, let us know so we can include photos or links to videos within the storyboard. The goal is to organize all of the production instructions into a single document so our producers will have all the information they need while they create your video.

Step 4: Develop The Concept Art

Our 3D animation company’s art director will develop one or more pieces of custom concept art for your animation. The goal is to help develop the visual style early in the production process, before we spend time creating all of the 3D models that are needed for your video.

Give the concepts a review and share your honest feedback with our art director. If you’d like, you can collaborate with the art director to revise and refine the style of your concept art until we get all of the details just the way you like.

Step 5: Record The VoiceOver

You will receive several voiceover auditions to listen to. Let us know which one is your favorite and we will hire that person to record the narration for your 3D animation. You get to listen to the full recording so you can request edits (if needed) before we animate your video.

Step 6: Create 3D Models

After the concept art for your video is approved, our 3D animation company will develop all of the 3D models that are needed to make your video. This includes characters, objects and the background scenery for your animation.

At first, the models will look something like this:

Just a black and white 3D model. The initial goal is to create the 3D shape of everything shown in your video. We’ll check in with you to review the physical designs and refine as needed. Our team will also add a digital ‘skeleton’ inside some of the 3D models to help them move (but you won’t see those when you’re looking at the models).

After we get the form of each model locked in, our 3D animation company will add color, textures, and lighting so that everything looks the way it will look in your finished animation. You’ll get another opportunity at this point to review all the color choices and request edits as needed.

Step 7: Select Music

You will receive several soundtracks that we think will set the right tone and energy for your 3D animation. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite. Our team will take care of acquiring the appropriate licenses so we can legally use the music in your video.

Step 8: Animate

Now that everything is approved, it’s time for our company to create your 3D animation! As soon as the first draft is ready, you will receive a link to download your animation. Give it a detailed review with your internal team and members of your target audience. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. We’ll integrate your revisions and render out the final draft of your animation.

You will receive a link to download the unwatermarked version of your video after you pay the final invoice for your video.

What does it cost to hire a 3D animation company?

3D animation costs about 2-4x more than 2D animation. Most 2D animated videos can be produced for $1,500-$10,000 (for a 60-second video). Expect to pay at least $5,000-$15,000 to create each minute of 3D animation.

Get a quote for our 3D animation company to create your video.

How long does it take to create a 3D animation?

3D animated videos will take at least 2 months to create. A 60-second 3D animated video can be produced in about 8-12 weeks. To put that into perspective, a full length PIXAR 3D animated film takes about 5 years to create.

Need to speed up production for a deadline? Video Igniter offers rush delivery animation.

3D Animation Company Budget Saving Tips

Combine these tips to save $1,000 or more off the cost of hiring a 3D animation company to create your video:

1). Write The Script

If you write the script for your 3D animation, you can save $500 off the cost of each minute of video we produce for you. Download our free script writing template for help getting started.

2). Record The VoiceOver

Each voiceover that is used in your 3D animation will cost between $50-$500 to record and license. Non-English voiceovers can cost even more to produce. If you want to record the voiceover(s) for your video, we can deduct that cost from your production budget. Watch 1:31 in this video to learn how you can record a professional quality voiceover at home for free, without having to buy any expensive equipment or software.

3). Find Free, Royalty-Free Music

The cost to license a soundtrack for your 3D animation can be as little as $19 and it can also go over $10,000 for popular, well known songs. If you want to avoid paying music licensing fees, you can source free music from websites like Facebook’s Sound Collection and Incompetech.

4). Create The Storyboard

You can save an additional $500 off the cost of each minute of animation by creating the storyboard for your video. Download our storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide for help getting started.

5). Start Production ASAP

The easiest thing you can do to save 10%-50% or more off the cost of your production budget is to start production on your video as soon as possible. The world’s best 3D animation companies still need weeks (or months) of time to do quality work. It is possible to rush through the production process but it will increase your budget by at least 10%-50% to meet your deadline. Do yourself a favor and send us a message or schedule a call so we can get started on your project as soon as possible.

Still have questions about 3D animation companies?

Do you have a question about 3D animation companies that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar 3D animation studio.

Watch the demo reel below for examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce for you.

Looking For A 3D Animation Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

3D Animation Company Resources

These articles are popular among people who are interested in learning about 3D animation companies:

How To Make A 3D Explainer Video

How To Work With The Best Animation Studio For Your Project

Learn How To Hire & Work With A 2D Animation Company

Success Stories & Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it – these testimonials highlight Video Igniter’s reliability, creativity, flexibility and ability to deliver animations that exceed expectations. When you choose Video Igniter Animation, you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted and reputable studio.

“Video Igniter were very easy to work with and the entire process for creating and suggesting edits was seamless and stress-free. I would work with them again and would recommend to others looking to create a modern and stylish explainer video.”

Clair Simpson – VP Marketing, Repool.com

“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and making it into a beautiful animation. The review process was easy and their turnaround time was very quick. I’d def recommend them if you’re looking for an animation project.”

Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

Get in touch!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.