Small animation studio for brands and broadcasters

Advertising agencies, brands, broadcasters and streamers, game developers, and real estate or architecture firms needing animated walkthroughs.

Project fees and day rates for contract work, often paid in milestones. Some studios also develop their own shows and use grants or tax credits to help fund them.

• Animation production and pipeline management
• Budgeting and pitching to clients
• Leading and hiring creative freelancers

• Check which tax credits or grants apply in your province, as eligibility rules are strict and vary
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Decide whether freelancers are truly contractors or employees, and check CRA guidance
• Cash flow gaps between milestone payments, so keep a buffer
• Written contracts covering intellectual property, approvals and revision limits

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your workspace, equipment, software and how many people you bring on at the start.

Check which tax credits or grants apply in your province, as eligibility rules are strict and vary. Also check WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and CRA guidance on whether freelancers are contractors or employees. Use written contracts covering intellectual property, approvals and revisions.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the size of your team and the clients you win. Payments often come at milestones, so keep a cash buffer for gaps.