In the world of creative projects, technology is only half the story. The other half just as important is understanding the client’s needs and building a relationship based on trust, transparency, and open communication.
At our studio, we don’t believe in simply “dropping a brief into a machine and picking up a finished file.” Every project is a journey and we take that journey side by side with our client, step by step.
So, what does that journey actually look like?
From the First Email to the Final File – Key Activation Points in Our Collaboration
1. First Contact
It all starts with a conversation. It might be an email exchange, a quick meeting at an industry event, or a short call. At this stage, we simply want to get to know each other with no strings attached.
2. Brief & NDA
If it feels like there’s a potential fit, we ask for a basic outline of your project, needs and desired results. We also exchange NDAs to make sure both sides feel safe and comfortable sharing ideas.
3. Vision Discussion
We schedule a meeting online or in person to dive deeper into your vision, budget, goals, and timeline.
4. Recap & Refinement
After the meeting, we sent a follow-up email summarizing everything. You share any key references or materials, and we prepare a pitch, proposal and timeline sometimes including a treatment or a draft script.
5. Decisions & Formalities
If it feels right, you confirm the offer. We exchange contract drafts, discuss any risks, finalize the details, and once the contract is signed and the initial payment is received production begins!
The Tools That Help Us Stay on Track
Throughout the project, we use a handful of simple, proven tools to make sure everything runs smoothly and that you always know what’s going on. From day one, we stay in close touch through platforms like ClickUp, Slack, or Discord, depending on what works best for you. Whether it's a quick message, sharing a new idea, or reviewing a timeline update, communication is always open and easy.
When it comes to reviewing work, we’ll send you materials through tools like Frame.io, where you can leave comments directly on the visuals. It keeps feedback clear and makes collaboration feel natural, even if we’re in different time zones.
We also like to have regular check ins with team leadsnothing too formal, just a chance to talk through progress, raise questions, and make sure we’re aligned. You’ll always have a clear timeline with milestones, so there are no surprises about what’s coming next or when.
And if anything unexpected happens along the way? We’re here. Our team is ready to support you, no matter the hour. Because we know creative projects don’t always stick to business hours and neither do we.
From Storyboards to Final Approval
Once we get started, the creative journey begins to take shape. You’ll first receive early concepts, storyboards, and an animatic just to make sure we’re on the same page visually. As things progress, we’ll share work-in-progress shots and test scenes so you can see how everything’s evolving, step by step.
Eventually, we reach the finish line and deliver the final files, polished and ready to go. But that’s not the end. We always follow up with a short check-in to wrap things up properly, answer any last questions, and make sure you’re fully satisfied with the outcome. And of course, we love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow and makes future collaborations even smoother.
Why Does It Work?
Because we don’t just “deliver production.”
We build a relationship where both sides are actively involved and aligned from day one. Clear activation points and proven workflows reduce friction and help us focus on what matters: results.
If you’re planning a new project : a cinematic, animation, teaser, or interactive experience we’d love to connect.
Who knows? Maybe this is Activation Point #1
E-mail us: business@tato.studio
