Frequently Asked Questions
There are questions we often receive from prospective clients, so we have included our answers here. Please contact us or call us at 859-225-6400 to ask any questions you may have or receive clarification on any of these points.
How much does a custom 3D medical animation cost?
Our rate for custom 3D medical animation is $260-$360 per second of final animation footage. Our minimum 3D animation project length is 30 seconds and costs $7,500-$10,800. In certain cases that rate can be lower if parts of the animation are not created in 3D software. If there are multiple animations or if the animation is long, sometime flat rate negotiations are made.
How can I estimate the length and cost of my custom animation?
Many of our clients have a narration script in mind for their custom animation. The standard for technical narration recording is about 125 words per minute. A 200 word script would create an animation that would run approximately 1 minute and 36 seconds or 96 seconds. A cost of this animation would be about $24,000.
If you do not plan on having recorded narration, a written script is still important to estimate the length of a custom animation. Usually animations without narration run faster than a narrated animation. A list of detailed steps will provide our animators with enough information to estimate the run time and provide you with project estimate. If you need assistance with writing a script please contact us or call us at 859-225-6400 for a free script consultation and project estimate.
I have a limited budget, can I still create custom medical animation?
Yes, we can work with your budget and combine other animations techniques including text and simple graphics to help you to achieve your goals. Since we need to specifically assess your budget needs and your animation goals, please contact us or call us at 859-225-6400 to discuss your project.
How long does it take to create custom medical animation?
It usually takes about 1 month for the creation of a 3D medical animation. The first one to two weeks is spent creating storyboards and a preliminary motion test and revising it with the client. The next 1 to 2 weeks is spent refining 3D models, setting up lighting, and refining the animation. The last week is spent making final revisions and renders to deliver the finished animation.
How do you ensure medical and anatomical accuracy?
Our team of medical animators all have Master’s Degrees in medical illustration which includes a curriculum of coursework and dissection labs in gross anatomy, histology, pathology, and neuroanatomy. Our team has years of specialized experience exclusively creating medical and scientific animation. Our 3D anatomical medical models have been revised and validated over many years for our trade association clients including the American College of Cardiology, American Society of Echocardiography, US Food and Drug Administration, Heart Rhythm Society, and American Heart Association. We also work with your medical experts throughout the creation process to ensure it meets or exceeds their standards. Our experience in custom animation, our 3D models, and our collaborative process ensure a medically accurate custom animation for your target audience.
How do you ensure the accuracy of 3D medical device modeling and function?
Most of our clients provide 3D CAD (computer aided design) models of their medical devices. This ensures the highest level of device modeling accuracy without any additional cost to you. We texture and restructure your CAD model as needed to created the desired functionality of your device. When 3D CAD models are unavailable or when a device in a prototyping phase, we can create your medical device from photos, physical devices, or other references. Custom 3D device modeling is a separate fee and can be estimated at no charge when a project estimate is requested.
What other complementary services do you offer?
We offer many other services other than custom medical animation including but not limited to: media consulting, interactive application programming (iPad, mobile device, etc.), custom illustration, microsite design, video hosting, and graphic design. Please contact us or call us at 859-225-6400 to find out how we can be your provider for all your medical content needs.
How can I leverage my custom medical animation to create print materials, interactive applications, and other digital media?
We create all our 3D animation in HD resolution (1920×1080). Many of our clients use still frames from our animations to create printed marketing materials, interactive applications, or website media. This usage is freely permitted with our perpetual, unlimited use license. We can also provide higher resolution images from our 3D files at a low cost. If desired, our team can also help you build printed materials, applications, and websites. Please contact us or call us at 859-225-6400 for more information.
What can I do with a perpetual, unlimited license?
Our custom animation fee includes a perpetual, unlimited license to use the animation, clips of the animation or still images in any way you desire in perpetuity. This derivative use includes use in printed materials, websites, and applications. It does not include the right to resell the animation to other parties unless negotiated. Medmovie is restricted from using any of your proprietary materials or procedures (for devices, etc) in any of our other animation projects.
Do I need copyright transfer?
Some companies have a policy that requires copyright transfer for media projects. To provide this, Medmovie must ensure not only that the content is unique and original but that the look and feel is unique to protect the nature of copyright. We do charge additional fees for copyright transfer. Usually it is determined that the perpetual, unlimited license provides all the usages and protections that the client company needs.
How do you deal with non-disclosures and ensure confidentiality?
It is very common for Medmovie to sign non-disclosure agreements, even if the initial project consultation does not result in a custom project. We are happy to sign an agreement before starting any discussions. We can also provide secure file transfer and password protected online review sites for project review.