Guides
Clear answers before your next production brief
Definitions, costs, timelines, and hiring guidance for teams commissioning animation — so you can decide what to make, not just which tool to use.
Recently updated guidesDefinitions
What goes into the work
What is AI animation?
Definition of AI animation, how studio production works, and when to commission finished work vs use software.
Read the guideWhat is an AI animation studio?
How a managed AI animation studio differs from generators, freelancers, and self-serve tools.
Read the guideWhat is an animated explainer video?
Definition, use cases, and production phases for stakeholder-ready animated explainers.
Read the guideWhat is an animation pilot?
Proof-of-concept pilots for IP pitches, greenlight decisions, and audience tests.
Read the guideWhat is episodic animation production?
Serialized animation with continuity, delivery cadence, and managed studio pipelines.
Read the guideWhat Is AI CGI — and What Can It Actually Change in a Shot?
AI CGI combines generative video and visual-effects craft to enhance footage or create new scenes: set extensions, product worlds, cleanup, and more.
Read the guideCGI vs. AI: What’s the Difference for Video Production?
CGI and AI are not the same. Learn how they differ, where they work together, and when hybrid AI CGI is the right choice for a commercial video.
Read the guideAI Visual Effects: How AI VFX Works in Commercial Video Production
AI visual effects combine generative video, CGI and compositing to enhance footage or create new campaign scenes. Learn what AI VFX can and cannot do well.
Read the guideWhat is 3D animation?
Volume, camera, and light: when commissioned 3D is the right format versus software or 2D.
Read the guideWhat is 2D animation?
Drawn and graphic motion on a plane—and when illustration beats cinematic 3D.
Read the guideWhat is motion graphics?
Designed graphic communication in time for brands, UI, and explainers.
Read the guideWhat is an animatic?
Timed storyboards that lock pacing and story before animation spend.
Read the guideWhat is character animation?
Performance and continuity: why faces have to stay the same shot to shot.
Read the guideWhat is virtual production?
Previz, worlds, and camera decisions before the expensive day.
Read the guide2D vs 3D animation
How to choose a format for the brief, the brand, and the budget.
Read the guideWhat is an animated series?
Serialized episodes with shared characters, world, and production standard.
Read the guideWhat is a web series?
Episodic originals built for platforms you control, not a linear slot.
Read the guideWhat is a miniseries?
A complete story in a fixed episode count—limited run, planned ending.
Read the guideWhat is adult animation?
Mature-tone series production: rating, continuity, and brand safety.
Read the guideWhat is a story bible?
The living spec that keeps a series consistent—especially with AI.
Read the guideWhat is a showrunner?
Who owns story and continuity when you hire an animation studio.
Read the guideWhat is a sizzle reel?
A pitch cut that sells tone—not proof you can deliver episodes.
Read the guideWhat is an animated short film?
One complete film in one sitting—not a trailer or an unfinished episode.
Read the guideWhat is long-form video?
A sitting with acts and finish—not a folder of generated clips.
Read the guideCosts
How to plan the budget
How much does animation cost?
Industry-typical 2D and 3D animation cost bands, hidden line items, and how to scope a studio quote.
Read the guideAnimated explainer video cost
What drives explainer pricing, typical budget bands, and how to get an accurate studio quote.
Read the guideHow much do storyboards cost?
A practical guide to rough boards, animatics, and the planning scope a production really needs.
Read the guideAI Animation Production Cost: What a Finished Piece Actually Costs
AI animation production cost is set by shot count, continuity, art direction, voice, revisions, and delivery — not by tool subscription or runtime alone.
Read the guideAI Commercial Production Cost: Budget a Brand Film or Campaign Spot
AI commercial production cost is set by style, continuity, voice and sound, versions, aspect ratios, and approval rounds — not by tool access or runtime alone.
Read the guideAI Short Film Budget: Pricing a Pilot, Short, or Proof of Concept
Budget an AI short film by outcome, runtime, continuity, voice, sound, and deliverables. Scope a pilot or proof of concept into a realistic range.
Read the guideAI Visual Effects Cost: Budgeting AI CGI for Existing Footage
AI visual effects cost depends on the plate, required accuracy, shot count, camera movement, continuity, approvals and final deliverables — not just runtime.
Read the guideCommissioning
How to hire a studio
How to hire an AI animation studio
Buyer checklist: deliverables, continuity proof, milestones, and finishing accountability.
Read the guideAI Video Enhancement: What It Can Improve in Existing Footage
AI video enhancement can improve footage with set extensions, cleanup, atmosphere, product work and new shots. Learn what holds up in a campaign.
Read the guideAI Product Video: How Brands Create Campaign-Ready Product Films
AI product video can turn product assets or footage into campaign films. Learn the production process, what needs control and when a studio adds value.
Read the guideAI Set Extension: Expand a Location Without Rebuilding the Shoot
AI set extension expands an existing filmed space into a larger, more deliberate environment. Learn when it works, how it is composited and what to plan.
Read the guide3D animation services
What you actually buy when you hire a studio for 3D production.
Read the guideLogo animation
A commissioned sting of an approved mark—not an AI logo generator.
Read the guideWhiteboard animation
When the scribe style still works—and when a real explainer is the better spend.
Read the guideBranded entertainment
Story a brand funds that people choose to watch—not a skippable ad.
Read the guideReady to plan a production?
If the format is clear, send a brief. We will come back with scope, timeline, and the best starting point.