How To Make A 3D Video

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If you want to learn how to make a 3D video, you’re in the right place! Video Igniter’s animated video production service enables you to create custom 3D animated videos – even if you have zero video production experience.

In this guide, we’ll answer your top questions, including;

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

All that and more coming up in this comprehensive guide – including tips to help you save 10%-25% or more off your production budget! But first, let’s take a look at examples of the kinds of animated 3D videos that Video Igniter’s production team can make for you:

3D Video Examples

Video Igniter can make any kind of 2D or 3D video 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 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 video with Video Igniter?

Video Igniter will guide you through these 8 steps to turn your idea into a custom 3D animated video:

1). Get A Quote

Before you commit to a specific producer to make your 3D video, Video Igniter will work with you to develop a production budget and timeline for your project. We’ll spend some time learning about what you want to show and communicate in your video. Then we’ll share budget and style examples for you to review.

Once we agree to the scope and timeline for the project, we’ll send you a production agreement and an invoice for 50% of your production budget. If you decide to hire Video Igniter to make your 3D video, we’ll begin making your animation as soon as we receive your production deposit and the signed production agreement.

2). Script

Now that production is officially underway, our writing team will make the script for your 3D video. You will receive a digital copy of the script to review with your team. Have everyone add their comments directly to the digital document and then send your notes to us. We’ll integrate your revisions and share the 2nd draft of the script with you to review and approve.

3). Storyboard

Next, we turn your script into a storyboard. When we make your 3D video, the storyboard acts like the blueprint for the project. It contains instructions that tell the illustrators and animators what to create and how to make things move for every part of your 3D video.

Each page of the storyboard contains a sentence from your script, a rough sketch or mockup of the scene and a list of instructions to explain what is happening in the scene.

You will receive a link to a digital copy of the storyboard for your 3D video. Share it with your team so everyone can add their feedback directly on the storyboard. Once all the feedback is in, our storyboard artists will update the doc and share the 2nd draft of the storyboard with you to review and approve.

If additional edits are needed, our storyboard artists will continue to work with you to update the storyboard until you love every scene.

4). VoiceOver

After the storyboard is approved, 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 narration for your 3D video. You will get an opportunity to listen to the recording and request edits, if needed.

5). Soundtrack

You will also receive a selection of soundtracks to listen to. Let us know which one is your favorite and we’ll acquire the appropriate licenses so we can legally use the music in your 3D video.

6). Concept Art

Once the storyboard gets the sign off from your team, Video Igniter’s art director will begin developing concept art for your 3D animation. You will receive multiple visual concepts to review. Share your honest feedback with the art director; let them know what you like and dislike about each concept. The art director will work with you to revise and refine your favorite visual concept until it’s perfect.

7). 3D Modeling

Now that the concept art is approved, it’s time to make 3D models for every scene, object and character that’s featured in your 3D video. At first, the models will start out as black and white models like this:

At this stage, the goal is to focus on the shape and form factor for each model. After the shape of the models gets your sign off, Video Igniter will add color, shading and textures to your models. You will get an opportunity to review all of the colorized models before we make your 3D video.

8). Animation

It’s finally animation time! Our 3D modelers will organize the models to lay out each 3D scene in your video. Then, the animators will work their magic to bring everything to life! It takes about 2-3 weeks to make each minute of 3D video. Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up the production process for an upcoming deadline.

When the first draft is ready, you will receive a link to download a copy of your 3D video. Share the 3D video with your 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 3D video.

How Much Does It Cost To Make A 3D Video?

There’s a wide range of possible answers to this question. Let’s try to put this into perspective.

If you were to ask: “How much does it cost to make a 3D PIXAR quality video?,” the answer would be: somewhere around $1,000,000 for each minute of 3D video.

Luckily, independent studios like Video Igniter are much more affordable to work with. Most 3D videos cost between $5,000-$25,000 to make each minute of content.

Request access to Video Igniter’s price sheet and get a quote for Video Igniter to make your 3D video.

How Long Does It Take To Make A 3D Video?

A 60-second 3D video takes about 8-12 weeks to make. Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up the production process.

Schedule a call with our production team to discuss the production timeline to make your 3D video.

How To Save Money When You Make A 3D Video?

Combine these tips to save $1,000 or more off the cost of making your 3D video:

1). Write The Script

When we make your 3D video, you can save $500 off the price of each minute of content we create for you if you write the script for your project. Download our script writing template for help writing your script.

2). Use Free, Legal Music

Music licensing costs can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your production budget. If you have access to free music we can legally use in your video, send it our way and we’ll deduct music licensing costs from your 3D video production budget.

3). Create The Storyboard

You can save an additional $500 off the price of each minute of 3D video we create for you if you make the storyboard for your animation. Download our storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide for tips to help you get started. No artistic ability needed.

4). Record The VoiceOver

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

Watch 1:31 in this video to see how you can record professional quality voiceovers at home for free.

5). Start Production ASAP

Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up the production process to meet your deadline – but it can add 10%-25% or more to your production budget. If you want to minimize or avoid paying extra for rush delivery, send us a message or schedule a call with our team to start discussing your 3D video as soon as possible.

Production Resources To Help You Make A 3D Video

These resources are popular among people researching and reading about how to make a 3D video:

3D Video Animation FAQ
How To Make A 3D Explainer Video
How To Work With A 3D Animation Studio
How To Pick The Right 3D Animation Company To Make Your Video

Still have questions about how to make a 3D video?

Do you have a question about how to make a 3D video 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 A 3D Video Production 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.

“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

“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

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.