Kansas-based Animation & VFX Boutique Bazillion Pictures Relaunches

Jeff Beith, owner and creative director of Bazillion Pictures, restructures his award-winning 3D animation and visual FX studio as it embarks on a pro-active campaign to introduce its creative services to a broader range of regions. The reorganization of the expanded facility incorporates efficient workflow with an integrated complement of services that includes in-house compositing, editing, color correction, finishing, interactive development, and audio capabilities. 

For almost two-decades Bazillion has built a reputation as a sought-after creative resource for agencies and corporations seeking dynamic 3D animation, visual FX, live action compositing, branded character animation, photo-realistic imagery, product visualization and interactive content.  At the same time, it has evolved into the go-to company for a range of other applications, from architectural projection mapping, digital media, high resolution print and interactive apps to broadcast quality sales, training and educational videos, while attracting a growing number of projects for trade shows and events. 

Helmed by Beith and executive producer, Diann Roche, Bazillion Pictures’ multi-disciplined team of animators, FX artists, character animators, editors, compositors and producers bring ingenuity and originality to each project. Working with clients as their creative partners, they are commited to creating media content for both digital and traditional platforms that consistently delivers memorable brand experiences.

“Bazillion has been in growth mode since its inception,” says Beith.  “Over the years we've made it our mission to anticipate the changing needs of the advertising industry, as well as develop expertise in a few specialty markets, such as agriculture and industrial. Expanding our space, investing in technology, continually improving our pipeline and handpicking a roster of diverse, top-caliber talent has been key to our approach ” says Beith.  “At the same time, we’ve been creating a strong infrastructure with meticulous asset management and an efficient workflow, freeing our artists to focus their full attention on finding innovative solutions that get the most out of every budget."

“Up until now Bazillion‘s client base has been growing organically, with word of mouth attracting a growing number of agencies, in the Midwest corridor, as well as Chicago and New York,” says Roche. “The restructuring of the company coincides with us taking a more pro-active approach to marketing Bazillion in new regions. Working with a diverse mix of clients on a wide range of projects keeps things fresh and exposes us to different ways of thinking, which we really enjoy.”   

The 5,000 square foot boutique, located in the heart of Kansas City's Crossroads Art District, provides an open-architecture, loft-like space that's home to over a dozen custom-built animation/graphics workstations, four Unity Interactive workstations, dedicated editing and audio suites, as well as its own isolation room for recording voice-overs, sound FX, and instruments.  The facility’s primary software includes 3DS Max, V-Ray, After Effects, Premiere, and Photoshop. Key to its fluid workflow and flexibility is their large on-site Render-Farm and high-speed data servers, allowing for an uncompressed workflow.

Roche, who has been spearheading the strategy behind marketing Bazillion Pictures in the national arena, adds, “I’ve been getting very positive feedback from agencies in the Midwest and throughout the country.  Most of them are already comfortable with a virtual approach to their projects. They don’t have to be convinced that working with a company based in Kansas City is an asset, not an issue, when it provides access to great service, top-tier talent and a cost effective approach.”

“Our skilled 3D specialists, animators, compositors and visual FX artists are masters at merging art with technology to create exciting and entertaining visual experiences,” adds Beith. “They thrive on developing new and innovative solutions that push creative boundaries – and we believe that’s been key to building a national brand.”

Bazillion’s new website was recently launched to showcase its wide range of services and mix of multi-platform works. At the same time it was redesigned to highlight the company’s award-wining work in specialty markets, such as industrial and agri-marketing, incorporating dedicated sections that speak directly to the unique needs of these markets.

CGI-driven spots remain the core of Bazillion’s business, attracting work from regional as well as national brands, such as Bayer, John Deere, Snapple, Sprint, Sylvania, Universal Studios, DuPont, GE, and Wal-Mart.