Animation Video Cost Melbourne: A Practical Guide for 2026

Animation is one of the most effective ways to explain a message, demonstrate a process or simplify something complex. It works well for training, product overviews, staff communication and high-level marketing pieces. But for many Melbourne organisations, the first question is always the same: how much does animation cost?

There is no single standard price across the industry. Costs vary based on complexity, style, length, deadlines and the number of review rounds. This guide breaks down the practical numbers for 2026, along with the main factors that influence the final price. The aim is to give you a clear understanding of what to expect so you can plan confidently.

If you want to skip straight to working with a specialist team, you can learn more about our service here: Animation Video Melbourne.

Why animation costs vary

Animation is built from many small components that stack together. Script development, style frames, storyboards, illustration, animation, sound design and review cycles all play a role. Some animations are simple and rely on a minimal visual treatment. Others involve detailed artwork, scene transitions, character movement and complex timing.

Here are the most common factors that influence cost.

Length of the video

Most business animations fall into the 45 to 120 second range. Shorter animations generally cost less, but not always. A 45-second animation with complex custom artwork can take more time than a 90-second animation made with a simpler style.

Animation style

Different styles sit at different price points.

• Icon or whiteboard animations are the simplest and least time-intensive.
• Motion graphics with brand elements sit in the middle.
• Character animation involves more illustration and more labour.
• 3D animation requires specialist tools and more hours.

Level of detail

Animations with simple shapes and clean layouts cost less than scenes with layered textures, shading and multiple objects moving at once.

Script and message complexity

Some projects come with a clear script that needs only light refinement. Others require workshops, drafts and multiple rounds of messaging work. More development time increases the overall cost.

Number of review rounds

Every review cycle adds time. Most animation projects include at least two rounds. Government and enterprise clients often require more.

Deadlines

Tighter timelines require a larger team to work in parallel. Faster delivery increases the cost.

What different types of animation cost in Melbourne

Below is a practical guide based on current industry standards and real project data. These numbers reflect typical work done for government, education, health, finance and technology clients.

Whiteboard and icon style animation

This is the simplest form of animation. It works well for training, internal communication and clear procedural explainers.

Typical cost for a 60-second video in Melbourne:
$3,000 to $6,000

This usually includes:

• Script development
• Basic storyboard
• Icon-based artwork
• Simple transitions
• Professional voiceover
• Sound design and captions

This is the most economical format and the easiest to update over time.

Motion graphics and 2D brand animation

This is the most common style used by organisations in Melbourne. It uses brand colours, typography, shapes and illustrations to create a polished explainer or marketing piece.

Typical cost for a 60 to 90 second video:
$4,000 to $9,000

This style usually includes:

• Script writing
• Style frames
• Detailed storyboard
• Custom graphics
• Full 2D animation
• Professional voiceover
• Music and captions
• Delivery versions for different platforms

This style strikes a balance between quality and budget.

Character animation

Character work involves more illustration and more frames to animate. It adds personality and is useful for campaigns, staff communication and educational content.

Typical cost for a 60 to 90 second video:
$7,000 to $12,000

Cost is mostly driven by:

• Number of characters
• Mouth movement
• Walk cycles
• Scene transitions
• Custom environments

This style can be time-consuming but creates memorable and engaging content.

3D animation and product visualisation

This is the most specialised style. It can show technical processes, machinery, product internals or industrial settings. It requires specialist artists and longer render times.

Typical cost for a 60 to 120 second video:
$8,000 to $15,000 or more

Pricing varies based on:

• Complexity of the models
• Realistic lighting
• Camera movement
• Textures and materials
• Number of scenes

This style is popular in construction, industrial, manufacturing and engineering environments.

What you get when you invest in animation

The cost of animation covers more than the final video. You are buying a structured, reliable process that ensures the result is accurate and easy to understand. Most Melbourne animation workflows include:

Script and messaging

A clear, concise script that removes jargon and focuses on what the viewer needs to know.

Style frames

A small set of sample images that show the exact look before production begins.

Storyboarding

A shot-by-shot preview of what the animation will contain.

Artwork and visual assets

Custom illustrations, icons, scenes and characters.

Animation

Layer movement, transitions, timing, visual cues, pacing and camera moves.

Voiceover

Professional voice talent recorded in a controlled environment.

Sound design

Music, effects and audio clean up.

Captions

Required for government, public sector and most professional presentations.

Rendering and delivery

Final versions for web, social media, email and on-site screens.

How to keep costs under control

Animation does not have to be expensive. A few practical decisions can make the process smoother and more cost-effective.

Start with a clear message

Knowing exactly what you want to say reduces script rewrites and unnecessary scenes.

Choose a style that suits the purpose

If the goal is clear communication, a simple style may be more effective than a highly detailed one.

Provide examples

Reference videos or brand illustrations help the team understand your expectations early.

Combine feedback

Instead of sending changes from multiple stakeholders at different times, gather them into a single round.

Plan for future versions

If your content will change often, choose a style that is easy to update.

What most Melbourne organisations spend

Across the corporate, government, education and health sectors, most animation projects fall into these ranges:

• Training and internal communication: $3,000 to $7,000
• Explainer videos: $4,000 to $9,000
• Technical or product-based animations: $6,000 to $12,000
• 3D visualisation: $8,000 to $15,000 or higher

These numbers are based on typical work delivered to Victorian organisations over the past several years.

When animation is the right choice

Animation is ideal when you need to explain something that is difficult to film or too abstract to capture with a camera. It is also useful when you want consistency across versions, languages or regions. Many Melbourne teams choose animation because it allows full control of the message and the visuals.

Animation also works well when you need content for internal staff, health organisations, regulated environments or public communication. It removes distractions and focuses the viewer on what matters.

Final thoughts

Animation offers a flexible and reliable way to communicate with clarity. Costs vary, but once you understand the factors behind pricing, you can plan a realistic project that fits your timeframe and objectives. The most important thing is choosing a team that can guide you through the process, keep the work on track and deliver a result that serves your organisation well.

If you are considering an animation video in Melbourne and want specific numbers for your project, you are welcome to get in touch for a tailored quote.