3D Computer Animation

3D Computer Animation

If you’re looking for an animation studio to help you create a 3D computer animation, you’re in the right place!  Video Igniter is an animated video production company that works with businesses around the world to turn their ideas into custom animated videos.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all of your top questions about making a 3D computer animation, including:

  • How can Video Igniter make a 3D computer animation for me?
  • What does it cost to make a 3D computer animation?
  • How long does it take to make a 3D computer animation?

Answers to all these questions and more coming up in this comprehensive guide including tips to help you save 10% – 25% or more off of your production budget when you hire Video Igniter to create your 3D computer animation. But first, let’s take a look at examples of 3D computer animations that Video Igniter’s production team can create for you.

3D Computer Animation 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.

Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.






Are you looking for a different type of 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 some relevant production samples.

How to make a 3D computer animation with Video Igniter?

When you’re ready to make a 3D computer animation, Video Igniter will guide you through these steps to bring your idea into reality.

1). Get A Quote

3d computer animation get a quote

To get things started, send us a message or schedule a call with our team to get a quote for your 3D computer animation. Our team will meet with you virtually or send you questions so we can learn:

  • What type of animation you want us to create for you?
  • How long the animation will be.
  • When do you need the final animation?
  • What do you want to show in your 3D computer animation?

Armed with this information, our team will develop a production proposal to create your video. Once we agree to the scope of the project, you will receive an invoice for 50% of your production budget along with a production agreement to sign.

2). Script

3d computer animation script

After we receive your signed production agreement and the production deposit, we’ll begin work writing the script for your 3D computer animation. Our team will meet with you virtually or send you a list of questions via email so we can learn:

  • Who your target audience is.
  • What their problem(s) are.
  • Your key talking points.
  • What you want viewers to do when they’re done watching your animation.

With this information in hand, we’ll develop the first draft of the script for your 3D computer animation. When it’s ready, you will receive a link to review a digital copy of the script with your team. You can add your feedback directly on the script document.

Our writers will revise your script according to the feedback and then share the 2nd draft of the script with you to review and approve. If additional edits are needed, we’ll continue to work with you to revise and polish your script until you love it.

3). Storyboard

3d computer animation storyboard

Next, we turn your script into a storyboard. The storyboard functions like the blueprint for your 3D computer animation. Each page includes:

  • A sentence from your script.
  • A rough sketch or mockup of the scene.
  • Instructions that explain how elements will move in the scene.

You will receive a digital copy of the storyboard to review with your team. While you review the storyboard, help us make sure we’ve included all of the important visual details that the illustrators need to include. If there are specific visual elements that are important to show, please let us know so we can include documentation for those details in the storyboard.

After we receive your feedback, we’ll integrate your revisions and then share the 2nd draft of the storyboard with you to review and approve. If additional edits are needed, we’ll continue to work with you to revise and polish your storyboard until it’s perfect.

4). VoiceOver

voiceover

You will receive a selection of voiceover auditions for your 3D computer animation. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite. We’ll hire that person to record the full narration for your animation. We’ll also make sure we properly license the recording so we can legally use it when we make your 3D computer animation. When the full narration is ready, you will get an opportunity to listen to the recording and request edits before we use it to animate your video.

5). Soundtrack

soundtrack

You will also receive a selection of soundtrack options for your 3D computer animation. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite. We’ll acquire the appropriate usage rights so we can legally use the music when we make your animation.

6). Concept Art

3d computer animation concept art

Video Igniter’s art director will review your brand guidelines and any style references you shared for your animation. Then, the art director will create multiple pieces of concept art for your 3D computer animation, based off key scenes from your storyboard.

When you review the concept art, share your honest feedback with the art director. Let them know what you like and dislike about each concept. This way, they can polish and perfect your favorite visual concept.

7). 3D Models

After the concept art is approved, our art and modeling teams will create 3D models for everything in your storyboard so it matches the style of the concept art.

At first, all of the models will look like this:

3d computer animation model

When you review the black and white models, provide feedback to help us refine the shape and form of the objects, characters and scenery we create for your 3D computer animation. After we lock in the shape of the models, we will add color, texture and lighting to each piece. You will get another opportunity at this point to request edits to the models before we use them to animate your video.

8). Animation

Now that everything is approved, it’s time to create your 3D computer animation!

3d computer animation

Video Igniter’s animators will assemble all of the 3D models to create each scene in your video. Then, the animators will line up the scenes with the voiceover so everything appears in sync with one another. Finally, the animators will apply motion design to bring everything to life. Depending on the complexity of your 3D computer animation, it can take between 1-4 weeks to create the first draft of your video.

When the first draft is ready, you will receive a link to download a watermarked copy of your 3D computer animation. Share the video with your team and members of your target audience.

Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. Then, we’ll integrate all of your revisions and render out the 2nd draft of your 3D computer animation.

After you approve the final draft of the animation, our audio team will add subtle sound effects and then balance the audio levels between the soundtrack, sound effects and voiceover so everything sounds loud and clear.

You will get to download the final unwatermarked version of your 3D computer animation after you pay the final invoice for your project.

How much does it cost to make a 3D computer animation?

3d computer animation cost

If you were to hire an independent animation studio like Video Igniter to create your 3D computer animation, your production budget will range between $5,000-$50,000+ to create each minute of video content.

To put this into perspective, a 90-minute PIXAR animated film costs $100,000,000 to produce – which means each minute of 3D computer animation costs them over $1,000,000 to create.

Here are 4 ways you can get a quote for your 3D computer animation:

1). Send us a message with details about your project.

2). Schedule a call to speak with our production team.

3). Fill out this questionnaire about your video.

4). Request access to our pricing page.

How long does it take to make a 3D computer animation?

3d computer animation production timeline

Ideally, you should allocate 8-12 weeks to create a custom designed 60-second 3D computer animation. If you need to speed up the production process, send us a message and ask us about rush delivery.

Deep Dive: How long does it take to animate a 1 minute video?

3D Computer Animation Budget Saving Tips

Combine these tips to save 10%-25% or more off your production budget when you hire Video Igniter to create your 3D computer animation.

3d computer animation budget saving tips

1). Write The Script

Writing the script for your 3D computer animation earns you a discount of $500 off the price of each minute of content we make for you. Download our script writing template for tips to help you write your video’s script.

3d computer animation script template

2). Record The VoiceOver

If you record the voiceover for your 3D computer animation, we’ll deduct voiceover recording and licensing costs from your production budget.

3). Use Free, Legal Music

Sites like Facebook’s sound collection and Incompetech offer libraries of free music we can legally use in your 3D computer animation. If you select a song you like from one of these sites, we’ll deduct music licensing costs from your production budget.

4). Create The Storyboard

Creating the storyboard for your 3D computer animation earns you an additional discount of $500 off the price of each minute of video we create for you. Download our storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide to learn how to make your own storyboard.

storyboard diagram

5). Start Production ASAP

Rush delivery is available to speed up the production process to meet your deadline – but it can increase your 3D computer animation budget by 10%-25% or more. If you want to minimize or avoid paying extra for rush delivery, schedule a call with our team ASAP or send us a message so we can start preparing to create your 3D computer animation before your deadline.

3D Computer Animation Production Resources

3d computer animation production resources

These resources are popular among people reading and researching ways to create a 3D computer animation:

Still have questions about 3D computer animation?

Do you have a question about 3D computer animation 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.

questions

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 animation studio.

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

 

Looking For An Animated Video Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

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.

“Couldn’t be happier with Derek and his team. The quality of the work for the cost far exceeded expectations and surpasses anything in the market. Derek was patient, offered many revisions, and was overall great to work with.”

Alex Novick – Founder, Sproutly.com

“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

testimonials

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.

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