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Stunning scientific animation for more “aha!” moments
Cancer Pathway MOD/MOA Animation
Exelixis, Inc.
Medical Animation: The Science of Hepatalin
Scimar Ltd.
Agricultural Biotechnology Animation
Azotic Technologies Ltd
VITROS SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Scientific Animation
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics
Biology of SARS-CoV-2 Scientific Animations
HHMI BioInteractive
Medical Animation: The Gene Doctors
Tangled Bank Studios, HHMI
Teloview Molecular Diagnostics Animation
3D Signatures Inc.
Scientific Animation for Splice Movie
Dark Castle Entertainment; Warner Bros.
Scientific Animation: Downside of High
Dreamfilm Productions, Ltd., CBC The Nature of Things
Scientific Animation for ReGenesis
Shaftesbury Films and The Movie Network
Scientific Animation: Chicken Embryo Development
Australian Poultry CRC
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with AXS. They overhauled our scientific materials, providing a consistent look across all our tangible and digital assets to convey our scientific pipeline in a graphically appealing way.
Heather Douangpanya
Director, Global Scientific Communications, Seagen Inc.
Everything from the animation and the stills visually show the story of FaraPulse and the market leading product we set out to achieve. The final deliverables met and even exceeded the original vision. KUDOS and THANKS to you and the team on an AMAZING end product.
Dan Chase
Principal Product Manager, Boston Scientific
We chose AXS Studio because of their unique ability to curate a better, more visually impactful story resonating with both a scientific and non-scientific target audience.
Glen Tinevez
Vice President, Marketing North America Commercial Operations,
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics
The AXS team was a pleasure to work with and I greatly appreciated their creative and scientific expertise. The videos received outstanding feedback and are one of the most popular assets for our disease state education campaign.
Rachel Raynes
Global Medical Communications, Senior Manager | Heart Failure GCCL, AMGEN
What a privilege and blessing it has been working with the AXS team these last few months. The incredible quality and attention to detail in your work, the care you put into navigating relationships, and the commitment you have to pulling off the impossible — it’s been a sight to behold. We are so grateful and appreciative of all your efforts. Thank you!
Susan Bartlett
Principal, Workomics
You guys are doing great work! The animation with the electric field displayed has been an 'AH-HA' moment for all of our Doctors, strategic collaborators and many of our employees!
Allan Zingeler
President & CEO, Farapulse
My previous vendor struggled to conceptually understand the purpose of the project. AXS understood and delivered an amazing product—better than what I initially imagined. We have experienced more engagement with key customers and investors, and the interactive will be a tool we can use across multiple platforms.
Julie Whitcomb
Head of Medical Affairs, Eyenovia
Wow! Just wow! 🤯 mind blown! This is amazing!! My heartfelt gratitude to your team. Their dedication to our project is only outweighed by their creative talents.
John West
Chief Development Officer, SciMar Ltd.
AXS was a true partner in creating highly compelling MOA videos for an important pharma client. They collaborated with us through numerous challenges on a tight schedule and hit our deadline with a product our client loved!
Senior Account Executive, Goodfuse
Thank you for being so great to work with and for creating such an amazing animation. Everyone loves it. Our Director of Sales called it “a game changer”. Our CEO presented the animation in recent talks and shared it with retina specialists. It is a hit! AXS has been a valuable partner and we look forward to working with you again in the future.
Allison Dabney
Director, Marketing, LumiThera
I can always rely on AXS to bring me unique, creative ideas for interactive media that boost traffic and HCP engagement at our congress booths.
Peter Baumeister
Senior Manager, Global Scientific Communications,
Amgen
Amgen
It’s been wonderful working with AXS Studio. The experience has been fantastic, fun, and rewarding. We have had glowing feedback on the video and are finalizing plans to integrate into discussions with all prospective research candidates. Our patient character is crushing it in the Alzheimer’s LP world.
Danielle Goldfarb
MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry, Banner Sun Health Research Institute
These are absolutely fantastic visualizations. They convey the real science. I still am incredibly proud of what we did together on this video and I use it in my lectures to Harvard students and externally.
Donald E. Ingber
MD, PhD, Director, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University
The team at AXS are true pros. They asked all of the right questions from the start, from technical/scientific details to overall look and feel, and completed this amazing cover rather quickly as a result.
Kelly Krause
Creative Director, Nature
It is an absolute pleasure to work with the AXS team. Their work is consistently well-researched, beautifully crafted, and press-ready.
Jen Christiansen
Art Director of Information Graphics, Scientific American Magazine
Collaborating with the AXS team on high-impact science visualization projects is always a pleasure. I can rest assured that the final product will be clear, elegant, and beautiful while meeting our target audience’s needs.
Fabian de Kok-Mercado
Creative Director, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
Your clear, didactic visuals enabled us to open a vital dialogue with physicians, drawing their attention to a rare genetic disorder, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Joel Bathe
Senior Product Manager,
Genzyme Canada
Genzyme Canada
The AXS team works hard to understand our needs and goals to best interpret them to create a product that consistently exceeds our expectations. I’ve hired AXS in the past and will always look for a way to hire them in the future.
Adam B. King
Global Branding and Marketing Communications Manager,
Heartware
Heartware
AXS Studio is one of the top multimedia companies in our industry. Partnering with them on a booth activity is different; they’re always thinking ahead and thinking proactively.
David Clark
Vice President,
D&J Electronics
D&J Electronics
The Ad Board meeting went very well and the feedback on the animated piece was outstanding, even from the biggest and most important critics—who said they had never seen anything that was so well done and presented the topic so perfectly! Thanks again for helping to make this vision a reality for us and for all of the effort that you put forth on this project.
Vicki Kelemen
Senior Director of Market Development, Amylin Pharmaceuticals
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Scientific Animation
Scientific animation is utilized in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agriculture, healthcare, education, film and television. Genetics, cell biology, microbiology, nanobiology, disease pathology, and pharmacology are just a handful of the many topics addressed through scientific animation. Industry leaders seek high-quality visuals that can represent their complex science in an easily understandable format. Whether educating professionals, attracting investors, or advocating for patients, a scientific animation should inspire and bring clarity to the viewer. AXS Studio combines our expansive scientific knowledge with artistry and technique, delivering animations that are visually captivating and scientifically accurate.
Why invest in accurate scientific animation?
- Seeing is believing. By visualizing the invisible, you inspire your viewers to want to learn more.
- Accurate scientific animation adds credibility to your messaging and brand, whereas inaccurate depictions of science produced by generalists can undermine your integrity
- Expert scientific animation is all about clear communication; it makes complex concepts easier to understand for your primary audience
- When stakes are high and time is limited, you need eye-catching and beautiful scientific animation to grab the attention of your audience and quickly convey your message
- Visual assets from a science video can provide additional value to your website, conference booth and presentation materials.
The AXS Studio difference
What makes a scientific animation stand out? When you only have a few minutes to grab attention and convey your science, every frame counts. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when commissioning a science video:
Science visualization expertise
Inaccurate depictions of science are more prevalent than you may think, even from reputable agencies. That’s because many animation companies hire generalists or outsource their production to low-cost countries. Be wary of such corner-cutting that can undermine your scientific credibility. At AXS Studio, every single animator undergoes graduate training in biological science and anatomy together with 3D animation and film design. We’re immersed in cutting-edge science on a daily basis and have become a go-to for organizations looking to depict their research, products and technologies accurately.
Tailored to your audience
Science literacy is important, and one size does not fit all. Animation makes complex scientific concepts easier to understand, and how you choose to tell your story matters. When viewers grasp these concepts, they are able to make informed decisions—and that’s why it’s important to fully empathize with the needs of your primary audience. Our science videos are carefully tailored to your key learning objectives and target audience from script to post-production, ensuring your message gets across with perfect clarity.
Stress-free reviews
An experienced scientific animation company will make navigating medical, regulatory and promotional reviews a snap. Whether you call it MLR, PRC, MRC or another name, it’s essential that your animation passes smoothly through your company’s review process. Voiceover scripts and storyboards must be referenced and prepared to your review specifications. Choosing a supplier with scientifically trained animators and storyboard artists will ensure the visuals are also accurate and supported by peer-reviewed data. With AXS, you’ll never worry that your agency doesn’t get the science.
Visual blueprint for your science
Any visuals used to portray your science or product becomes ingrained in the viewer’s mind as part of your visual identity. In this way, your scientific animation becomes a reflection of your company or brand, so how do you make a lasting impression? AXS Studio analyzes your existing brand guidelines and creates a customized design system for you that incorporates any new visuals seamlessly into your brand identity. This unique approach streamlines the design process for efficiency, all the while ensuring quality and consistency across all of your scientific visuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process of starting a scientific animation project with your company?
If you’re interested in learning more about what we can do for you, simply reach out with details about your project requirements, goals, and rough timeline. We’ll schedule a consultation call to discuss details and provide you with a personalized proposal and estimate for review.
Why hire AXS Studio for scientific animation over another studio or agency?
Many scientific animation companies and agencies hire generalist animators or use low-cost country sourcing. AXS Studio is exceptional among our competitors for employing only scientifically trained animators. We’re proud to say that every one of our artists comes from a formal science background. Each holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in biomedical communications from one of the five professionally-accredited graduate programs— this includes 5 Board Certified Medical Illustrators (CMIs). We have over two decades of experience visualizing complex biological science for a discerning audience. With our extensive and specialized education, we’re able to understand your science right from the beginning. This enables us to visualize complex scientific processes with unparalleled clarity and accuracy compared with generalist animators.
What determines the cost of a scientific animation?
The cost of a scientific animation hinges on several factors:
- Length: Typically, shorter animations require less time and resources to create, reducing costs. As a general guideline, 100 words per minute is a good estimate for your voiceover script. We will work with you on the script to ensure the animation aligns your budget while effectively communicating your scientific message.
- Visual complexity: The number and complexity of scenes t in your animation are reflected in the cost.
- Video resolution: High-definition (HD) video is more cost-effective than Ultra-high definition (UHD or 4K) video because it requires fewer computing resources. We have you covered for any custom resolutions you may need for special applications.
We do all of our content development and production at our Toronto, Ontario studio, ensuring there are no markups passed on to you. If you would like an estimate for your animation, simply get in touch.
What’s included in the price of a scientific video?
Our comprehensive in-house capabilities cover the entire production pipeline, including content research, storyboarding, 3D modeling and animation, rigging, shading, lighting, rendering and compositing, and visual effects. Our full-service quotes also cover audio production, including professional voiceover talent, recording and editing, sound FX, and custom or stock music. Our optional services include script writing (including literature review and referencing), annotation, and submission for medical and regulatory reviews.
And we take our content research seriously. Your quote includes our in-house scientific proficiency. Our scientifically trained animators immerse themselves into the primary literature for your content. Before sketching a single storyboard panel, they meticulously compile a referenced visual research deck for each project. We’re dedicated to ensuring your science is communicated perfectly.
How do clients say AXS Studio is different?
Many clients express a sense of relief when they switch to our services, often citing various challenges they faced with their previous agencies. These include: a failure to align with their objectives, a lack of scientific proficiency, leading to errors and delays, unexpected charges for fixing agency errors, and last-minute rushes to meet deadlines.
In contrast, clients have described working with AXS Studio to be “an absolute pleasure”. They’ve said “the AXS team works hard to understand our needs and goals,” and acknowledge that our team’s scientific expertise stands out from other suppliers they’ve used. Client’s have noted that our team is honest, dedicated, delightful to work with, and that they can always rely on AXS to meet deadlines without surprise overages.
The AXS Studio team is unparalleled in our scientific literacy, focus on details, and proactive approach to problem-solving. We’re highly regarded across the industry for our exceptionally beautiful and accurate work. But don’t take our word for it— hear it directly from our clients!.
How long does a scientific animation take to make?
Are you targeting a conference deadline? It’s worth getting a head start on 3D animation, especially if you have an involved review and approval process. Typically, a two-minute science video starts with script and storyboard development and requires 12–16 weeks to complete. It’s a good idea to contact us at least 4 months prior to your deadline. Together, we’ll come up with a timeline that works, while ensuring the high animation quality AXS Studio is known for.
What’s the length of a typical scientific animation?
Based on our experience, 1.5–2 minutes is the ideal length to engage professional audiences. It’s enough time to effectively communicate key messages without overwhelming short attention spans or busy schedules. Since cost is correlated with runtime, budget often plays a role in determining animation length. If you’re drafting an outline or narration script, a helpful guideline is aiming for 100 words per minute of animation.
What are the steps to creating an excellent scientific animation?
- Begin by defining your primary audience and key learning objectives. The objectives should outline what you want your audience to take away from the animation. The reading level and complexity of the animation content will be tailored to your audience.
- Share all relevant reference material with your supplier, including key review papers, scientific posters and MSL decks. This will help the animation team quickly align to your contents.
- Your supplier will then provide a content outline for review, followed by a voiceover script. The script usually undergoes two rounds of review.
- Next, a detailed storyboard is created, featuring drawings for each shot in the animation, alongside corresponding script, onscreen text (or supers), and brief action descriptions. Typically, there are two rounds of storyboard review followed by a formal MLR review. Check out our post on medical and scientific animation storyboards for more details [coming soon].
- Upon storyboard approval, a greyscale rough cut animation is created using a placeholder voiceover called a scratch track. The rough cut allows for the review of the action and pacing, and is accompanied by sample still images showing the proposed final look of the animation.
- After rough cut approval, professional voiceover is recorded and the prefinal animation is developed, encompassing the final look, voiceover and music. The prefinal is submitted to MLR review for approval. At this stage in animation production, only minor adjustments are made (eg. tweaks to supers and colors).
- Following MLR approval, the final animation is delivered as a compressed video file for immediate release. A master uncompressed video file is also provided, allowing for the creation of additional outputs in various video formats as needed.
Who uses scientific animations and why?
Patients and caregivers use scientific animation to gain insights into diseases and treatments, empowering them to better make informed choices regarding their healthcare.
Patient educators and advocates use scientific animations to simplify complex medical and scientific information about disease and treatments for lay audiences, promoting better understanding and engagement.
Medical communications managers and medical affairs managers leverage scientific videos to explain disease pathways to HCPs at symposia and medical congresses and, and on disease education websites.
Healthcare providers benefit from scientific animations by staying informed about new research in disease progression and treatment, aiding in their clinical decision-making.
Scientific videos are also used in museum exhibits to help explain a wide range of scientific subjects from human genetics to the physics of music.
Scientific animations are used in TV and film production to explain concepts to lay audiences. Whether fiction or factual programing, scientific animation helps convince an audience of the director’s viewpoint and important facts being presented.
Product managers and marketing managers use science videos on product websites and at medical congress booths to illustrate the therapeutic mechanism of action (MOA) of drugs to healthcare providers.
Medical science liaisons (MSLs) utilize scientific animations reactively in presentation decks to explain disease pathways and MOA at in-person physicians meetings.
Opinion leaders use scientific videos as visual aids in symposia presentations to explain disease and therapeutic mechanisms to their audiences.
Can I use images from my scientific animation in other applications, like print or my website?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to use frames (still images) directly from your science video at no extra cost. These images are usually high enough resolution to use in slide presentations, on your website and in small print materials. If you are in need of larger images—such as for a conference booth—we’re able to provide those and charge only for the output. We can also render out individual elements from an animation, such as product shots or key molecules.
How do you work with clients to navigate medical-legal-regulatory (MLR) reviews?
We make sure that all materials submitted for MLR review are meticulously referenced from the scientific literature. Upon request, we can annotate submission materials according to your company’s review process standards. Additionally, we’re available to participate virtually in review sessions to address any questions and explain any visual communication recommendations.
Do you sell stock scientific animation?
No we don’t. Every science video created by AXS Studio is a tailored solution, designed to meet the unique needs of a client.
111 Peter St. Suite 700
Toronto, ON, M5V 2H1
Canada
