Social Justice
MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
In order to change the world, you have to change hearts AND minds. You need people to understand your cause, embrace your cause, and believe they can partner with you to make a difference. That’s no small task, but we believe video is one of the most powerful weapons to help you accomplish your mission.
The short answer
What makes a good social impact or nonprofit video?
A good social impact video helps people understand an issue quickly and feel something strong enough to act: donate, volunteer, share or change a habit.
It usually centers on one person’s story and ends with one clear next step.
At Epipheo, 2D animation, the most common style for cause videos, typically costs $15,000–$45,000 and takes five to six weeks; whiteboard typically costs $8,000–$25,000 and takes four to six weeks.
Since 2009, Epipheo has made more than 6,000 videos for over 3,000 brands and organizations.
Last reviewed
The Problems
Understanding
Getting people to connect emotionally with your mission is critical – but it’s not enough. Social justice issues are complicated. If you want to activate people, they have to understand the problems you’re trying to solve: why those problems exist, what’s at stake, and what it takes to overcome them.
Noise
It’s no secret that we’re busier than ever, and there’s more competition for our attention than ever. In order to reach people and rally them to your cause, you need a way to cut through the noise and capture their attention.
Empathy
In today’s world our capacity to care is stretched thin. Or we see the headlines, hear the stories, and feel like the problems are too big for us to make a difference. How do you overcome these challenges and help people care about your cause as deeply as you care about your cause?
THE SOLUTION: VIDEO
Video Explains
Imagine if your organization had someone who could be anywhere, at anytime, and could perfectly explain the complexity and significance of your cause, every time. That’s the power of video. A great video can take complex issues and information, and communicate those things quickly, simply, and compellingly. Video helps people understand, and when they truly understand, they can engage.
Collaborate with an expert video strategist to bring your ideas to life.
Video Moves
People are emotional creatures. We are wired to act not just based on thoughts or facts, but on feelings. Video has the ability to move people in powerful ways. When you combine beautiful and well-designed imagery, elegant narration, and sensory-rich sound effects and music, you can take people on an emotional journey that stirs them to action.
Social impact videos: what to know before you start
What these videos usually need to explain
- The problem, made personal through one story
- Why it matters now
- What your organization is doing about it
- The one action you want viewers to take
Which video style fits
| Style | Typical range | Timeline | Good fit for social impact when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D animation | $15K–$45K | 5–6 weeks | You want to tell a human story without filming people in hard situations |
| Whiteboard | $8K–$25K | 4–6 weeks | You are explaining a complex issue or system simply |
| Live action | $40K–$250K | 6–12 weeks | You have real people who can tell their own story on camera |
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 social impact explainer video cost?
Most Epipheo explainer projects cost $5,000 to $150,000+. Most cause videos are 2D animation ($15K–$45K) or whiteboard ($8K–$25K).
How long does a social impact 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.
Why use animation for a social cause video?
Animation can show sensitive situations respectfully, protect people’s privacy, and explain big systems, like policy or public health, that are hard to film.
