← What we make

No. 01 · Explainer film

The Abstract

The clear, short film everyone watches first.

The Abstract is a short animated film that explains your research to people outside your field. It is where most researchers start: clear enough for the public, and accurate enough to share with your peers.

Start a project See full pricing

Made for

  • Researchers with a new paper or preprint
  • Grant applicants who need to show impact
  • Labs and centres presenting their work
  • Press offices and communications teams

How it’s made

Hand-built. Directed by senior creatives and made by motion designers, illustrators and editors. No AI-generated content in the final film.

Timeline: 2 to 6 weeks from script and storyboard sign-off, depending on length and complexity

Price by length

30 seconds
£2,275 to £2,925
60 seconds
£3,575 to £4,710
90 seconds
£4,875 to £6,175
120 seconds
£6,175 to £7,500
150 seconds
£7,400 to £8,700
180 seconds
£8,550 to £9,750

What’s included

  • One 30 to 180 second film
  • Script and story structure
  • Storyboard and scene plan
  • Hand-crafted motion design
  • Scientific, technical or medical review
  • Professional voice-over or a text-led version
  • Edit and pacing
  • Music and sound design
  • 2 rounds of revisions

Examples

  • Paper explainer

  • Grant proposal film

  • Conference opener

Questions

How technical can the film be?

As technical as your audience needs. We agree the audience first, pitch the language and detail to suit them, and check every claim with you before we animate.

Do you use AI to make The Abstract?

No AI-generated content appears in the film we deliver. The visuals are designed and animated by hand, because when an animation represents your science, the detail has to be right.

What do you need from us?

Your paper or a research summary, a call of about an hour, and your feedback at each sign-off stage: script, storyboard and final edit.

Ready to talk about your research?

Tell us what you are working on and who needs to understand it. We will reply with ideas, a timeline and a clear price.

Start a project