Previously we had companies outsource the support functions of the business, including HR and Finance.
Now, the trend is also viral in the animation industry.
The best animation studios are also ahead of their game with outsourcing production work. Disney, Pixar, and Cartoon Network have found a new way to edge off their competitors.
They’re outsourcing creative work from talented studios, especially from Asian countries.
These top studios have already partnered with the best animation outsourcing companies.
Since the gigantic names in the business have already taken the leap, one must wonder, is it the future?
Well, it’s too early to say that.
But you must note that you can actually reap many benefits by outsourcing animation work.
From storyboarding to managing frames, the creative head and the project managers have their hands complete.
Choosing to outsource a few skills will not only save you time and money but also allow you to explore new areas for business.
Read more to find out how exactly that happens.
Reasons why Disney and Pixar are outsourcing
Each company outsourcing the work has its own reason. Generally, outsourcing may serve two purposes; cost-saving and process efficiency.
Outsourcing might be more suited to you, if you’re eyeing for cost-efficiency. Plus, if you want to manage your workload more efficiently, you can opt to outsource.
Following are three key reasons why Disney and Pixar have opted to outsource their animation work;
- Cost-efficiency
- Process efficiency
- More opportunities for talent
Generally speaking, outsourcing is aimed at bringing efficiency. This is so important, especially if your product is to be seen by a larger audience. Needless to say, you should not achieve that at the expense of quality.
So, eye for quality.
Below, we expand more on how outsourcing animation benefits cost, process, and talent enhancement.
1. It is cost-effective
Outsourcing can be a great way to keep up with your project quality. Managed properly, it can go ever so seamlessly without disrupting your project.
Typically, animation teams employ the Agile Method when working on demanding projects such as films, shows, and series.
The Agile Method involves a combination of in-house and outsourced workers.
You can choose to have your in-house animators work on significant parts of the project. By doing so, you can cut costs. At the same time, you may outsource smaller tasks from your off-shore skills.
Besides, with a handful of remote team management tools in place, there is no reason not to consider a more flexible and efficient alternative.
Surprisingly, several start-up businesses have taken the leap already. They’re able to save big on the start-up video production cost.
That’s just one reason to outsource your animation projects.
2. It helps to finish work ahead of the deadline
Media production is a job that requires excellent attention to detail. With no room for mistakes, we know we must be spot-on with every aspect of the project. Any mishap can result in significant production delays.
What’s even worse, it will push up production costs. That’s more worry for the person overseeing the budget.
Perhaps, that’s why the project manager has an integral role in animation production. These people handle task delegation with great care and skill, ensuring that the project meets its deadline.
To achieve that, animation studios have adapted to a hybrid model now. No sooner than a year, this model will only prove to be successful for them.
On top of that, a hybrid team can help you move mountains in no time. A hybrid team consisting of in-house and outsourced animators can make up for a lethal team.
Plus, with more projects in the backlog, the top animators can pick the best or even more demanding projects while they delegate other work to off-shore resources.
3. It opens room for new talent
Gigantic names in any industry opting to outsource work might save costs on one end. But, on the other side, animation studios are not just streamlining the process but also opening more doors for underrated artists.
Hundreds of animators dream every day of working for Disney and Pixar. They’re seriously passionate about their craft and want to charm their portfolios.
The industry is full of these underrated artists. They dream big every day. An opportunity to work for the top studios is like hitting gold to them. Perhaps, that’s why they don’t leave any stone unturned to achieve that.
Unfortunately, most talented animators remain underpaid. But, more companies opting for outsourced resources will open more doors for new talent.
Mega brands in the industry want to expand their presence globally. To them, diversity is a strength! For them, there’s no better way to do it than to ensure that a project has a diversely talented team onboard.
Asia is the outsourcing hub.
Asia has been the hub for animation companies opting to outsource their creative work. Countries like India, China, and Philippines have been the center of attention for most of these big companies.
Courtesy of them, animation companies have opened their subsidies to cut production costs by a hefty 50%.
While that’s a big saving, it also opens exciting opportunities for talented artists from around the world to be a part of fantastic animation ventures that happen under the umbrella of Disney and Pixar.
Verdict
Should you take the leap?
With too much going on in the industry, it might be the right time for you. So, consider taking the leap. Animation movies and series don’t require live locations. You can easily outsource your work.
On top of that, the animation industry did not come to a halt even during the pandemic. Companies had their best-talented resources work remotely and deliver awe-striking projects without much worry.
More precisely, choosing to outsource also allows your team to be flexible. You can oversee other essential aspects of the project and outsource small tasks.
It also allows you to minimize backlog and emphasize more on the quality. So, you gain more in terms of cost, process efficiency, and a flexible and diversely talented team of animators.
