General
What does your name mean?
Botka is our last name.
How much do videos cost?
Pricing varies greatly depending on style, length, and scope of work. We'd be happy to discuss your specific needs and put together a custom proposal. You can email us at hello@botkacollective.com
How long does it take to create a video?
Timeline can vary for numerous reasons, however we are known for being very efficient. Depending on length, style, and complexity, an animated video can range between 2-6 weeks from start to finish. Social media ads can be created in about a week.
Live action videos often can have faster turnaround times as quick as two weeks.
How soon should we contact you about a project?
We typically prefer about two weeks before starting production but have been able to accommodate last minute requests.
What kinds of videos do you create?
We create videos for screens of all sizes. From social media ads designed for mobile devices to large scale convert visuals. We love the variety of projects we have had the opportunity to work on.
Why Animation?
Animation is so much more than cartoons. As a medium, not a genre, animation can be used to explain abstract concepts, represent difficult to film subject matter, or synthesize complex information into easy to digest visuals.
Why Live Action?
Sometimes the story benefits from seeing real people in their environment. Our documentary style lends itself well to authentic testimonial videos, educational content, and cause-based campaigns.
Personal
Where do you work?
We work in our home office equipped with fast internet, standing desks, large monitors and, of course, a ping-pong table.
How do you split your roles?
We typically assign a project lead to each project based on different strengths or interest. For example, Anna Grace brings strong video editing skills from her background and Kevin has more experience with 3D animation.
What is it like working with your spouse?
We love working together. We share a common vision for creating the best possible work for our clients. We critique each other's work and provide honest feedback that is built on a solid foundation of mutual trust. Communication is clear and seamless.
Career Advice
What do you recommend if I am just starting out?
We were TA's at School of Motion for their Cinema 4D Basecamp course. Specific courses like these and from Mograph Mentor are a great place to quickly pick up practical skills and be introduced to the motion design industry.
How do you get your clients?
The majority of our clients come to us through word of mouth referrals. We also reach out to companies directly to make them aware of our services.
Where do you go for inspiration?
We are constantly inspired by the Vimeo channel WineAfterCoffee. We also enjoy meeting up with peers at industry events like Blend Fest and NAB, and local meetups like the Colorado Motion Meetup in Denver.
Jobs & Internships
Do you have any internships available?
While we have had remote college internships in the past, we are currently not offering any at this time. We recommend students look for a local in-house internship to get the best out of their internship experience. We have also served as TA's for School of Motion. We recommend checking out their courses to supplement your learning.
Are you hiring?
We are not looking for any in-house positions. However, we are always on the lookout for specialized talent when the need arises. Feel free to say hi and send your portfolio to hello@botkacollective.com
Do you hire voice over artists?
You are more than welcome to send your portfolio to hello@botkacollective.com
Technical
What software do you use?
We primarily use Adobe Creative Cloud (After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, etc.) and Maxon Cinema 4D.
On the iPad we use Adobe Fresco and Rough Animator. For Storyboards we use Wonder Unit Storyboarder.
What computers do you use?
We use both Mac and PC with fast specs and an ultrawide monitor. We also use a Wacom MobileStudio Pro and iPad for drawing.
What plugins do you use?
We are familiar with a variety of plugins and have access to the most commonly used ones from Red Giant, aescripts.com, Greyscalegorilla, etc.
What film gear do you have?
We shoot in 4K on the Sony A7S ii with a Zeiss 28-70mm lens. We also have a 80mm and 50mm prime lens. For stabilization we use the DJI Ronin-S gimbal stabilizer. We also have a Manfrotto video tripod. We are FAA-certified drone pilots using the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. We use a Rode NTG3 boom mic with the Zoom H6 audio recorder as well as the Zoom F1 lav mic recorder. We use a LED light kit. We edit in Adobe Premiere Pro and sync with Red Giant PluralEyes. We can also rent additional gear when needed.