From shoes to glasses to children’s gear, visit the website or browse the social channels of any brand and you’re likely to come across a 3D animation video. It’s easy to see why these mini movies are so popular. They’re engaging, immersive and eye-catching — and they help brands show off their goods. 

And the numbers agree. In fact, studies show shoppers retain more information when they consume it in video format. Sixty-eight percent of consumers say they prefer watching videos to learn about new products or services over other formats – and that preference drives results. A whopping 87% of businesses that use video in their marketing say video has directly increased sales.

But the best animated 3D videos have something in common: they’re built on a strong foundation. Once a video is complete it can be leveraged for a multitude of purposes. It can be featured on an ecommerce site, drive engagement on social media, or act as advertising. Producing stellar animated videos doesn’t have to break the bank when you’re working with the right partner – here’s what you need to know to create content that gives your product a starring role. 

Step 1: Write a treatment

The first step is knowing what it is you’d like to achieve. Get started by writing a treatment, which serves as a kind of proto-script: something that sets out the end goal of the video you’d like to create. At this stage, just a general description is fine.

Will it be informational and show how a product is assembled? Maybe you’re after something more editorial that captures the essence of your product? Or, something in-between the two? One of the best features of 3D is its flexibility, and 3D videos can serve all kinds of purposes. They can evoke emotions and awe in viewers through atmospheric animation or they can be more utilitarian, explaining how things work. A sneaker company wanting to show off the latest colors of a new basketball shoe will take a different approach than a company that needs to explain “how-to.”  

Step 2: Get specific with a script 

Once you’ve got a rough idea of what you’re after, you’ll need a frame-by-frame description of what you want to achieve. Think of this part as the “script” of the process. This is where you flesh out the details. 

Clarity is key. The more information you can give your animation team at Loft3Di, the better. We’ll take those details and create an animated sketch for you, which will bring your treatment to life in rudimentary form. That way, you’ll get an idea of how things look. 

Whether you’d like to produce a 30-second or one-minute spot, partnering with a 3D content creator like Loft3Di can deliver results for a fraction of the price it would cost to work with a visual effects studio. But to be as cost effective as possible, we need to make sure we’re capturing what you want. 

If you’d like a more detailed explainer video that dives into your product’s assembly or function, you’ll need the raw CAD files. Computer Aided Design, or CAD, creates physical models of products, but these simple sketches are usually lacking in realistic touches like textures.

Our Loft3Di team can transform those basic tools into visually impressive experiences – and make your vision for your animated video come to life. 

Step 3: Find inspiration from other 3D animation videos

The best filmmakers have their influences. It’s helpful to see what’s out there and seek out examples of animation videos that resonate with you as guidance and inspiration.

Take notes on what it is you like about each one – the mood, style, music or narration, for example. With this information, your Loft3Di animation team will be better equipped to deliver what you’re striving for. 

Once we have your sign off on the animated sketch our artists have created, the real magic happens. Preparedness pays off not only in the production process but also in the finished product.

Every film has a director. You’re the expert on your business, so it’s important we hear your vision. When our expert modelers understand what you have in mind, we’re in a better position to do the creative magic. 

Take a look at some of the kinds of animated 3D videos we’ve delivered, and speak to a Loft3Di team member about how we can bring your vision to life.