Explainer Video Production Process, Styles and Costs

Is it me or does it feel like the term “explainer video” has risen to near “selfie” usage status in 2013 among digital marketers?  Explainer videos were one of the top video content trends in 2013 and they will remain a key component of corporate video communications in 2014.  Looking ahead to further proliferation of explainer video production, I thought it might be helpful to share some insights related to the explainer video production process, styles and costs.

Helpful Hints for Producing Effective Explainer Videos in 2014

Explainer Video Production Process – However you decide to produce videos for online marketing, in-house or with a video production firm, understanding how the video creative process works and the sequence of production events will  help you meet your objectives and save you valuable time and resources.  Flimp Media’s Six Step Explainer Video Production Process, starts with your marketing objective and ends with choosing the right visual style for your target audience.

Explainer Video Styles – An explainer video is a short animated  or motion graphic style video, usually between 1 to 3 minutes, used to visually explain products, services and concepts. Explainer videos can encompass a variety of styles including motion graphics videos , animation videos, white board videos, and combinations of these styles.  It often seems that too many “explainer videos” look the same because they use simple animated cartoon characters and templates.  Finding a video style that fits your marketing objective and audience is critical.  Take a look at our online video gallery to see a variety of motion graphics and animated explainer video examples, styles and pricing.

Explainer Video Costs – For a custom explainer video in the 1 – 2 minute range (for marketing, never go longer than 2 minutes), you can expect to pay between $4,000 – $,8000 for the video content.  The production process will usually take 2 – 6 weeks, depending on client decisiveness and responsiveness.  Three things will impact your costs:

1. The amount of scripting and concepting required.  If you have a clear concept and script completed, costs can be lowered by $1,000 – $2,000.
2. The creative style of the video you want to produce (i.e., 2D, 3D, live action elements, b-roll footage needed, etc).  The style of video creative you decide on can have a significant impact on cost.  The alternative is to set a budget and then figure out what you can afford.
3. Not following the tried and true production process.  Making storyboard and script changes after approvals are given is a budget killer that can lead to significant overage charges.

If you are interested in producing an explainer video in 2014, consider  FlimpAgency’s video production services for your business video production.