Why does a video cost what it costs?

Cost components

It’s the creative effort that goes into a making a clearly explained technology solution video that accounts for most of the cost:

  • script writing
  • storyboard production
  • animation
  • narration
  • music/sound design

Visual Styles

The most variable of these creative labor costs is animation. There are lots of ways to deploy visual elements (animated characters, motion graphics, illustrations, photos, video inserts, icons, titles, transitions, etc.) to tell a story. Here are some some samples indicative of a wide range of styles and techniques, arranged roughly in order of creative cost. The most expensive style  costs about four times as much as the least expensive one.

Kinetic Text

Best for headlines and section headings

No characters

Animated icons, simple illustrations

No Chars

Stick Figures

Neutral,
non-cartoon-y

Stick Figures

Stock Footage Plus

“Real” people representing customers and their customers

Stock footage plus

Classic Characters

Classic corporate “explainer” video look

Classic Characters

Modern Characters

For edgier presentations

Modern Characters

Semi 3D/Isometric

Simple characters, lots of movement

Isometric

Spokesperson

Character addresses viewers synced to speech.

Spokesperson

Rapid scene shifts

Complex environment with lots of movement

Scene shifts

Conversation

Characters talk to each other or to the viewer.

Conversation

3D characters

Eyecatching, unusual

3D Characters

Liquid Transitions

Trendy 2D animated storytelling

Liquid Trans