Chicago Animation Studio
Richter Studios – Chicago’s Leading Motion Graphics Studio
Our award-winning Chicago animation studio crafts your messaging in a visually dynamic ways. As a leading motion graphics studio, we provide the rocket fuel that will differentiate your animated video production. We are well-known for our 2D animation services, product animation and animated videos for business,
Our Work
Animated Video Production For Top Brands
We are a motion graphics studio that has been cranking out award-winning creative for nearly three decades. As a leading Chicago animation studio, we have worked with some of the world’s top brands to develop original animation content. Explore our work below and let’s talk soon.
Motion Graphics | Motion Design
A Universe of Creative Possibilities with Animated Videos Starting at $10K
Anything is possible with animation. We can tell your story through 2D animation, 3D animation, AI and more. Our Chicago animation studio can infuse your animated video production with visual rocket fuel that gets results.
Why Are Animations A Smart Marketing Investment?
Animations can be the overall style of a video, or just a creative treatment featured during portions of a video. There are many reasons why animation can be a great avenue to pursue for your next production. We recommend animation in the following scenarios:
- Explaining sophisticated concepts in visual, easy-to-understand ways
- The features & benefits of your product or service which would be difficult to showcase through custom-filmed footage
- A desire for maximum creative flexibility (“Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive.” ~ Walt Disney)
- When you want to emphasize portions of your video and better engage viewers
- When budget doesn’t permit custom-filming
Our Chicago animation studio began as an animation and digital cinema studio over 25 years ago. We have extensive experience with animated video production, including 2D animation services, 3D product animation and business animation.
What Are Best Practices For Animations?
Animation offers the greatest range of creative flexibility but, in order to maximize the effectiveness of your message, there are some basic guidelines we would recommend:
- Keep the focus of your messaging narrow. Your audience will remember more.
- Determine if you are looking to inform or excite. Or both. This informs the creative approach needed.
- Approve final scripts and storyboards before animation begins to avoid costly rework.
- Incorporate sound effects where possible. The more immersive your animation, the better.
- Remember that more than 85% of video viewed on social is without sound. Onscreen text is critical to convey your messaging.
Developing great animations requires creative expertise. Richter Studios has won at the Cannes Awards in France several times for creative projects involving animation. Our master craftsmen can assist you with creative concepts, script development, voice talent casting and a variety of animation techniques.
Ready to supercharge your animated video production?
Need your video yesterday? We can begin working on your project immediately.
What Is The Process For Creating Animations?
In order to ensure the best outcome for your animation production, we recommend following these essential steps:
- Research and share animation examples that you want to emulate. This helps frame creative expectations.
- Define the key messaging that is to be conveyed with animation.
- Scripts and storyboards developed and approved BEFORE beginning any animation work.
- Select voice talent and music tracks early in the process. They will influence the cadence and timing of your animation.
- Most projects include two (2) rounds of revisions so you can make minor tweaks and revisions before finalizing an animation.
Richter Studios follows a proven video production process, and we encourage feedback from our clients at key milestones along the way. The more engaged you are during the creation of your animated video production, business animation or product animation – the better your final animation will be.
How Can I Differentiate My Animation?
Making the decision to produce an animation opens many creative opportunities but it’s critical that you seek to differentiate. We recommend the following ideas to help your animation standout:
- Study your competition and see how they use animation. Identify areas of exposure.
- Consider combining two different animation styles. Hybrid approaches may provide you with an edge.
- Aim for great messaging. Quality messaging trumps technical wizardry that translates into better viewer retention.
- Consider different aspect ratios. Square, Vertical, Super Widescreen, etc.
- Experiment and push boundaries. Try a one new creative treatment that you’ve never seen before.
We differentiate your animations by embracing the art and craft of cinema over a traditional video approach. Clients have called it the “Richter Difference” and it has led them to many red carpet celebrations featured around the world.
I had a phenomenal experience creating a B2B animated video with the team at Richter Studios.
“I had a phenomenal experience creating a B2B animated video with the team at Richter Studios. Everyone worked hard, was very responsive, and produced a quality product that not only met our requirements, but brought our vision to life. I highly recommend them.”
Tina Kvavle | Kaufman Hall
Facts About Animations Created By Richter Studios
The master craftsmen at Richter Studios have developed 14,000+ "films" over 28 years. Our cinematic portfolio represents over 100 international awards.
Companies which are a good fit to retain Richter Studios have a deep affinity for creative excellence. We seek to build lasting partnerships that inspire powerful animated videos which fuel your success. A single, well-designed video developed by our creative team holds the potential to move mountains.
How Long Does It Take To Create An Animation?
Certain animated videos that don't require sophisticated treatments can be completed in 3-4 weeks. If we're writing the script, providing detailed storyboards for review, casting VO talent and the video length is longer than 60 seconds — a finished animation typically takes between 6-8 weeks.
How Much Does An Animation Cost?
If your team is providing us with a finished script, pricing begins around $10K. If we're crafting the script, developing storyboards and casting VO talent, then the starting price typically starts around $20K . However, the total running time and sophistication of your animation dictate how much the pricing may increase from these base levels.
What Do I Need To Do To Get Started With Richter Studios?
After a preliminary call to learn more about your project, we’ll put together a proposal that details our approach and costs. To initiate a production, we required a signed agreement and an upfront payment for 50% of the total project fee. Visit our contact page and fill out a brief form to begin our conversation.
Ready To Get Started With Your Production?
Looking to have an exploratory call about how to get started with your video, animation or photography project? We can step you through our creative process, pricing and more. Your journey to the red carpet begins with Richter Studios. Contact us now to learn more!