The impact of the COVID pandemic has been profoundly felt in the animation industry, particularly in the realm of outsourcing. In recent times, there’s been a significant increase in the number of animation studios, individual artists, and freelancers who are outsourcing parts of their animation projects globally. However, outsourcing in animation comes with its own set of rules and guidelines. Hasty decisions in this area can lead to the squandering of valuable time, manpower, and financial resources.
At Dream Farm Studios, the production, sales, and marketing teams, having successfully navigated over 150 outsourcing contracts, have amalgamated their collective expertise to create an exhaustive guide. This guide aims to assist others in navigating the complex world of animation outsourcing.
Their article, along with a comprehensive FAQ section, is designed to address a myriad of queries. Nevertheless, Dream Farm Studios encourages readers to leave comments for any additional questions, promising to regularly update the post with fresh and relevant information. Now, without further delay, the guide begins with an exploration of the fundamental aspects of animation outsourcing.
What is animation outsourcing?
Outsourcing in the animation industry occurs when a portion or the entirety of a project is delegated to an external party, be it an individual or a company. This external assignment can encompass a wide range of tasks, from creating animated commercial videos, series, character designs, to crafting video game trailers and developing game assets. Within the animation process, various stages of the pipeline are often outsourced via contractual agreements.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the animation pipeline, two comprehensive guides have already been published by the studio. These guides offer valuable insights and are readily available for reference.
A common practice among many animation studios involves completing the pre-production phase, which includes scriptwriting and storyboarding, in-house. Following this, they transfer the necessary files and data to other studios that specialize in the production and post-production stages. Once these stages are completed, and after any necessary revisions, the studios receive the final output.
It’s important to note that outsourcing preferences vary among studios. While some choose to outsource the entire animation process from start to finish, others might only outsource specific parts, such as post-production. This diversity in approach underscores the flexibility and range of options available in animation outsourcing.
Why do studios need animation outsourcing now more than ever before?
Recent estimates suggest that the global animation production market is soaring, expected to reach an impressive $50 to $70 billion. This surge is partly attributed to new studios adopting remote working models during the pandemic. Predictions indicate that between 2021 and 2025, the volume of animation outsourcing contracts will hit an all-time high.
Interestingly, popular television shows such as “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” have extensively utilized outsourcing teams to streamline their production processes. Outsourcing in the creative sector isn’t a novel concept. Decades ago, with Hollywood studios overwhelmed by increasing demands, they began to outsource parts of their pre-production work to more cost-effective studios located overseas, particularly in countries like India, South Korea, and the Philippines.
While initial impressions might suggest that outsourcing could compromise quality, the reality differs. According to sources like Wikipedia, major entertainment corporations including Walt Disney, Warner Bros, Cartoon Network, and IMAX are progressively outsourcing substantial portions of their animation production to various countries and studios. The rationale is straightforward: higher production rates lead to increased funding for new projects.
In essence, outsourcing animation work creates a mutually beneficial situation. When executed properly, it not only cuts costs but also significantly speeds up the production process. With this understanding, the discussion now turns to exploring how one can go about finding an animation studio for outsourcing, and the best practices to follow in this process.
What are the most common animation outsourcing services?
1. Outsourcing in 3D Animation
The realm of 3D animation stands out for its realism, bringing characters to life with advanced techniques that add depth. This form of animation allows for easier modifications within scenes, as animators can move and adjust objects with greater ease. For a closer look at the capabilities in this area, one might visit the studio’s 3D animation page to view their portfolio.
2. The World of 2D Animation Outsourcing
The adaptability of 2D animation has led to its widespread integration across an array of platforms, encompassing television shows, independent video games, major motion pictures, various advertising mediums, mobile applications, and an extensive range of websites. This broad spectrum of applications highlights the flexibility of 2D animation, making it a valuable tool for storytellers and marketers alike. Its ability to convey complex narratives and messages in a visually engaging manner has cemented its position as a stalwart in the entertainment and media industries, indicating its potential for continued growth and innovation.
3. Creation of Game Assets
As the gaming industry evolves with more graphically advanced games, the demand for visually striking games has soared. To meet these challenges, game studios are increasingly collaborating to produce game assets, including game-ready assets, to cope with the growing demands.
4. Crafting Game Trailers
For game developers, the creation of an engaging game trailer is not just an optional extra; it’s an essential component of marketing strategy. An impactful trailer serves as a powerful tool to captivate potential players, providing a sneak peek into the game’s world, story, and mechanics. However, the intricacies of trailer production, which require a blend of cinematic expertise and marketing savvy, often fall outside the core competencies of game development teams. This gap has led to a growing trend of partnerships with specialized trailer production companies. These external teams bring their unique artistic vision and technical skills, ensuring the trailer not only captures the essence of the game but also resonates with the target audience. Such collaborations are pivotal in crafting trailers that not only generate buzz but also accurately represent the game’s quality and appeal.
5. Designing Characters for Brands
The strategic use of brand characters is becoming more popular as a method to enhance customer engagement with products. Brands are increasingly turning to animated commercial videos as a means to effectively communicate with their target audience and generate more leads.
6. The Impact of Commercial Animation
Known variously as animated ads, animated commercials, or animated commercial videos, this type of content has been scientifically shown to captivate audiences’ minds and emotions through animation. By showcasing products and their benefits in an animated format, businesses can significantly improve customer conversion rates.
Want to find an animation outsourcing company? Follow these steps and you’ll hit the jackpot!
Imagine a common situation faced by many: After numerous meetings in their animation studio, a decision is made – outsourcing animation is the optimal and only viable choice. The next challenge is finding a suitable animation outsourcing studio, a task that can be daunting due to the plethora of options and various factors to consider.
This scenario, often overwhelming, is not unfamiliar. However, there is a solution at hand. This guide is designed to offer practical and effective strategies for locating an animation outsourcing studio that aligns perfectly with specific needs and requirements. Additionally, for further clarity and assistance, one can refer to the FAQ section provided before the comments area.
2 important tips before finding an outsourcing animation company
Imagine someone venturing into animation outsourcing for the first time. It may seem logical to dive right in, but experience has shown that there are essential aspects to understand before embarking on this journey:
- Familiarizing oneself with the animation industry is crucial. This knowledge is necessary to be taken seriously by professionals in the field. The animation industry is brimming with creative ideas, and skilled artists are often occupied. They tend to prefer working with individuals who have a clear starting point and a thorough understanding of the process, rather than with those who lack these insights;
- Ideas alone have a minimal chance of success; possessing a script slightly increases these odds. However, the real game changer is demonstrating an ability to consistently produce quality scripts. This consistency and quality significantly enhance the likelihood of success in the industry.
By adhering to these guidelines, one can ensure proper recognition and compensation for their work. In today’s digital age, the risk of being cheated is minimal, as digital files can be easily tracked and traced. Should any rare and unfortunate dispute arise, the digital nature of the work provides a strong case in any legal situation.
Should I outsource my animation to a freelancer or an animation studio?
While exploring various websites and portfolios, one might find themselves considering partnerships with individual talents or freelancers, mainly due to their lower rates. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are popular for clients seeking freelance services. Yet, in aspects such as infrastructure and consistent communication, agencies and 3D animation studios have a notable advantage over individual freelancers. These team-based creative entities possess all the required software, tools, and skilled personnel to ensure the successful completion of a project. Therefore, when faced with the decision between choosing a freelancer or a studio, it’s wise to rely on practical judgment to make the best choice.
Outsource animation companies; 5 easy ways to find the perfect studio for your project
1. Utilizing Google Search for Top-Ranked Animation Studios
Start by searching for the specific service needed and review the websites listed on the first page of Google. This involves examining their portfolios to see if their style matches the desired aesthetic. For local collaborations, adding the country or city to the search, such as “animation studio in Canada,” can yield region-specific results.
However, remember that some studios might not appear on the first page due to their lack of search engine optimization. A studio with a strong presence in content marketing, evidenced by an active blog with quality content, is often a reliable choice. Such studios typically have dedicated marketing and sales teams, indicative of a well-rounded service.
2. Consulting Directories for Client Reviews and Testimonials
Directories that categorize animation studios based on various criteria can be extremely useful. They often have processes for reviewing and verifying studios. Each studio’s page in these directories usually includes comprehensive information useful for outsourcing, such as animation types, price ranges, styles, services, and portfolios. The most valuable feature can be the review section, offering insights into a studio’s performance through customer feedback.
3. Exploring Freelancing Websites for Price Comparisons
While official websites offer a more professional overview, freelancing platforms can also be a good resource for discovering talent and understanding price ranges. For instance, some animation studios, including the one being discussed, are active on freelancing sites like Guru and have secured global outsourcing projects through these platforms.
4. Analyzing Social Media for Content Marketing and Public Relations
Some studios might be more active on social media than on their websites or freelancing platforms. Assessing their social media engagement, including public relations efforts, content creation, advertising campaigns, and press coverage, can provide insights into their suitability for a partnership.
5. Referencing Press Coverage and Animation Media
In today’s digital age, authoritative animation magazines and online platforms offer in-depth reviews and interviews with animation studios. Reading featured posts where CEOs discuss their company’s vision, mission, and target clientele can be instrumental in selecting a top-tier animation studio for future collaboration.
The Wrap-up
As the demand for animation content skyrockets, the industry faces a unique challenge: balancing the need for quality with the constraints of time and resources. This is where the role of animation outsourcing companies becomes increasingly crucial. They serve as a bridge, filling the gap between the demand for high-quality animation and the limited capacity of in-house production teams.
Outsourcing to a specialized animation studio not only alleviates the pressure on companies but also brings in fresh perspectives and diverse styles that can enhance the overall quality of the projects. Moreover, these outsourcing studios often have access to a broader range of tools and technologies, enabling them to produce animations that might otherwise be out of reach for smaller in-house teams.
Understanding the nuances of how to effectively partner with the right animation studio is pivotal. It involves a careful assessment of not just the financial aspects but also the creative capabilities and the compatibility of the studio with the project’s vision. A studio that aligns well with a company’s style and budget can act as a catalyst, transforming ideas into visually stunning animations.
This symbiotic relationship between companies and outsourcing studios is reshaping the animation landscape, making it more dynamic and accessible. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of the industry, where collaboration and strategic partnerships are key to navigating the challenges of high demand and limited resources.