11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Animation Studio 11 questions to ask before hiring an animation studio, especially if you work in biotech or life sciences.
1. What is your expertise in my field – like immunotherapy or AG-Tech?
One of the most important questions to ask before hiring an animation studio in a technical space!
Why it matters:
Animation is only effective when the science behind it is accurate. You need a partner who understands the topic deeply enough to explain it simply and correctly.
Tip:
Ask what types of science they’ve explained and if they’ve worked in your therapeutic area.
At Life Science Animation…
We dive deep. We bring in PhDs when needed, and as founders, Emilia and I research every topic to truly understand it. We’re not academics—but that’s our strength. We see science from your audience’s point of view, while keeping the facts correct.
2. Do you have scientists on board?
This is a very important question to ask before hiring an animation studio.
Why it matters:
Scientific accuracy is non-negotiable. Without internal or external experts, your video could oversimplify or mislead.
Tip:
Ask if scientists review the script and storyboard.
At Life Science Animation…
Yes—always. We collaborate with scientists and hire PhDs per project. Every animation is both understandable and accurate.
3. Do you support multiple languages?
Why it matters:
Science is global. Your stakeholders may not all speak English.
Tip:
Check if the studio can translate scripts and provide multilingual voice-overs.
At Life Science Animation…
Absolutely. We offer professional voice-overs in all major languages, and we work with certified translation partners—or your in-house team if preferred.
4. Can you share references or case studies?
References are a powerful tool that people often forget to ask for before hiring an animation studio.
Why it matters:
You want proof. Not just claims.
Tip:
Ask for examples in your field and check client feedback.
At Life Science Animation…
We’ve made 400+ animations. You can find references on Frank’s LinkedIn and case studies on our project page.
5. What makes you different from other animation studios?
Why it matters:
Not all studios are built the same. Many are large, generic, or slow.
Tip:
Look for personal attention and specialized experience.
At Life Science Animation…
We’re boutique. No middle managers—just Emilia and me, from kickoff to delivery. We bring years of experience, personal attention, and a deep love for making science shine.
6. Who will be your main point of contact?
Why it matters:
Consistency in communication means fewer delays and fewer mistakes.
Tip:
Ask if you’ll work with the same person throughout.
At Life Science Animation…
Always us—the founders. No hand-offs. We handle each project personally.
7. How do you ensure clear and consistent communication?
Why it matters:
A brilliant video doesn’t happen without excellent project flow.
Tip:
Ask how they manage updates, timelines, and collaboration.
At Life Science Animation…
We reply within 24 hours. If something’s delayed, you’ll know before it becomes a problem. We use email, Zoom, Google Drive—and we’re happy to adapt to your preferred workflow.
8. How do you handle branding guidelines?
Why it matters:
Your animation should feel like your brand—not a template.
Tip:
Ask how they apply colors, fonts, logos, and voice.
At Life Science Animation…
We fully align with your brand. If you don’t have formal guidelines, we base everything on your website and materials. We never use stock illustrations—only custom visuals (with stock video only in rare, purposeful cases).
9. How often can we meet for updates?
Why it matters:
Timely feedback keeps things on track and stress-free.
Tip:
Ask what the typical meeting cadence is.
At Life Science Animation…
We propose at least one Zoom per stage: script, storyboard, and design. But we’re flexible. Some clients prefer emails, others like more calls. We adapt to your style.
10. How do you handle revisions or feedback?
Why it matters:
Revision policies tell you how collaborative the process really is.
Tip:
Ask if there’s a limit—and what happens if you need more rounds.
At Life Science Animation…
Unlimited revisions. We know many clients are creating a video for the first time. Sometimes that means 5+ rounds—and that’s okay. Most projects move faster, but we’re here until it’s right.
11. What support do you offer after delivery?
Why it matters:
Your video might need updates—new data, branding, or voice-over.
Tip:
Ask if you can update the video later or get reusable snippets.
At Life Science Animation…
We help long after delivery. Need new logos? Subtitles? Translations? Snippets? We’ll do it—because we want your video to stay useful as long as possible.
Conclusion: Make Sure You Ask the Right Questions
There are many questions to ask before hiring an animation studio, but these 11 will help you find the right fit—one that understands your field, respects your brand, and makes your science clear to the people who matter most.
If you’d like to explore what a collaboration could look like, get in touch here. We’d love to hear about your science and help you explain it visually.
2D Animations for Patient Recruitment 2D Animations for Patient Recruitment: Why They Work
At some point, every biotech or pharmaceutical company reaches a critical stage: running a clinical trial to test a promising new therapy in humans.
But here’s the challenge – recruiting patients isn’t easy.
Potential participants often have many questions. They want to understand the purpose of the trial, how it works, whether it’s safe, and—most importantly—whether it’s worth their time and trust.
This is where 2D animations for patient recruitment can make all the difference.
2D Animations Spark Interest and Trust
Reading a brochure or a webpage is one thing. But watching a clear, emotionally engaging animation? That’s something else entirely.
A short video can:
- Spark a patient’s interest in a clinical trial
- Explain complex science in a way “normal” people understand
- Build emotional connection and trust
- Address fears and questions early on
We’ve made a number of 2D animations for patient recruitment over the years, and we’ve seen firsthand how they help increase engagement—especially when trials target rare diseases or hard-to-reach populations.
Why 2D Animation Works Better Than 3D for Patient-Facing Videos
Many companies think 3D animation looks “high tech”—and it does. But for patient recruitment, 3D often feels too clinical, too abstract, or even intimidating.
Patients don’t need a deep dive into molecular mechanisms. They need to understand:
- What’s going wrong in their body
- What the trial is testing
- How the treatment could help
- What to expect
2D animation feels warmer, more human, and more relatable. It’s ideal for patient audiences because it simplifies without oversimplifying. It uses familiar shapes, soft motion, and storytelling to explain science in a way that sticks.
2D Animations for Patient Recruitment in Action
We’ve helped biotech and pharma companies (e.g. Octapharma, Stoke Therapeutics, and many others) create 2D animations for patient recruitment that:
- Introduce families to rare disease trials (like PANS/PANDAS)
- Explain eligibility and travel support
- Show how a treatment works—without heavy jargon
- Build trust before the first visit
And because we specialize in science animation, we always balance accuracy with empathy. Our goal is simple: make patients feel seen, informed, and supported.
Need a 2D Animation for Patient Recruitment?
If your team is preparing a clinical trial and wants to recruit patients more effectively, a 2D animation could be the tool that moves people to act.
It’s not just about explaining science. It’s about connecting with people who need help—and helping them feel confident enough to say yes.
Let us know if you’d like to see examples or discuss a script idea. We’d love to help. Get in touch here.
AG Tech Video and Agricultural Animation: What They Are and Why They Matter AG Tech Video and Agricultural Animation: What They Are and Why They Matter
(Read about our explainer videos for Biotech first to find out more about the benefits of such videos: Biotech video explainer guide.)
An AG tech video, especially when powered by high-quality agricultural animation, can do more than just show a farmer in a field. It can explain the science behind your solution, help your product stand out from the crowd, and spark excitement in both investors and end users.
Whether you’re introducing a new microbe-based biofertilizer, a gene-regulation platform like Micropep’s miPEPs, or a sensor-based soil analysis system, visual storytelling has become essential in agriculture.
What Is an AG Tech Video?
An AG tech video is a short animated or filmed video designed to communicate an agricultural technology solution. It often combines scientific storytelling with visuals to explain:
- What the problem is (e.g., resistant weeds, climate stress, nutrient inefficiency)
- What your product does to solve it
- How the technology works under the surface
- What makes it different from everything else on the market
Why Do We Need Such Videos?
The agriculture space is crowded, and farmers, distributors, and partners are bombarded with product claims.
To cut through the noise, your message needs to be crystal clear, visually engaging, and easy to remember. That’s why more and more AG tech companies use videos to:
- Convince farmers that the science actually works
- Show distributors how the product fits into their portfolio
- Educate stakeholders without overwhelming them
- Build trust by showing the how, not just the what
A good AG tech video helps overcome skepticism by clearly showing the mechanism, safety, and benefits, without oversimplifying or dumbing it down.
What Do AG Tech and Biotech Videos Have in Common?
In many ways, AG tech videos are biotech videos, just in a different setting.
Many agricultural innovations today are deeply rooted in molecular biology, genomics, or synthetic biology. Whether it’s RNA sprays, enzyme boosters, or beneficial microbes, they follow the same story arc:
- The Problem – What pain point are you solving?
- The Innovation – What is your tech and how does it work?
- What Makes It Unique – Why is this better than existing solutions?
We’ve found that explaining what makes the tech unique is the single most important factor in a successful AG tech video.
Why Most
A young farmer using a tablet in the field—capturing the role of technology and AG tech videos in modern, data-driven agriculture.
Videos Are Still the Same
Here’s something surprising: AG tech companies use more video than biotech, but much of it looks the same.
The typical AG tech video shows:
- A generic field
- A smiling farmer
- Some upbeat music
While that might feel familiar, it’s not memorable. It doesn’t explain why your product works, or what sets it apart.
That’s where our approach is different.
How Our AG Tech Animations Stand Out
We’ve produced about 15 AG tech videos so far, including ones for gene regulation, biopesticides, seed treatments, and microbe platforms.
What makes our videos different?
- We explain the tech clearly, even complex mechanisms like miPEPs or RNA-based control.
- We visualize the science, not just the setting
- We tell a story that resonates with both farmers and investors
- We help you move the conversation from confusion to clarity
For example, in our AG tech video for Micropep, we visualized the role of miPEPs in gene silencing—something extremely hard to grasp without visuals. That same video was used in investor meetings and made a strong impression.
In Summary
If you’re working in AG tech, you already know how competitive and fast-moving the space is. A strong AG tech video backed by thoughtful agricultural animation can help you:
- Win trust
- Explain complex science
- Stand out from the crowd
- Secure the funding and partnerships you need
If you’re ready to tell your story clearly, memorably, and with scientific accuracy, get in touch.
Revisions in Animation Video Production: Why We Don’t Limit Them Revisions in Animation Video Production: Why We Don’t Limit Them
If you’re new to biotech videos, you might want to start with our complete explainer video guide – it walks you through each stage of the process, from script to final animation.
If you’re producing your first animation video, you probably have a lot of questions. One of them might be: How many rounds of revisions do I get?
Let’s get that out of the way early: We don’t limit the number of revisions in animation video production.
Why? Because most of our clients are creating their very first science animation. You don’t know exactly what to expect. And that’s totally fine. That’s why our process builds in margin for uncertainty—not penalties for it.
What Counts as a Round of Revisions in Animation Video Production?
A round of revisions happens after we send you something—for example, a script, a storyboard, or a rough animation. You look at it, gather your feedback, and we implement it. That’s one round.
It’s important to note: we’re not talking about entirely new creative directions every time. We love fresh ideas, but a revision round is meant to improve what we’ve already shared—not restart from scratch.
Once we’ve revised a step based on your comments, that version becomes the new base. If additional feedback then comes in about something new or previously approved, we’ll still do our best to accommodate—but we may need to discuss scope changes.
How We Structure Revisions in Animation Video Production
Our video production process has four key stages, and each one includes space for thoughtful revisions:
- Script
- Storyboard
- Designboard
- Animation
At each of these stages, we ask for your feedback and approval before moving forward. That way, revisions are focused, and we avoid last-minute surprises.
Why We Don’t Cap Revisions in Animation Video Production
Many studios limit the number of revision rounds—maybe two, maybe three. After that, you’re charged extra.
We think that makes things harder for everyone. It creates tension, slows down creativity, and adds pressure when there should be clarity.
Instead of counting revision rounds and watching the clock, we simply focus on getting it right. Most of our clients are working on their first animation video, and they need space to discover what works.
That’s why we built our workflow around flexibility—and why we believe limiting revisions in animation video production just doesn’t make sense.
Our Approach: Flexible, Collaborative, and Clear
We want your animation to feel right—clear, exciting, and accurate. That doesn’t happen when feedback is rushed or restricted.
We don’t encourage endless tweaking. But we do support open, honest collaboration—with as many revision rounds as it takes to get there.
What Is a Storyboard in Science Animation? What Is a Storyboard in Science Animation?
👉 Curious about all the steps involved in creating a science animation? Here’s our full guide.
A storyboard is “a graphic organizer that consists of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a video, animation, or motion graphic” (Wikipedia).
In short, it’s the first visual version of your story, before any animation starts.
A storyboard in science animation is the invisible backbone of every powerful scientific video. It’s where complex ideas begin to take visual shape—long before motion, color, or narration come into play.
But what exactly is it? And why is it essential for turning life science into a story that sticks?
Let’s break it down.
Inside a Storyboard in Science Animation: Real Example
Take a look at this example from a storyboard in science animation we created for a medtech company:
At first glance, you see a sketched woman in a medical chair, visibly tense. A masked doctor prepares an instrument—the tenaculum. It’s not animated yet. It’s not voiced. But everything is already there: emotion, clarity, and impact.
Now let’s break down what this storyboard frame includes:
- Voice-over text: “But its insertion is very painful and feared by millions of women worldwide.”
→ This comes directly from the script and drives the emotional message.
- Scene description: “We see the doctor and the woman in the chair. She is scared. The doctor is about to insert the tenaculum.”
→ This guides the illustrator and later the animator on what exactly must be shown.
- Sketch: A simple but clear visual that shows framing, perspective, and mood.
Why a Storyboard in Science Animation Matters
A storyboard in science animation does much more than organize ideas. It:
1. Aligns Everyone Before Production
Scientists, creatives, and stakeholders often speak different languages. The storyboard creates a common visual and narrative reference point for all.
2. Simplifies Feedback and Revision
It’s far easier (and cheaper) to revise sketches and descriptions than full animations. This saves time, budget, and frustration.
And we go as far as needed—our clients can request as many revision rounds as necessary. They get a clear idea of what will be shown and can shape the story exactly as they envision it.
3. Turns Complex Science into a Clear Visual Flow
Whether it’s a molecular pathway or a medical device in use, a storyboard in science animation helps define what the viewer sees, in what order, and how it all connects.
Why Storyboarding Is the Hardest—and Most Crucial—Step
Translating plain script text into a storyboard in science animation is the most challenging part of the production.
Why? Because it requires a rare mix of:
- Scientific understanding – to grasp what’s truly important,
- Creativity and illustration skills – to visualize it clearly,
- Animation expertise – to ensure everything flows logically and emotionally.
This step is where we transform knowledge into narrative. It’s not just drawing—it’s story architecture.
What Comes After the Storyboard in Science Animation?
Once the storyboard is fully approved, we move on to the designboard.
Here’s how it works:
- Every scene is fully illustrated in the final style.
- Colors, lighting, tone, and detail are added.
- It looks exactly like the finished video—just not moving yet.
Only after this designboard is approved do we begin the animation. This way, there are no surprises—just a smooth path forward.
The Power of a Well-Built Storyboard in Science Animation
Without a storyboard, science animations can easily become vague or confusing. With a strong storyboard, every second of your video is purposeful, clear, and memorable.
So next time you watch a science video that just works—chances are, it started with a well-crafted storyboard in science animation.
Want to see how your science story would look in storyboard form?
Let’s chat. We’ll turn your breakthrough into a clear, compelling visual story—frame by frame.
How New Medicines Are Made – And Why Science Cuts Hurt Everyone How New Medicines Are Made – And Why Cutting Research Hurts Everyone
💡 Wondering how new medicines are made?
We created a 2-minute video, The Climb, for No Patient Left Behind to explain it visually:
👉 Watch the full video
How New Medicines Are Made: Every Cure Starts With a Funded Idea
If we want more cures, we need more ideas.
And if we want more ideas, we must fund research.
Scientists in university labs generate the knowledge that drives new treatments. They test early theories. They explore what no one else has. These first steps are fragile. Without funding, the journey never begins.
That’s where how new medicines are made really starts—far before any clinical trial or company launch.
We Visualized How New Medicines Are Made – Here’s Why It Matters
To explain this clearly, we turned the process into a mountain climb.
- Each base camp represents a key scientific milestone.
- The summit stands for the few drugs that reach patients.
- The climb itself shows how difficult it is to get there.
Without early support, no one builds the base camps.
And without those, no one makes it to the top.
This simple metaphor helps people outside science finally grasp how new medicines are made.
Cutting Research Funding Stops Progress Before It Starts
Let’s be honest – cutting science budgets kills momentum.
When funding dries up, early-stage projects disappear.
Young researchers move on. Promising leads stall out.
Patients end up waiting for drugs that never come.
If fewer people start the climb, fewer discoveries reach the summit.
That’s not just a theory. It’s a fact.
Therefore, if we care about lives and health, we must consider the process of creating new medicines from the outset.
We Often Celebrate the Outcome – But Forget the Climb
When a new drug gets approved, we cheer. But we rarely look back.
We forget the decade of research that made it possible.
We overlook the funding that kept it alive in the early stages.
And we ignore the quiet scientists who pushed forward when no one was watching.
That’s why we made this video – to remind people what it takes.
Watch the Video: How New Medicines Are Made
👉 Watch The Climb – a short animation that shows how new medicines are made, from early research to final approval.
Want to dive deeper into why early-stage research matters so much?
👉 Read more about the importance of the NIH here
How to Make a Science Video Yourself (Even With Zero Budget) How to Make a Science Video Yourself (Even With Zero Budget)
Want to turn your research into a story people remember?
Start with our guide on science storytelling for biotech founders—and learn how to explain your science in a way that connects, even on a tight budget.
Many scientists assume a professional science video must cost thousands.
But that’s not always true.
If you’re just getting started—and don’t have budget yet—you can still create a clear, effective video with nothing but your phone and your ideas.
Here’s how to make a science video yourself, in just a few steps.
🎯 Step 1: How to make a science video yourself: Write a Short, Clear Script
Start by writing a script of about 260 words.
Keep it simple. Focus on:
- The problem you’re solving
- The solution your science provides
- How it works (briefly!)
- Benefits of your technology
- What makes you unique
Imagine you’re explaining it to someone sitting next to you at a café.
🖼️ Step 2: How to make a science video yourself: Add One Visual
Use a clear illustration of your technology.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—an existing slide, hand sketch, or schematic works.
What matters is giving your audience something to see while you speak.
📱 Step 3: how to make a science video yourself: Record With Your Phone
Find good natural light or use a basic ring light.
Use a $40 wireless mic for better sound (your phone’s audio is usually not enough).
Record in a quiet space, looking into the lens.
💡 Pro tip: Keep it under 2 minutes.
✅ What You Don’t Need (But People Think You Do)
You don’t need a:
- Director
- Script doctor
- Makeup artist
- Drone
- Video crew
- Special effects
Really—you don’t even need a “set.”
Just good content, sound, and lighting.
🧰 The Only Equipment You Really Need to make a science video yourself
A smartphone with a decent camera
A $40 wireless microphone
A $30 ring light with tripod and phone holder
Total? Just $70. And you’re ready to post it on LinkedIn, send it to investors, or add it to your website.
💡 Why This Works
Your audience doesn’t want perfection.
They want to understand.
A short, simple science video builds trust faster than any pitch deck.
It shows clarity, confidence, and that you care about your communication.
👇 Bonus Tip
Still want it to look a bit better?
Record 3 takes. Pick the one where you sound the most natural.
Then trim the start and end in your phone’s video editor.
Simple.
🚀 Final Thought
Making a science video in 2024 doesn’t require a crew, a budget, or even experience.
It just takes a script, a visual, and your voice.
And if you ever want to level up from DIY to studio-level storytelling, we’re here to help.
For a practical example of how to film a video with just your phone, check out Ali Abdaal’s guide on how to film YouTube videos on your phone. He covers everything from lighting and audio to framing, making it a valuable resource for beginners.
Best 3D Science Animation Alternatives for Biotech Companies Best 3D Science Animation Alternatives (Studios offering Full 3D)
If you’re looking for premium 3D visuals, here are the top 3D science animation studios in 2025:
-
3DforScience – Specializes in pharmaceutical 3D visuals and MoA animations
-
Amoeba Studios – Combines scientific expertise with artistic storytelling in 3D
-
Cromatic – Offers clean, detailed 3D animations for biotech and pharma
-
Helix Animation – Focuses on medical devices and procedure animations in 3D
-
MadMicrobe Studios – Known for cinematic 3D and stylized visual storytelling
-
Random42 – A global agency offering full 3D, VR, and AR experiences for life sciences
The Best 3D Science Animation Alternative Isn’t Always 3D
At Life Science Animation, we believe clarity beats complexity. That’s why we offer:
✅ Hybrid 2D/3D Animation — The Best 3D Alternative
We often model objects in 3D, but animate them in a “flat” 2D space. There’s no moving camera or full scene rendering — which means you get:
- A 3D look and feel
- Much faster timelines
- Significantly lower costs than full 3D
It’s perfect for showing complex structures, pathways, or delivery mechanisms — especially in pitch decks, websites, or early-stage fundraising.
✅ Pure 2D Animation — Often All You Need
In many cases, you don’t need any 3D at all.
When the goal is to tell a clear story — for investors, partners, or patients — 2D can be more effective. It lets you focus on key ideas without visual overload. It’s faster, simpler, and gets results.
We’ve helped over 300 life science companies explain their science with 2D videos starting at €6,500 / USD.
Which Science Animation Style Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide:
Conclusion: Best 3D Science Animation Alternative?
Full 3D studios deliver great work — but they aren’t always the right fit, especially for biotech startups.
If you’re looking for speed, clarity, and cost-effectiveness, our hybrid 2D/3D approach offers the perfect balance:
✔ 3D visuals, without 3D complexity.
And if your message is mostly about storytelling and clarity, our pure 2D animations may be all you need to spark investor interest and communicate your breakthrough.
Ready to choose the right style for your science?
Let’s talk.
Read more about the benefits of 2D for fundraising rounds here.
And here about the importance of Video Marketing for life sciences.
4 Mistakes in Science Communication – And How to Avoid Them Mistakes in Science Communication — And How to Avoid Them
Why Clear Science Communication Matters
Even groundbreaking science can be misunderstood if it’s not communicated clearly. Investors, partners, or even scientists from other fields might struggle to follow your mechanism of action (MoA) if the visuals are vague or the text is too technical.
Take Merida Biosciences, for example. Their drug is designed to destroy autoantibodies—the ones that attack your own body and cause autoimmune diseases. It’s a smart and exciting approach.
We like their science. We like their visuals. But even great work can be easier to follow.
Let’s walk through 4 common mistakes in science communication—and how to fix them.
Mistake in Science Communication 1: Jargon-heavy language
Here’s a line from their website:
“Moreover, our therapeutics can inhibit B cells in an antigen-specific manner via agonism of FcγRIIB.”
Sounds impressive. But what does it actually mean?
- What is an “antigen-specific manner”?
- What does “agonism of FcγRIIB” imply?
If you’re speaking to immunologists, fine. But many stakeholders—like investors or business partners—won’t ask for clarification. They’ll just tune out.
How to avoid it:
Explain it like it’s for beginners. Merida’s drug binds to disease-causing B cells (Binding 1), and activates an “off switch” (Binding 2), so they stop producing harmful antibodies.
Mistake in Science Communication 2: Unlabeled visuals
In the original image, you can’t tell which part is Merida’s drug. You also don’t see where Binding 1 and Binding 2 happen.
Why it matters:
If you’re highlighting your innovation, make sure it’s actually visible.
How to avoid it:
Label what you’re talking about. Make sure your audience can connect the dots between what they’re reading and what they’re seeing.
Mistake in Science Communication 3: The drug isn’t visible enough
In the original visual, everything looks like part of the same structure. There’s no clear “hero.”
Why it matters:
Your drug is the main character. It needs to stand out.
How to avoid it:
Make the drug easy to spot. Use a contrasting color. Give it a label. Separate it visually.
Mistake in Science Communication 4: The result isn’t clearly shown
You don’t really see what happens after the drug binds. The only visual cue is a small orange “T” for “B cell inhibition.”
Why it matters:
The audience needs to know what success looks like.
How to avoid it:
Show the effect. In our redesign, we added a simple icon to show: “antibody production halted.”
Before and After: A Visual Example
We took the original image and redesigned it using these four tips.
Left: Before (original)
Right: After (clearer communication)
Final Takeaway
Biotech science is complex. But your communication doesn’t have to be.
When you:
- simplify your language,
- label your visuals,
- highlight the hero (your drug), and
- show the outcome
you make it easier for everyone to understand your breakthrough.
And when people understand you, they get excited.
Want help turning your MoA into a visual story investors can follow? Let’s talk.
How Long Does It Take to Create a Biotech Explainer Video? How Long Does It Take to Create a Biotech Explainer Video?
If you’re planning to explain your biotech innovation with a short animated video, you might be asking:
👉 How long does it actually take to create one?
The short answer: 10 to 15 weeks on average.
The long answer? It depends on your feedback speed, team size, and how many revisions you need.
Let’s walk through the full process, with real timelines and hours.
📅How Long Does It Take to Create a Biotech Explainer Video: Timeline Overview
We use a project planning tool called Instagantt to create a clear, visual schedule for your animation—like this:
You’ll receive this timeline at the start of the project, and we adapt it along the way based on your availability and feedback.
We also send early reminders before each feedback round—because bottlenecks happen, and we plan for them.
Project timeline for a biotech explainer video created in Instagantt. Each phase—from scriptwriting to animation—is mapped out clearly to keep the project on track.
🧪 Step-by-Step: How Long Each Phase Takes
Here’s how long each step takes—and why it matters.
1. Kick-Off Call (4 hours)
We meet with you and your team to understand your technology, goals, and target audience.
This includes:
2. Scriptwriting (5 hours)
Our PhD-level writer simplifies your science into a ~300-word voiceover script that’s clear, compelling, and scientifically accurate.
Revisions depend on how quickly your team can respond.
⏱️ Time invested: ~5 hours
3. Storyboard (10 hours)
We create 20+ rough sketches that match the script line-by-line. These are not just illustrations—they’re the visual plan for your whole video.
⏱️ Time invested: ~10 hours
4. Voice-Over (1 hour)
You choose the voice artist, we manage the recording and editing.
You receive a professional-quality audio track that syncs perfectly with the visuals.
⏱️ Time invested: ~1 hour
5. Design & Style Frames (15–20 hours)
This is where we finalize the look and feel: colors, characters, environments, transitions.
You’ll review key frames before we proceed to animation.
⏱️ Time invested: ~15–20 hours
6. Animation (80–100+ hours)
This is the most time-intensive step. Every scene is animated frame-by-frame to match the script and voice. Complex MoAs or transitions can add time.
⏱️ Time invested: ~80–100 hours
7. Review Rounds (30+ hours)
We don’t limit revisions. We expect you to have internal discussions, and we build time for feedback into the plan.
⏱️ Time invested: ~30+ hours (spread across all stages)
⏱️ Total: ~160 hours of skilled work
Spread across 10–15 weeks, depending on how quickly we move through feedback rounds.
⚠️ Creating a Biotech explainer video: Where Delays Typically Happen
Even with a detailed Gantt chart, things don’t always go according to plan. And that’s okay.
We’ve learned that most delays come from clients, and it’s fully understandable:
-
Internal team discussions are needed before approving steps
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People are traveling or away from the lab
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Multiple departments need to sign off
We send gentle reminders, but we’re flexible and adapt the schedule as needed.
⚡️ Can It Go Faster?
Yes, we can compress the timeline to 4–6 weeks if needed.
But that means:
The fastest projects happen when the CEO is personally involved and responds quickly.
🧠 Our Rule of Thumb
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✅ 10–15 weeks → average with regular feedback
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🚀 6–8 weeks → fast-paced with tight approvals
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🔥 4 weeks → accelerated, fewer revisions
Smaller teams = faster decisions
Larger teams = more layers and review time
Want to see a sample project timeline for your animation?
We’ll send you a custom Gantt chart and walk you through what to expect.
Or get in touch to discuss your animation needs: Book a meeting with our CEO
Also check our original post about pricing.
