Off-Shore Animation Provider VS Local Animation Studio
Work directly with the person who makes it happen!
We're all familiar with why buying local is better. It supports your local community's economy; you and the service provider speak the same language (sometimes literally) and are able to work directly together; and if push comes to shove, you're in the same or similar legal jurisdiction. Getting an animation created or video edited is just as influenced by these factors as other online service such as gig platforms like Fiverr, telehealth, or accounting/tax filing services. As with any of those services, getting animation and video post-production done outside your country may offer quick cost savings, but you're risking:
- Losing control of your project
- Potential poor communication
- Unverified expertise
- Possibly even being out-right scammed
Buying Local Helps You and Your Community
Buying local versus online typically gets conflated with retail. However, this can apply to services such as animation & video production as well! There is a reason folks say, "Buy local" and "American Made" is a positive. When you buy local, you're supporting your community, from your local farmer, to the artisan in your state, to the assembly lines in your country. There's no reason you can't also support your local, American-made animator!
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For example, I love Yans Media's work but scroll down to their contact info, and you'll see they have an office in Armenia. A little more snooping and you'll find that all the animation work is being performed in Armenia. I have no problem with Armenia, but the fact is, it's not local (unless, you know, you're located in Armenia)
Working Directly with the Person who does the Work
When you hire an off-shore agency, or even a company that may be stateside, but utilizes off-shore talent (looking at you, Vizio), you're not working with the person who is actually creating your project. You're likely going through a middleman who may or may not convey your concept very well. And even if you are directly working with the artist, such as on Fiverr, do you share the same language? Culture? Or even time zone? In something as complex as an animation or video (which remember, in of itself, is a tool of communication), nuance is important.
At Kohlitz, you will work directly with the person who makes your project come to life - me!
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Fiverr's "Choice" when I searching for "animation" on their platform. Again, nothing against Ahmed or Pakistan where he's from, but not local. |
And the Legal Stuff...
Sure, you get your project done for less by folks in Malaysia or Nigeria, but you be better be prepared for:
• At best, discomfort about how well the worker who is actually doing your work is being treated and paid.
• And at worst, your project disappearing after the down payment has been made.
Being the person who is performing the work and who is self-employed, I can assure you my boss (who is also me) usually treats me well :) And our project will have a clear framework of process, timeline and deliverables, that are covered in a production agreement (see this blog on what should be covered in a contract.) Lastly, seeing as I reside in the U.S., comfortably know that this contract is enforceable and protects both you and me, as any reasonable contract should. There will be no "ghosting" you, copyright infringement or pulling fast ones under that table.
Work with your local, Ann Arbor, Michigan-based animator by contacting me at hello@kohlitz.com or filling out the contact form