Pricing and quotation guide
Product animation cost
Product animation cost has two main parts: building the model and animating it. The model cost depends on how complex the product is, whether design files already exist and how realistic the materials need to look. The animation cost depends on length, how many features and moving parts are shown, camera movement and lighting. Extra colourways, still renders and versions add further. A simple product with design files available costs far less to model than an intricate one rebuilt from photos.
This guide covers cost drivers, product types, pricing approaches, the model as an asset, comparing quotes and judging value.
Illustrative diagram
What drives product animation cost
- Product complexity
- More parts and detail mean more modelling.
- Design files
- Existing files save modelling time.
- Material realism
- Realistic finishes take longer to set up.
- Animation length and parts
- More moving parts and shots add time.
- Colourways and renders
- Each extra option adds rendering.
Costs paid to third parties (separate from our fees)
- Engineering or design file preparation
- Voice-over and music
- Physical samples for reference
- Rendering time for long, detailed animations
Ask whether design files you hold can be used and whether that lowers the price.
Product types compared
| Product | Relative cost |
|---|---|
| Simple shape, design files available | Lower |
| Moderate detail, some moving parts | Moderate |
| Intricate product rebuilt from photos | Higher |
| Mechanism with cut-aways and many parts | Higher still |
How product animation is priced
Model plus animation
Suits you when
- One product, one animation
Watch out for
- Model price separate
- Versions included
Model as an asset
Suits you when
- Several animations planned
Watch out for
- Model files handed over
Range pricing
Suits you when
- Several similar products
Watch out for
- Shared parts reused
Design files and the model cost
If your engineers or manufacturer have design files, the animator may be able to start from them, which can cut modelling time considerably and improve accuracy. Without them, the model is built from drawings, measurements and photos, which takes longer. Ask your manufacturer what files exist before requesting quotes.
The model as an asset
Once built, the model can be reused for new animations, colourways, still renders for product pages and updates. Paying for the model once and reusing it can make later work much cheaper. Make sure model files are handed over and that you own them. Store them safely with your product files.
Example: pricing a range
Illustrative example — not a client case study
Situation: A kitchen appliance brand wants animations for three blenders that share a base.
- The shared base is modelled once and reused for all three.
- Each blender's jug and controls are quoted separately.
- Colourway renders for each are listed as a small extra.
What this shows: Shared parts kept the range cost lower than three separate projects. This example is illustrative.
Comparing quotes
Check whether model and animation are priced separately, whether your design files are used, material realism, animation length, number of features and moving parts, colourways, still renders, versions, revisions and ownership of model files. Ask to see past models.
Judging the value
Value shows across uses: product pages, launch campaigns, trade shows and sales, plus renders that replace some photography. For products not yet made, animation lets marketing start before stock arrives. Note each place the renders end up.
Keeping the cost down
Supply design files, focus the storyboard on features buyers care about, keep the animation short, choose a lighting style that does not need extreme realism and plan colourways and stills at the start. Agree the feature list early.
How realistic does it need to be?
Photorealistic materials, reflections and lighting take much more setup and rendering time than a clean, stylised look. For explaining features, a simpler look can work just as well. Ask to see a test render in each style before choosing. Ask what each choice adds to rendering time.
Revision rounds
Changes to the model after animation and lighting are set can be costly. Approve the model carefully, then the storyboard, before animation begins. Check the model from every angle before saying yes.
Length and moving parts
Each shot needs camera movement, lighting and rendering, and each moving part needs animating accurately. A short animation focusing on the three or four features buyers care about costs less than a long tour of every detail, and may be more useful.
Still renders
Rendering stills from an existing model costs relatively little compared with building the model, and can replace some product photography. Plan the angles, sizes and colourways you need at the start.
Versions
Square and vertical versions, cutdowns and silent versions with captions each add a little. Plan them at the storyboard stage so shots are framed to work in each shape.
Questions about product animation cost
What affects product animation cost?
Product complexity, design files, realism, length, parts and renders.
Do design files reduce cost?
They can, by saving modelling time.
Can our 3D product model be used again?
Yes; it becomes an asset for future work.
Is photorealism necessary?
Not always; a stylised look can explain features well.
Are still renders included?
Check; they may be listed separately.
What should product animation quotes list?
Check model, animation, realism, parts, renders and ownership.
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