Big Data
BIG DATA IS A BIG DEAL
Video can show it, Big Time.
Before Big Data could become a Big Thing, people had to believe it was a Real Thing. That meant they needed to understand what data analytics was, what it could do for them, and how they could tap into it. We’ve found that there are a few typical hurdles.
The short answer
What makes a good big data or analytics explainer video?
A good big data explainer makes something people cannot see, like data moving between systems, feel concrete: where it comes from, what your platform does with it, and what decision it makes possible.
The goal is to lead with the business outcome, not the pipeline.
Since 2009, Epipheo has made more than 6,000 videos for over 3,000 brands, including Splunk, Cisco and Microsoft.
Most data explainers are motion graphics or 2D animation, which at Epipheo typically cost $10,000–$45,000 and take five to six weeks.
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The Problem
Skepticism
Big Data comes with Big Promises—and people are always (rightfully) skeptical of these. They want evidence that Big Data can deliver what it says it’ll deliver. They want to hear details of how it can deliver for them. Anyone who’s looking into it wants to see real clarity and logic before they’ll be willing to invest in it.
Novelty
The idea of conducting data analysis is not new. For many industries, though, the idea of tossing a ton of data into a database to get a breakthrough insight—that’s still pretty new, even though Big Data has been around for a few years. Whenever something is truly novel, getting people to get it is a more difficult task than with marginal improvements. The fact that Big Data is a concept rather than a product means the challenge is even greater.
Complexity
Not only are some of the ideas around Big Data new, they are also complicated. Doing Big Data well requires more than just getting lots of data. It requires new ways to store it efficiently. It requires new software to do analysis well. It requires new experts to handle and wrangle it all. With all these questions swirling around, it’s understandable why people don’t always grasp what Big Data is and what they can (and must) do with it.
THE SOLUTION: VIDEO
Video Envisions and Inspires
Because video is a dynamic medium, it’s perfect for capturing the excitement around Big Data and casting the vision for what it can transform. Whether it’s from vibrant visuals, inspiring music, or a remarkable story, video helps people grasp the true transformative potential of Big Data.
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Video Concretizes
Because video is a storytelling medium, it’s perfect for presenting concrete examples. Giving people a specific instance of what Big Data could achieve leads to two beneficial responses. If the example is directly relevant to them, the video immediately shows how Big Data could apply to their business. Even if it’s not, the video still prompts them to imagine an example. In either case, the concrete example helps make it real to them.
Video Simplifies
Because video is an efficient medium, it’s perfect for communicating value quickly. Big Data can seem like an intimidating topic. After all, it’s Big! But instead of trying to communicate every single thing about the topic, a video boils it down to its essential appeal: Big Data can help reveal new opportunities for your business. Not only does this help the audience understand the value for them, it also gives them confidence about diving into a whole new world.
As storytellers and creative collaborators we seek to find clarity and deliver that through the powerful medium of video. We’ve helped some of the largest data companies in the world to tell their story and see results. Check out a few below.
Big data explainer videos: what to know before you start
What these videos usually need to explain
- Where the data comes from and why it is messy today
- What your platform does with it, in one simple picture
- The decision or result it makes possible
- Why it is secure and scales
Which video style fits
| Style | Typical range | Timeline | Good fit for data and analytics when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motion graphics | $10K–$35K | 5–6 weeks | You want charts, dashboards and data flows to carry the story |
| 2D animation | $15K–$45K | 5–6 weeks | You need characters to show who benefits and why it matters |
| 3D animation | $35K–$120K | 8–10 weeks | You want a premium, cinematic take on infrastructure |
Ranges are typical Epipheo project costs; your quote depends on length, style and complexity. See the full pricing guide.
How an Epipheo project works
- Discovery & content strategy. A kickoff call to learn who you are, what you do and why it matters to your audience.
- Video planning. A story arc and visual concept that fits your budget, delivered as “The Story Plan.”
- Pre-production. Script, a custom illustration style sample and storyboards, usually delivered as an animatic timed to a rough voiceover (“The Production Plan”).
- Production & post. Animation or filming, final voiceover, music and sound, then delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a big data explainer video cost?
Most Epipheo explainer projects cost $5,000 to $150,000+. Most data and analytics videos are motion graphics ($10K–$35K) or 2D animation ($15K–$45K).
How long does a big data explainer video take to make?
Most take four to twelve weeks from kickoff to delivery, depending on style. A 2D or motion graphics video typically takes five to six weeks, 3D animation eight to ten weeks, and live action six to twelve weeks.
How do you make data visual without it feeling like a chart dump?
By telling one story about one person or decision, and only showing the numbers that move that story forward. Motion graphics can then animate the few charts that matter.
