Film, not stock animation
Photoreal scenes with real pacing and sound, in place of a template and cartoon characters.
Explainer video production
Explainer videos for products that are hard to explain.
If your product takes ten minutes to describe on a call, an explainer has a real job to do. HELM makes directed explainer films that lead with the viewer’s world, then show how the idea works.
When an explainer is the right film
- Choose an explainer when visitors leave unsure what you do, or sales calls begin with the basics.
- Choose a launch film when you have one new thing to announce. See product launch videos.
- Choose a demo when buyers already understand you and need to follow the workflow step by step. HELM specializes in the cinematic film that comes before that, and a screen-recorded walkthrough is often best kept by your product team so it stays current. Here’s how to tell the difference.
How ours differ from a typical animated explainer
The reason first
The opening earns attention before any diagram appears. How it works comes after why it matters.
Length follows the job
A short film when the idea allows it, and a longer one when buyers need the whole argument.
Explainers we’ve made
- One Marketplace, 6:20. A directed film that replaced a presentation of about 18 minutes. The client reported demo clicks rising from 2% to 3.5%; results vary.
- TriFetch, 27 seconds. A healthcare paperwork problem explained in one image: three stacks of paper on a clinic desk.
- KaiCare, 1:39, and Trusted Trackers, 7:16. A veteran’s care journey and a hardware explainer, both in the archive.
Films of 60–120 seconds start from $2,500. Longer explainers fall outside the standard packages and are quoted individually.
Formats and starting prices
The Product Film
from $1,000
15–30 seconds. One clear message, for a teaser or a new feature.
The Launch Film
from $1,800
30–60 seconds. The full launch story, with deeper product and UI motion.
The Extended Film
from $2,500
60–120 seconds. A full product story across several features or flows.
Each package is one custom-directed master film. You get one fixed quote before any work begins. See what each package includes.
How it works
- Send the productA URL is enough. You get a free fixed quote within 1 day.
- Approve the direction50% to start. Story and key frames arrive within 5 days of kickoff, before full production.
- Receive the filmMost films are delivered 7–10 days after approval. 50% before delivery.
What clients say
“He quickly grasps a full understanding of the project and always has good suggestions to improve it.”
“He asked thoughtful, detailed questions about our vision and transformed our ideas into something truly unique and emotionally impactful.”
Questions buyers ask
How long should an explainer video be?
As short as the idea allows. Most fit in one to two minutes. We only go longer when the viewer needs a full argument before taking the next step.
How much does an explainer video cost?
The Extended Film, 60–120 seconds, starts from $2,500. Longer explainers are quoted individually. You get a fixed quote within 1 day. See our cost guide for market ranges.
Do you write the script?
We find the story and shape it with you. You approve the story and key frames within 5 days of kickoff, before full production starts.
Can you explain something highly technical?
Yes. We start with the buyer and the one thing that must land first, then bring in only the detail that supports it. You check accuracy at the direction stage.
Can you make a cartoon or whiteboard explainer?
HELM specializes in photoreal, cinematic films. If your brand calls for character animation or a whiteboard look, say so in the brief and we’ll tell you honestly whether we’re the right fit.
Send the product. We'll find the story worth showing.
Free fixed quote within 1 day, with no obligation.