If you’re considering animated content to promote your business, explain your product, or elevate your brand, one of the first steps is booking a call with an animation studio. But if it’s your first time working with animators or a creative agency, you might be wondering: What actually happens during that initial call? What questions will they ask? What should you bring to the table? And how can you make sure the call is productive?
The discovery call isn’t just a formality. It’s a crucial conversation where both sides lay the groundwork for a successful collaboration. It helps the studio understand your goals, vision, and expectations and helps you determine if they’re the right creative partner.
What Is a Discovery Call?
A discovery call also known as an initial consultation is typically a 30 to 60-minute conversation between you and a representative from the animation studio. This can be a creative director, producer, or account manager. It’s not a sales pitch. Instead, it’s a mutual exploration to see if your needs and their services align.
Think of it as a creative strategy session.
Why This Call Matters
Animation is a collaborative process. Your vision, business goals, and timelines are just as important as the studio’s style, workflow, and creative capabilities. This first call helps both parties:
- Clarify the project scope
- Define the goals and target audience
- Discuss timelines and deliverables
- Align on expectations and budget
- Evaluate chemistry and communication style
By the end of the call, you should have a clearer picture of what working with the studio will look like and whether you want to move forward.
What Happens During a Call With an Animation Studio
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages and topics typically covered during a discovery call.
1. Introductions and Background
The call will usually begin with a quick round of introductions. The studio may start by asking you to describe your company, your role, and what prompted you to explore animation.
Expect questions like:
- “Can you tell us a bit about your business and what you do?”
- “What made you interested in using animation for this project?”
- “Have you worked with an animation studio before?”
They’ll also share a bit about their team, process, and experience working on similar projects.
2. Understanding Your Goals
Next, the studio will dig deeper into your why. They want to understand the purpose of the animation and what success looks like for you.
You may be asked:
- “What’s the main objective of this video?” (e.g., explain a product, train staff, generate leads)
- “Who is the target audience?”
- “Where will the video be used?” (Website, social, events, internal, etc.)
- “What problem are you trying to solve?”
The clearer you are on your goals, the better the studio can shape a creative approach that works.
3. Project Scope and Ideas
Now comes the creative part. The studio will ask about the type of animation you’re envisioning and any preferences you have in terms of tone, style, or format.
You might discuss:
- Video length (e.g., 60 seconds, 2 minutes, series of short videos)
- Animation style (2D, 3D, motion graphics, whiteboard, character animation, etc.)
- Tone (professional, fun, emotional, bold, etc.)
- Script and voiceover (Will you provide them, or should the studio handle it?)
If you don’t have a clear idea yet, that’s okay the studio may show examples from their portfolio to help you explore possibilities.
4. Timeline and Delivery
An essential part of the conversation is understanding your timeline. Animation takes time — especially when custom-made.
Expect questions like:
- “When do you need the final video delivered?”
- “Are there any internal deadlines we should know about?”
- “Do you need the video to coincide with a product launch or campaign?”
Studios will explain how long each phase takes from scripting and storyboarding to animation and revisions — so you can plan accordingly.
5. Budget Expectations
Budget talk might feel uncomfortable, but it’s important. A call with an animation studio is the right place to be transparent about what you’re willing to invest.
You may be asked:
- “Do you have a budget range in mind?”
- “Have you worked with creative agencies before?”
- “Are you looking for a one-time video or an ongoing series?”
Studios usually provide ballpark pricing or quote ranges after the call but knowing your range helps them recommend the best approach within your limits.
6. Explaining the Studio’s Process
A good studio will walk you through their process so you know what to expect at each stage.
They may outline:
- Creative brief development
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding and visual concepts
- Voiceover selection
- Animation and production
- Rounds of revisions
- Final delivery formats
They’ll also talk about communication touchpoints, feedback loops, and project management tools they use (like Slack, Trello, or email updates).
7. Q&A Session
Toward the end of the call, you’ll have a chance to ask your own questions. Don’t hold back — this is your opportunity to gauge their professionalism, reliability, and flexibility.
Here are smart questions to ask:
- “Can I see case studies of similar projects?”
- “How do you handle feedback or changes during production?”
- “Will I own the video and source files after delivery?”
- “Do you offer support for multiple languages or accessibility features?”
- “What happens if we’re not satisfied with a draft?”
Their answers will reveal not just their process but their attitude toward collaboration.
How to Prepare for the Call
A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to show up confident and ready for a productive conversation.
✅ Clarify Your Objectives
Know what you want your video to achieve. Think beyond just “I need a video” and get specific e.g., “We want to boost demo signups” or “Train our sales team on a new product.”
✅ Define Your Audience
Who are you trying to reach? C-level execs, busy parents, new hires, developers? Knowing your audience helps guide tone, visuals, and messaging.
✅ Gather Reference Materials
If you’ve seen other animations you like, bring links or samples. This helps the studio understand your taste and style preferences.
✅ Know Your Budget Range
Even a rough range helps steer the conversation in the right direction. Being honest avoids surprises later.
✅ Identify Decision Makers
If others need to approve the project, involve them early or be ready to relay detailed notes.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every studio is the right fit. During your call with an animation studio, look out for these warning signs:
🚩 They push a specific animation style without listening to your needs
🚩 They can’t explain their process or timeline clearly
🚩 They dodge budget questions or won’t give estimates
🚩 They avoid showing past work or case studies
🚩 They promise ultra-fast turnaround without asking about the scope
Great animation requires partnership choose a studio that’s interested in collaboration, not just a transaction.
What Happens After the Call?
After your discovery call, here’s what usually happens next:
- Follow-up email summarizing key points
- Proposal or quote with pricing and timeline
- Contract or agreement (if moving forward)
- Kick-off call or creative brief meeting
If you’re not ready to commit, that’s fine you can use this information to compare other studios and make the best decision for your project.
Final Thoughts
A call with an animation studio isn’t just about asking for a quote it’s about building the foundation for a creative partnership. It’s where vision meets execution, and where strategy and storytelling begin to take shape.
By knowing what to expect, asking the right questions, and preparing a few key details ahead of time, you’ll set the stage for a successful project that aligns with your goals and excites your audience.
