XO3D Studio · Guide
How Product CGI Is Scoped.
No price list. An honest explanation of the seven variables that determine the scope of a product CGI project, so you know what to expect before you brief anyone.
We don't publish a price list, and neither do the best studios in our industry. The reason isn't mystification: the scope of a product CGI project is determined by the specific combination of variables below, and a price list suggests a level of standardisation that doesn't reflect how production actually works.
What I can tell you is what those variables are, how each one affects the scope of a project, and what shape different project types typically take. That way, when you do approach a studio, us or anyone else, you're having a conversation about the work rather than a number.
The seven variables
What determines the scope of a product CGI project.
- VARIABLE 01
Model Complexity
The 3D model is the foundation of every deliverable. A product with simple, geometric forms (a speaker, a box, a bottle) models faster than a product with complex organic curves, fine surface details, or intricate mechanical components. A product with moving parts (hinges, mechanisms, telescoping elements) requires significantly more build time. If XO3D needs to construct the model from scratch versus refining an existing clean CAD file, that changes the build time. In all cases, we review your source files before scoping the project.
- VARIABLE 02
Number and Type of Deliverables
A project that produces ten studio still images is a smaller scope than one that also includes a 60-second hero film and six social format cut-downs. However, and this is the efficiency case for CGI, all of those deliverables come from the same 3D asset. The model, materials and lighting rig are built once. Each additional deliverable after the initial build takes significantly less time than the first.
- VARIABLE 03
Colourway and Variant Count
A product available in three colourways requires a material swap in the 3D file, not a new build. This is typically a fraction of the original build time per variant. But if variants involve structural changes (different lid mechanisms, different component configurations), each variant may require modelling work. We scope this clearly at brief stage.
- VARIABLE 04
Material and Environment Complexity
Physically based material reconstruction (building materials from physical reference rather than using library presets) takes time and expertise. A brushed aluminium chassis with a specific anodising process requires research and reconstruction. A uniform matte plastic casing is faster. Similarly, complex environmental setups (specific lifestyle contexts, multi-product arrangements) take longer to build than clean studio backgrounds.
- VARIABLE 05
Animation Complexity
A simple 360° product rotation animates quickly. A 60-second film with deliberate camera choreography, smooth material reveals, and edited timing takes significantly more direction and execution. Mechanism animations, which show how a product works internally, require the most time because the sequence must be accurate as well as visually compelling.
- VARIABLE 06
Timeline Pressure
Standard production timelines are scoped at the start of each project. If you need delivery faster than that, whether through compressed render schedules, parallel review tracks, or overnight farm render time, this changes the schedule. Rush work is possible; it displaces other project scheduling and requires additional resource commitment.
- VARIABLE 07
Revision Rounds
Two rounds of revision are included as standard in all XO3D projects. Additional rounds beyond this are scoped clearly before they begin. The most effective way to keep a project on track is a thorough pre-production approval process: storyboard, animatic, material tests and lighting review are all approved before final rendering begins. Changes at that stage are straightforward. Changes after final render mean re-work.
Typical project shapes
How scope varies by project type.
These are indicative shapes based on standard complexity projects. Your actual scope may sit above or below these depending on the variables above.
| Project Type | Typical Shape | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Still Image Suite | Single-session build | 8–20 hero renders, studio backgrounds, 2 revision rounds, 4K delivery |
| Hero Product Film (30–60s) | Full production pipeline | Storyboard, animatic, full film, sound design, 4K + social formats |
| Full Launch Suite | Largest single build | Hero film, still library, social formats, press kit assets, all from one build |
| Technical / Mechanism Film | CAD-led production | CAD review, mechanism animation, technical accuracy review, engineering sign-off |
| Visual Content Partnership (monthly) | Ongoing retainer | Ongoing content production from established 3D asset: films, stills, formats |
Important: These shapes assume a well-documented product, clear brief, and timely client approvals. Projects that lack source files, have unclear briefs, or require significant revision rounds beyond the standard two will need a larger scope. The single most effective way to keep a CGI project on schedule is to be thorough at brief stage.
FAQ
Scoping questions we get asked most often.
Do I need to provide CAD files, and what if I don't have them?
Is there a minimum project scope?
Why is XO3D more thorough than a fast-turnaround studio?
How does a Visual Content Partnership retainer work?
Start the conversation
Ready to scope your project?
Tell us about the product, what output you need, and when you need it. We'll come back with a clear scope and an honest read on what it takes.