Case Study: How to Create a Killer Explainer Video

How many times have you seen an awesome explainer video and said to yourself… “Wow, that was awesome! I should get an explainer video done for my site!” — probably quote a few times. Unfortunately, the process of creating an explainer video is quite complicated and can cost you a lot of money in the process. While there are many methods out there for creating these types of videos, it seems like the options are either too complicating, too time consuming to figure out, or just way too expensive!

Before we jump into “how” to create a killer explainer video, first we need to appreciate why explainer videos work so well and why they seem to be all over the place. In today’s world of fast paced content and social media, you only have a few seconds to grab someone’s attention and the best way to do this is with video — especially explainer videos. They tell a story, keep you engaged and get you to take action. You can see some of the top digital based products on ClickBank and how they are using video to convert their audience into customers through the use of video in this post.

If you already know the importance of an explainer video and have always one to create one of your own, but still sitting on the sidelines for any of the reasons mentioned above, this will be a great article for you.

My Journey to Create the Perfect Explainer Video

I recently wanted to get an explainer video created for my site at Blogging.org. I had an idea in mind and looked at a few different options. I could have created the video myself with some of the whiteboard explainer video platforms out there, but many of them look cheesy, and when everyone is using the same concept, it’s even cheesier! The other option was to have a design team to create it for me, this was a good choice, but time and time again I was getting quotes in the several thousands range (which might be fine for huge agencies and mega businesses, but not something I wanted to shell out for a new project.)

Low and behold… one day while I was on Facebook, I saw an ad for video creation from a service called WizMotions. I looked through their site, watched their videos and then followed up with the team on how I could have a video created for my site. The quality was awesome, the creation experience was smooth and swift, and the price was very competitive as well — at just under $500.

Here’s the completed video for the site — then I will walk you through the process of how it was created.

How I Created My Explainer Video with WizMotions

First thing first, I got to talk with the WizMotions team and decide upon what type of video I would like to have created, and I also read up on the video creation process as well and how long it should take. Looking back at the project now, it was very seamless and tool little effort on my part besides coming up with the script idea and approving the ad copy and drawings.

Once placing my order with WizMotions, I was setup with a lead project manager (Carol) and another manager for my campaign progress as well (Christina). All of the interaction is done through Basecamp so everyone can interact and respond with each other in one area — which I thought was nice.

Video Creation and Concept

The first thing on my list was to fill out the creative brief, send over a copy of my site logo. The creative brief is all of your video ideas and details you would like the design team to know about. You can see a sample of this document below.

After completing the brief and having a better idea for myself of what I want my explainer to be about, I sent over the document and logo to the WizMotions team. During this process I also had to come up with a few lines for my script, what my video focus is about and the type of video I would like created. Once you send over the details for your write up / video idea, WizMotions will then send you a follow up script with suggested animation ideas as well. You can see a screenshot below of this as well.

For the video creation process, I had to choose the type of video and if it would be in black and white, or in color. You can see a portfolio of different design concepts from WizMotions in their portfolio or through the screenshot below. The different type of videos available are Whiteboard Videos, 2D Animation, Kinetic Typography or a mix of each.

In addition to choosing the video type, you also get to choose the character styles as well, which broken down into one of the follow.

• “CARTOON STYLE” FOR WHITEBOARD VIDEO
• “REALISTIC STYLE” FOR WHITEBOARD VIDEO
• “STICK-FIGURE STYLE” FOR WHITEBOARD VIDEO

I went with the “Cartoon Style” for my video shown at the top of the page.

While going through the design process, WizMotions would send me draft mock ups of how the video was going to look. These were basically still shots of my video for approval. During this process I also requested they used a picture of my dog Foxy for their inspiration for the dog in the video. They happily obliged.

You can see Foxy throughout the video above, and in the screenshot below.

With the video design, concept, art work and detailed brief all completed, the next step of the process was to work on the actual script, voice and music for the video.

Video Script, Audio and Design Process

After working with the WizMotions teams and the data I pulled together for my creative brief, a 60 second script was drafted for my video.

It’s important to focus a lot of effort on the wording of your script to make sure you get your message across within the specified time for your video. Obviously my ending script was the one heard through the video at the top of the page… however that wasn’t the whole decision process. I also had to decide if I wanted to be the voice for the video, or if I should have someone from the WizMotions team bring my audio to life.

Even though I do my own podcasting and audio work for my own sites, I wanted to bring a fresh and new voice to this site. No matter what type of voice talent you are looking for, WizMotions has an awesome page full of different voice artists and examples for you to listen to right from their site. For my video I went with Male Voice #10 (WM-M10).

For my video I went with Male Voice #10 (WM-M10), and it was perfect in the first file received.

The last step in the process was for the WizMotions team to pull everything together, created the video, animated and color it, then send it on over!

The whole process was quick, easy and painless. After receiving my video (through Dropbox), the WizMotions team sent over a few questions about their service and the design process. Here are those questions along with my responses.

What was your biggest challenge/fear before hiring wizMotions?
– Making sure the quality of work and flow process was up to par — and it was!

What, specifically, was your favorite part of your video production experience, and why?
– The preview of the cartoon work was the most exciting. It gave a real glimpse of what to expect for the final outcome.

If you were to recommend us to your best friend, what would you say?
– If you want to get a professional video created, while working with a great team that understands how to fit your needs, wizmotions is a great option.

With all of that said… it was great to work with WizMotions and I love the turn out of the video.

Cost to Create a Custom Explainer Video

The final cost of my explainer video was about $500. I went with the wizDoodle video option, which included unlimited storyboard revisions, original artwork and 100% hand drawn and also added a voice over, which is an additional $99 per minute. The wizMotional package is available for anyone interested in Typography videos or the larger wizToon 2D package is for animation and cartoon videos in full color.

Save 10% WizMotions Coupon

If you would like to create an explainer video of your own, I highly recommend working with the team over at WizMotions. You will get to walk through the same simple and detailed process I did to create your video, and you also won’t have to break the bank in the process. As mentioned earlier, the WizMotions team will set you up with a Basecamp account to work directly with you to create the best video possible.

While talking with WizMotions, I was also able to negotiate a nice 10% discount for all of my blog readers — which can add up to some decent savings when creating your own custom explainer video. Click here to get started, and be sure to use coupon code ZACFANS.