How To Create A Video With 3D Effects

Adding 3D visual effects to your video is a phenomenal way to boost production quality and hold your viewer’s attention. If you want to create an eye-catching 3D effects video, you’re in the right place. Video Igniter’s animated video production service can turn your idea into a custom animated video with 3D visual effects.

Best of all, you don’t need to have any video production experience!

But how does it work?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your top questions about creating a 3D effects video, including:

• How do I make a 3D effects video with Video Igniter?
• How long does it take to create a 3D effects video?
• What does it cost to make a 3D effects video?
• What kinds of 3D effects can I create with Video Igniter?

Answers to all these questions and more are coming up in this guide – including tips to help you save 10%-25% or more off the cost of making your 3D effects video! But first, let’s take a look at examples of videos with 3D effects that Video Igniter can create for you:

3D Effects Video 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 Effects Video With Video Igniter

Whether you want to want to create a video that uses 100% 3D animation or a mix of 3D animation with 2D animation or live action video content, this guide will provide an overview of the production experience so you know what to expect during the production process.

1). Contact Us For A Quote

To start making a video with 3D effects, send us a message or schedule a call with our production team to discuss your project and goals. We’ll work with you to develop a budget and a plan to create your dream video.

Once we agree to the scope of the project, you will receive a production agreement to sign and an invoice for the first 50% of your production budget.

2). Script

Now that production is underway, we’ll develop the script for your 3D effects video (or we can skip this step if you provide the script).

If our team needs additional background information to develop your script, we’ll send you questions via email or schedule a call to discuss your key talking points.

For most projects, it takes 1-4 business days to develop the first draft of the script. When the first draft is ready, we will share a digital copy of the script for you to review. You and your team can add your comments directly on the script doc and then send it back to us for revisions. We’ll integrate your edits and then share the 2nd draft of the script with you to review and approve.

If additional edits are needed, we will continue to work with you to revise and polish your script until it’s perfect.

3). Storyboard

Next, we turn your script into a storyboard for your 3D effects video. The storyboard functions like a blueprint for your video. It tells the illustrators and animators exactly what to create for each scene. This is especially important for videos that include 3D effects. Proper planning and documentation ensures a smooth and accurate production process.

You will receive a copy of the storyboard to review with your time. Give it a detailed review to ensure we have accurately described the 3D effects you want us to create for your video. If there are extra details that need to be shown in the final video, let us know so we can add it to the storyboard.

4). Concept Art

After the storyboard is approved, the art director will oversee the creation of concept art for your 3D effects video. Concept art gives the visual effects team an opportunity to develop and refine overall visual style for your 3D effects video before we spend a lot of time creating all of the scenes for your video. This ensures we end up creating assets that match what you envision.

Video Igniter’s art director will review your brand guidelines and any style references you may have shared. Then, the art director will develop multiple pieces of concept art for your 3D effects video based on scenes from your storyboard.

Even though we’re creating 3D effects for your video, concept art usually starts with 2D illustrations because it’s quicker and easier to develop and polish the visual style using 2D images before creating a 3D version of the concept art.

When the concept art is ready, give it a thoughtful review with your team. Share your honest feedback with the art director about what you like and dislike about each concept. This way, the art director can revise and refine your favorite visual concept until it’s perfect.

Depending on the nature of the 3D effects that are being created for your video, the art director may take the time to create a 3D version of the concept art, or they may dive in directly to creating the 3D models and effects for your video.

5). Models & Color

Now that the concept art is approved, Video Igniter’s production team can begin work creating all of the 3D characters, scenes, objects and special effects for your video.

At first, you will receive a series of black and white 3D models like this:

The initial goal is to work with our 3D modelers to let them know what you like and dislike about the shape and form of each model. Our modelers will work with you to revise and polish the models until everything looks perfect.

Then, we’ll add color, texture and shading to all of the 3D models to develop their final appearance. You will get an opportunity to review all of the colorized models and request edits before we animate your 3D effects video.

6). VoiceOver

While we’re creating the 3D models for your video, you will receive a selection of voiceover auditions to listen to. Let us know which one is your favorite and we’ll hire that person to record the full voiceover narration for your video.

You will get to listen to a copy of the recording and have an opportunity to request edits (if needed) before we use the voiceover in your 3D effects video.

7). Soundtrack

You will also receive a selection of soundtrack options for your 3D effects video. Give them a listen and let us know which option is your favorite. We’ll acquire the appropriate licenses so we can legally use the music in your video.

8). Animation

Once everything is approved, it’s time to animate your 3D effects video.

Our 3D animators will assemble all of your 3D models into the different scenes for your video. Then, they will animate the 3D models and add special effects that are synced up with the voiceover narration and music.

3D animation takes time to do well so this stage will require some patience. Usually it takes more than 1 week to animate 1 minute of 3D video. If your project is longer than a few minutes, we’ll add additional animators to the project to speed up production.

When the first draft is complete, you will receive a link to download your 3D effects video. Give it a detailed review with your team (and ideally members of your target audience). Collect everyone’s feedback and send it to us. We’ll integrate your revisions and render out the new version of your video for you to review and sign off.

9). Post Production

Now that the animation is approved, we can help you with any final post production work. This may include:

• Adding subtle sound effects to your video.
• Balancing and mastering the audio levels (voiceover + soundtrack + sound effects).
• Editing your 3D effects video into a larger video made of 2D animation or live action video clips.
• Translating your video to other languages.
• Exporting the video in different aspect ratios for different social media platforms.

After all of the post production work is complete, you will receive the final invoice for your 3D effects video. Once the invoice is paid, you will receive the unwatermarked copy of your 3D effects video.

How much does it cost to make a 3D effects video?

Many types of 3D animation effects can be produced within the range of $5,000-$35,000 for a 60-second video. That being said, there are many factors at play that will affect the budget of your 3D effects video. If you want to produce cinema quality 3D effects like Transformers, The Matrix and Avatar, a larger budget will be required.

Here are 4 ways you can get a quote for your project:

1). Schedule a call with our production team.

2). Send us a message.

3). Fill out this questionnaire.

4). Request access to Video Igniter’s pricing page.

How long does it take to make a 3D effects video?

3D animation takes 2x-3x more time to create compared to 2D animation. If you want to create a 60-second video with 3D effects, we recommend you allocate at least 8-10 weeks for the creation of your video.

Need to speed up the production process? Send us a message and ask about rush delivery options.

Tips for making a successful 3D effects video

3D animation projects can get complex. Here are a few quick tips to ensure you have a smooth production process.

1). Think It Through

Before you hire an animator to create your 3D effects video, we recommend you plan out your video as much as possible. This helps with two things: 1). It will help you pick an animator or studio who is qualified to create the type of 3D effects you envision and 2). It will prevent slowdowns during the production process if you’ve already thought through what you want us to show in your video.

Of course, creative ideas and new inspiration pop up during the production process so you don’t need to have things 100% figured out before you get started – but it certainly helps the production process if you have a well conceived concept in mind before hiring an animator.

2). Start Early

3D animation takes time to do a good job. We recommend starting production as soon as possible so that no phases of the production process are rushed.

3). Share Style Examples

Look for examples of other 3D effects videos that are similar to the style and quality you want for your video. Providing visual references makes it faster and easier for the art director to understand and create the visual style you want for your video.

How to save money when you make a 3D effects video

Combine these tips to save 10%-25% or more off the cost of creating your 3D effects video.

1). Use Free, Legal Music

Do you have a song you want us to use in your 3D effects video? Send it our way and we’ll deduct music licensing costs from your production budget. Just be sure that you have the commercial and or broadcast rights for the music so we can legally use it in your video.

2). Write The Script

You can save $500 off the price of each minute of video content we make for you if you write the script for your 3D effects video. Download our free script template for help getting started.

3). Record The VoiceOver

Is there someone on your team with an iconic voice? Do you want to use their video to narrate your 3D effects video? If so, we’ll deduct voiceover recording and licensing costs from your production budget.

4). Create The Storyboard

You can save an additional $500 off the price of each minute of video content we produce for you if you create the storyboard for your 3D effects video. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a storyboard before. Download our storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide to see how easy it is to make a storyboard. No artistic ability need. It’s our job to bring your vision to life and make it look great!

5). Start Production ASAP

Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up the production process to complete your 3D effects video before a deadline – however, rush delivery can add 10%-25% or more to your production budget. If you want to avoid paying extra for rush delivery, we recommend starting production as soon as possible. Schedule a call with our production team or send us a message today to start the conversation.

Production Resources for 3D Effects Videos

These resources are popular among people researching and reading about ways to create a 3D effects video:

• How To Hire & Work With A 3D Animation Studio
• How To Make A Video That Includes 2D Animation And 3D Animation
• Where To Find & Hire A 3D Animator

Still have questions about making a 3D effects video?

Do you have a question about 3D effects videos 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 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

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.