Shenzhen 3D CGI Video Pricing: Usable Models Matter More Than Runtime
CGI pricing starts with model usability, material completeness and camera movement. By laying out asset preparation, rendering complexity and revision scope, the numbers can correspond to the actual work.
Scope Items to Confirm Before Pricing
- Project Brief
3D CGI video costs are jointly shaped by model assets, shot complexity, rendering and revisions; every total price must correspond to a clearly defined scope.
Model assets, material precision, camera movement and rendering rounds must be traceable to the deliverables list, execution conditions and rights records.
Current Scope of Work
- Production Approach
Put model assets, shot complexity, rendering and revisions into the same scope table before discussing trade-offs.
Break down deliverables, production responsibilities and Scope according to which structures the team confirms must be explained in 3D, so the quote can support product launches, structural explanations and reuse across multiple versions.
In brief
First, clearly list the scope of work and deliverables associated with the model assets. Only then can the quote be compared meaningfully.
The Six Factors That Truly Affect Production Costs
- Pricing Premise
Whether the existing model is ready for production matters more than runtime.
A CGI video may run for only a dozen or so seconds and still begin with structural cleanup, remodelling and material calibration. During initial pricing, check the model format, precision, naming and missing components before counting shots and outputs; assets that can be used directly should be clearly separated from those requiring rework.
- Pricing Comparison
Shot complexity comes from movement and visible detail.
A simple turntable, structural breakdown, liquid simulation and large-scale environment follow entirely different production paths. The storyboard should explain how the camera moves, which surfaces must withstand close inspection and where physical simulation is required, helping clients understand complexity instead of comparing quotes by average price per second.
- Pricing Structure
Material testing is completed before high-cost rendering.
If deviations in color, reflections, transparency or fine textures are discovered only at final rendering, rework can affect the entire sequence. The process first confirms the model and materials from representative angles, then moves into animation and high-quality output; test results become the basis for subsequent assessment and reduce repeated adjustments based on intuition.
- Scope of Work
Locate structural changes at the asset level first.
An adjustment to the appearance or dimensions may affect only one component, or it may disrupt rigging, materials and multiple shots. When a change occurs, first check the model dependencies, then explain which tests and renders must be redone; approved independent scenes remain preserved, and added costs can be traced to specific technical reasons.
- Changes and Acceptance
State the rights for source models and third-party assets separately.
Client-provided CAD, purchased material libraries, plugins and fonts may not all be permitted for delivery with the project files. The quote should distinguish use in the finished video from transfer of source files, while recording asset origins and editing conditions; provide a clear explanation for anything that cannot be transferred rather than deleting it on the final day.
- Project Inquiry
Evaluate the model and the most difficult shot first.
Please provide the existing model, product references and one shot that best represents the expected quality. We will inspect the assets and create a grey-model or material sample. Once the starting point, risks and alternatives are clear, we can extend the estimate to the full film's production hours, avoiding impression-based pricing from reference films alone.
Compare Different Options with a Deliverables List
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Point 01 | Use the model assets to establish a comparable delivery scope. |
| Key Point 02 | Use shot complexity to explain resource requirements and execution conditions. |
| Key Point 03 | Include rendering and revisions in the acceptance records required for product launches, structural explanations and reuse across multiple versions. |
Production Configurations That Affect Pricing
- Project Brief
3D CGI video costs are jointly shaped by model assets, shot complexity, rendering and revisions; every total price must correspond to a clearly defined scope.
Model assets, material precision, camera movement and rendering rounds must be traceable to the deliverables list, execution conditions and rights records.
Keep the Scope Consistent When Comparing Quotes
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Point 01 | Put model assets, shot complexity, rendering and revisions into the same scope table before discussing trade-offs. |
| Key Point 02 | Break down deliverables, production responsibilities and Scope according to which structures the team confirms must be explained in 3D, so the quote can support product launches, structural explanations and reuse across multiple versions. |
What to Confirm Before Project Kickoff
Why not simply state one price for a 3D CGI video?
Without a consistent basis for model assets, shot complexity, rendering and revisions, a single price cannot explain the difference between a project that appears to have few shots and one whose model and revision costs have been overlooked.
How can different teams make quotes based on model assets comparable?
Have all parties break down the scope using the same model assets, material precision, camera movement and rendering rounds, and state what is included, excluded and considered complete.
Which changes affect shot complexity and the budget?
When samples, shots, languages or the pace of approvals change, first assess how they affect rendering and revisions as well as product launches, structural explanations and reuse across multiple versions, then decide how to allocate resources.
Write model assets, shot complexity, rendering and revisions item by item into the Scope, deliverables list and quote so brands and procurement teams can clearly compare each trade-off.
Bring two existing proposals. The delivery comparison card will complete the details on scenarios, personnel, number of days, revision rounds and rights conditions before comparing them.
