How Is an Architectural Animation Made? From Storyboard to Final Render

Unlike individual images, architectural animation tells the project experience over time. A standard 60-second animation is made in six stages over three to five weeks.

1. Script and brief (2–3 days)

Who is the audience? Will it be shown in the sales office or on social media? Which feature of the project stands out: view, social facilities, location, architectural identity? These questions set the film's direction.

2. Storyboard (3–5 days)

Camera movement, duration and content of each shot are drawn. In 60 seconds 10–14 shots are ideal, each lasting 4–6 seconds. Too many short shots tire the viewer; too few long shots bore.

3. Animatic (3–4 days)

Camera paths and rhythm are approved with a low-quality draft video. Music and sound effects are chosen at this stage.

4. Modelling and materials (1 week)

All surfaces visible on camera are prepared in high detail. Because the camera can move close, more detail is needed than for stills.

5. Rendering (7–12 days)

Sixty seconds at 25 frames per second is 1,500 frames. Each 4K frame takes 6–15 minutes on average. Working in parallel on a render farm shortens the time.

6. Edit and post-production (3–5 days)

Colour grading, motion graphics, music, sound effects and voice-over are added. Horizontal (16:9) and vertical (9:16) outputs are exported.

Cost items

Script/storyboard 10%, modelling 25%, animation and rendering 40%, edit/sound 15%, project management 10%. In 2026 a standard 60-second film is ₺240,000.

What makes a good script

• A shot that grabs attention in the first 5 seconds
• Storytelling of life: people, passing time, a day cycle
• A single message: do not try to tell everything in one film
• A clear ending: logo, contact, call to action

Which software is used?

3ds Max, Corona or V-Ray for modelling and rendering; Unreal Engine for real-time storytelling; DaVinci Resolve and After Effects for editing and colour grading. Our 96-GPU render farm produces more than 4,000 4K frames a day, so a 60-second film renders in about eight days on average.

Revision management

The most expensive change in animation is altering the camera path after rendering. That is why camera paths and durations are tied to written approval at storyboard and animatic stage; after rendering only colour, music and text change.