5 reasons why animation explainer videos are so expensive

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Vani Aggarwal

9 January, 2024

blog/image1.webp They can get the job done and still be so immersive and creative that its charm lingers on. Every video animation company has its own approach to creating animation videos. From 2D to 3D and motion graphic animations, there are various ways to promote and convey your ideas. But everything has a price, and video animation services are no different.
 
Ever wondered why animation production companies ask so much money even for a 1-minute video? Well, the answer is that it’s not easy to make these beautiful visuals, and it’s one of the most tedious video production jobs. These are some of the reasons why animation videos are so expensive:

Animation style

The cost of an animation video varies as per the type of animation used. A 2D animation is made frame by frame, making it tedious. A 3D animation video uses heavy machinery and even real-life actors to act out the actions, which are then incorporated into the animated characters. The files created are serious, and processing them takes time.

Animation infrastructure

Illustrators and animators need heavy-duty computers running top-of-the-line animation software like After Effects, Houdini, Blender, Autodesk Maya, etc. Infra like this means not just heavy-duty capital investment but also yearly subscriptions, upgrades, staying up-to date with the latest in the field, and a data management system to deliver industry-grade workflows and bring out great animations.

Pre-Visualization

Pre-visualization, or Previz, is an integral part of animation videos as it allows the team to plan for the final animation. Storyboarding and an initial rough animation also take time and could end up being slightly expensive.

Sound Design, Music, and Voice Over

Sound design for animation can also cost quite a lot.
Directors cast professional voice actors to fuel power and life into the story and animated characters. Sound effects are designed to punctuate specific moments in the video. And a piece of impactful music is composed to infuse real-time emotion into the video.

Revisions

Once done, if there are any changes in the story or narrative, the team has to circle back to the drawing board and start from scratch. while rework nearly doubles the cost.
 
As beautiful as animation videos look, they are complicated to make, hence the high price. The animation style, the software used, the pre-production, the sound design, and even revisions take up a lot from the animation team. It helps to be clear and prepared before you start. And once made, it becomes a signature way to make your brand proposition to the world!
 
So next time you see an agency asking for a seemingly high price for an animation video, remember that there is a lot that goes into making one.
 
And if you are looking to get an animation explainer video for your brand, Get in touch with Vaak’s animation experts to help you create stunning videos at an even better cost.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why is animation costly?
Animation involves skilled labor, detailed planning, and extensive time for creating frame-by-frame visuals. The complexity of the process, along with the need for specialized software and expertise, contributes to its higher production costs.

How much does it cost to do an animated explainer video?
The cost of an animated explainer video varies based on factors like animation style, length, complexity, and the expertise of the animation studio. Generally, prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Why are animated explainer videos important?
Animated explainer videos are crucial for effective communication. They simplify complex ideas, enhance viewer engagement, and are easily shareable, making them powerful tools for marketing, education, and conveying information.

Why are explainer videos important in an academic setting?
Explainer videos in academics enhance learning by visually presenting information. They cater to diverse learning styles, improve retention, and make complex concepts more accessible, contributing to an enriched educational experience.

How do animation studios determine the cost of creating explainer videos?
Animation studios consider factors like animation style, project complexity, duration, script complexity, and the level of detail required. Expertise and resources needed to meet specific client requirements also influence the overall cost estimation.
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Vani Aggarwal is a writer, director, and producer. Creative entrepreneur @ Vaak. She has over 15 years of experience in filmmaking and digital video production. Expert in nonfiction and animation storytelling. Loves Errol Morris and Miyazaki equally.