In today’s digital age, businesses are increasingly relying on animation to create engaging and memorable content that captures the attention of their target audience. The global animation market was worth US$354.7 billion in 2020, and is expected to double its current value by 2030. However, producing high-quality animations can be a time-consuming and costly process, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. This is where outsourcing animation comes in as a strategic approach for business growth. By partnering with a reliable animation studio, businesses can access top-notch animation services at an affordable cost. This article explores the benefits of outsourcing animation and provides a guide for businesses looking to leverage this strategy for their growth.

Table of Contents

Understanding Animation Outsourcing: What Does It Involve?
Outsourcing Animation Guide
Benefits of Outsourcing Animation
Major Animation Studios and Their Experience Outsourcing Animation

Understanding Animation Outsourcing: What Does It Involve?

Animation outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring external companies or individuals to handle various aspects of the animation production process. This can include tasks such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, character design, animation, and post-production. 

Scriptwriting

This involves creating a written script for the animation, which will serve as the foundation for the entire project. A scriptwriter will typically work closely with the production team to develop a cohesive and engaging storyline that meets the project’s goals and objectives.

Storyboarding

Storyboarding is the process of creating a visual representation of the script. This involves sketching out key scenes and characters, and mapping out the flow of the animation. Storyboarding is an essential part of the animation production process, as it allows the team to visualize the final product and make any necessary changes before the actual animation work begins.

Character Design

This involves creating the various characters that will be featured in the animation. Character designers will work closely with the scriptwriter and storyboard artist to develop a unique look and feel for each character that aligns with the overall aesthetic of the animation.

Animation

This is the actual process of bringing the characters and scenes to life. Animators use specialized software to create movement and action, and may work on individual frames or sequences depending on the project’s requirements. This is often the most time-consuming aspect of the animation production process.

Post-Production

Once the animation is complete, it is then edited and polished in post-production. This involves adding music, sound effects, and other finishing touches to create a seamless and cohesive final product. Post-production can also include tasks such as color grading and special effects, depending on the complexity of the animation.

Outsourcing Animation Guide

The process of animation outsourcing typically begins with a thorough assessment of the company’s needs and goals. This involves identifying the specific tasks or stages of the animation production process that will be outsourced and determining the level of expertise required for each task. Once these requirements are established, the company can begin the process of sourcing potential outsourcing partners.

When selecting an outsourcing partner, it is important to consider a range of factors such as the partner’s experience, expertise, portfolio, and pricing. It is also essential to establish clear communication channels and expectations to ensure that both parties are on the same page throughout the project.

Once an outsourcing partner has been selected, it’s crucial to establish a detailed project plan that outlines the scope of work, timelines, and milestones. This should include a clear breakdown of responsibilities and deliverables for both the outsourcing partner and the in-house team.

Effective project management is essential to ensure that the outsourced animation production runs smoothly and is delivered on time and within budget. This may involve regular progress updates, meetings, and ongoing communication to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

It’s also important to establish a strong working relationship with the outsourcing partner to foster collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. This can help to ensure that the project is completed to the highest standards and that the outsourcing partner is motivated to provide high-quality work.

In summary, outsourcing animation production can be a cost-effective and efficient way to produce high-quality animation for various projects. By carefully assessing your company’s needs and goals, selecting a suitable outsourcing partner, establishing clear communication channels, and effective project management, you can ensure a successful outsourcing experience.

Benefits of Outsourcing Animation

There are several benefits of outsourcing animation production that companies can take advantage of, including:

Cost savings

One of the main benefits of outsourcing animation production is cost savings. By outsourcing animation tasks to studios in countries with lower labor costs, companies can access a pool of skilled animators at a lower cost than hiring a full in-house team. This can help companies save money on salaries, benefits, and other overhead costs.

Access to a larger talent pool

Outsourcing animation production can also provide companies with access to a larger talent pool of skilled animators who may not be available locally. This can help companies find and hire the best talent for their projects, regardless of geographic location.

Faster turnaround times

Outsourcing animation production can also help companies speed up their production process by taking advantage of the time zone differences between countries. For example, if a company outsources animation production to a studio in a different time zone, the studio can work on the animation production while the company is closed, allowing for 24/7 production and faster turnaround times.

Flexibility

Outsourcing animation production can provide companies with more flexibility in managing their workload. By outsourcing certain animation tasks, companies can scale their workforce up or down depending on their project needs, without having to worry about hiring and training additional staff.

Expertise

Outsourcing animation production can also provide companies with access to studios and animators who specialize in specific areas of animation production, such as 3D animation or visual effects. This can help companies produce higher quality animation for their projects, while also gaining expertise in specific areas of animation production.

Major Animation Studios and Their Experience Outsourcing Animation

Major players in the animation industry, such as Disney Animation Studios, Sony Pictures Animation, and Pixar Animation Studios have outsourced various animation services. Here’s a case study of how Disney outsourced some of the animation work for their 2016 film, Moana:

Disney’s Moana was a computer-animated musical film that was released in 2016. The film was a major success and was praised for its stunning visuals and authentic representation of Polynesian culture. However, what many people may not know is that Disney outsourced some of the animation work for the film to a company called Tonic DNA, which is based in Montreal, Canada.

Tonic DNA was responsible for creating some of the film’s most iconic scenes, including the ocean and the magical hook that is used by the main character, Maui. Disney chose to outsource this work to Tonic DNA because of the studio’s expertise in creating realistic water and fluid simulations, which were a key aspect of the film’s visual style.

Despite being located in a different country, Tonic DNA worked closely with Disney’s animation team to ensure that the outsourced work met the studio’s high standards for quality and consistency. Disney established clear communication channels with Tonic DNA, and the two teams collaborated closely throughout the production process.

The decision to outsource some of the animation work for Moana to Tonic DNA was a strategic one for Disney, as it allowed the studio to access specialized talent and resources that may not have been available in-house. By doing so, Disney was able to create a visually stunning and authentic film that resonated with audiences around the world.

To learn more about outsourcing, you can read our 8 Tips for Successful Outsourcing article. We invite you to follow us on social media and to visit our website to learn more about our services.

About Us: Sourcefit is a widely recognized US-managed business process outsourcing company based in Manila, Philippines. We proudly serve over 100 clients with a workforce of more than 1,300 employees. Our global centers can serve multiple markets, and our staff is highly proficient in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Whether you need a few or many employees, we can help you achieve your business goals and build high-quality offshore teams.

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We recently received the Fortress Cyber Security Award from the Business Intelligence Group. Sourcefit was also honored with the prestigious recognition of Best Outsourcing Solutions Provider in the Philippines during the 2023 Business Excellence Awards.

Other awards include: FT ranking of 500 high-growth Asia-Pacific, The Marketing Excellence Awards, Inquirer Growth Champion,  HR Asia Awards, among others.

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