Project buildup
Under "About 3D" everything is explained about the stages in the actual production. But a project has more phases, of course.
Usually our clients have a pretty good idea of what they want. They have a synopsis, a sketch, or an example. Sometimes they already have had a script written, a storyboard made, or a production designer make a moodboard. And occasionally there has been enough research into movement or character design.
But all these things are influenced by the possibilities of the profession. It is often very useful to involve us right from the start. Our experience can help, even during preparation, to smoothly bring the project to the end result.
The quote
If our part in the production is clear, and there is enough information about what must happen, we can make an estimate of the costs. Initially this is a very loose estimate, because it often brings out new questions. A proper quote follows later.
This quote is always based on the expected amount of work, and the expected costs. Usually projects are on the basis of a fixed fee, but invoicing on an hourly basis is sometimes better.
Some things take a lot of time, for instance detail in image or in movement. But some things might not be so obvious, but do have a strong influence on the costs. Like a lot of reflection or glass, which takes a lot of render time. Or extending an animation just a little bit: every second of animation is work, in most cases. It is not like live action, where you can just roll the camera for a bit longer.
Stretching an animation in the middle is also a lot of work. Or deciding in the end on a bigger screensize, which means rerendering at the very least. And usually more modeling to get more detail.
But there are also things that are very easy: making different variations on a certain model. E.g. 10 martians, with each another color. And if you have one car, you have a thousand. A repeating movement, that can go on for all eternity, is usually quite easy.
In short, a lot depends on the project, and we recommend including us from the start.
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