A product launch has one chance to look expensive. The launch video is what gets shared, embedded in press coverage and run as the first ads. For hardware brands, it usually has to be ready before the product is finished. Here is what a launch video costs and how to plan one.
What a launch actually needs
A single film is rarely enough. A complete launch kit usually includes:
- A hero film, 30 to 60 seconds, for the website, press and YouTube
- Cutdowns in 9:16 and 1:1 for Reels, TikTok and Shorts
- A turntable for the store or marketplace listing
- A how-it-works or exploded clip for the product page and investor updates
- Stills from the same model for press kits and listings
Building them all from one 3D model is what keeps the budget sane.
What it costs
From our published pricing:
- Cinematic hero film, 30 to 60 seconds: $2,900 for the first film of a product, including the model build
- 360 turntable: $690 first, $400 once the model exists
- Exploded view animation, 20 to 30 seconds: $1,790 first, $1,400 after
- Concept launch pack: $2,390, built from a sketch or brief, with renders and a reveal film
- Signature render set: $990 for 8 renders including lifestyle scenes
- Bundle three or more animations: 15% off the set
A realistic launch kit for one product (hero film, turntable, exploded clip and a render set) lands around $5,000 to $6,000 with us. A traditional production company quoting the same set as live action will usually be well above that, and cannot film a product that does not exist yet.
Plan it before manufacturing
The best time to start the launch video is when the CAD is frozen, not when the first units arrive. Rendering from CAD means:
- The film can be ready on launch day, not weeks later
- Crowdfunding and pre-order pages have real visuals
- Investors and retail buyers see the finished product early
- Changes to colour or finish are cheap to update
Read 3D renders before your product is manufactured and Kickstarter product rendering and animation cost if you are funding the launch.
How to brief a launch film
- One message. What should a viewer remember?
- Three features, not ten.
- Where it runs. Website, YouTube, paid social, a trade show screen.
- Formats. 16:9 master plus vertical cutdowns.
- Reference films you like, and ones you do not.
- Launch date. We plan backwards from it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a product launch video cost?
For a 3D hero film from us, $2,900 for the first film of a product. A full launch kit with turntable, exploded clip and renders typically costs $5,000 to $6,000.
How long does a launch film take?
About 7 working days after the storyboard is approved. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for a full kit.
Can we make the film before the product exists?
Yes. That is the main reason hardware brands use 3D. We work from CAD or a detailed brief.
Can the film include sound and voiceover?
Yes. Colour grade and sound design are available, and films can be prepared for your voiceover. See product animation.
See this quality on your own product
First-time clients get a complete, high-resolution 3D render of their product for $130. Judge the quality before committing to a full package.
