Animation FAQ
Hocus Pocus Studio is a BAFTA-nominated animation studio based in London and New York. We create animation for brands, agencies, corporate teams, and broadcasters. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our process, timelines, pricing, and how we work.
General Animation Production
How much does an animated explainer video cost?
A high-quality 60 to 90 second 2D explainer video usually costs between £8,000 and £20,000. Illustration style, motion complexity, scripting, voiceover, and music can influence the final price. See our Explainer Video Production page or the full pricing guide for more detail. Brand films and demo or platform walkthrough animations tend to be less expensive.
How much does a game trailer cost?
Budgets typically start around £12,000, with larger cinematic trailers running £20,000 to £40,000 depending on scope. See our game trailer cost guide for a full breakdown by type.
How long does an animation take to produce?
Most projects take 4 to 6 weeks from script to delivery, but many can be double that. Faster turnarounds are possible depending on scope and feedback cycles. See our production timeline for a full breakdown.
What styles of animation do you offer?
We create 2D, 3D, motion graphics, hand-drawn animation, game trailers and cinematics, and mixed media. Everything is tailored to your brand, audience, and channels.
Do you handle scripting and voiceover?
Yes. We provide full production including scriptwriting, storyboarding, design, voiceover casting and recording, animation, and sound design. You can bring a full script or a rough idea.
Do you use AI?
Generally no, not in the work itself. Very early on we’ll sometimes use image generation tools for quick concept exploration, and we use AI for technical tasks like upscaling, plus the usual back-office stuff everyone uses it for. But for the actual animation, we haven’t found it adds anything we want. We believe in the power of artists, and we don’t think that’s changing any time soon.
Animation for Brands, Agencies, and Corporate Teams
Do explainer videos work well for finance, healthcare, or tech?
Yes. Animation is ideal for complex or regulated topics. We create explainer videos, brand films, and demo animations for finance, healthcare, and tech clients including LSEG, BNY Mellon, MUFG, GSK, and Pfizer.
Can you help with internal comms, B2B messaging, or product onboarding?
Yes. We regularly produce internal training videos, onboarding demos and platform walkthroughs, investor updates, and other corporate communication content.
What if we do not have a clear brief yet?
That is completely fine. We can help shape your message, refine your script, share references, and build a clear treatment before production begins. See how to brief an animation studio for a starting point.
Process, Remote Work, and Global Clients
Do you work with clients outside the UK?
Yes. We’re a very international business. We work with clients across Europe, the United States, and worldwide. Remote production is normal for us and we handle multiple time zones comfortably. See how we work with clients remotely for more.
Can you deliver multiple language versions?
Yes. We can produce translated voiceovers, subtitles, and localised on-screen text. We handle translation, casting, and delivery of every version.
Can you follow our brand guidelines?
Of course. We can work to your existing brand system or create a simple motion style guide if needed, even for complex legal and medical topics.
Distribution, Performance, and Results
Can animation help with SEO or AEO?
Yes. Well-placed video increases dwell time and engagement. Pairing animation with transcripts and structured data can support rich results. We can advise on titles, descriptions, thumbnails, and hosting.
Can you supply social cutdowns?
Yes. We can deliver square, vertical, short cutdowns, and subtitled edits for YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms. See Social Media Video Production.
Should we host our video on YouTube, Vimeo, or our own site?
It depends on your goals. YouTube is strongest for reach and search. Vimeo gives you cleaner embeds and more control. Many clients use both.