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
Stick Figures
Neutral,
non-cartoon-y
Stock Footage Plus
“Real” people representing customers and their customers
Classic Characters
Classic corporate “explainer” video look
Modern Characters
For edgier presentations
Semi 3D/Isometric
Simple characters, lots of movement
Spokesperson
Character addresses viewers synced to speech.
Rapid scene shifts
Complex environment with lots of movement
Conversation
Characters talk to each other or to the viewer.
3D characters
Eyecatching, unusual
Liquid Transitions
Trendy 2D animated storytelling
