VFXaddART

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Marketing of OptionX Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a collection of companies dedicated to the drilling, boring and tunnelling industry, including the design and manufacture of a specialised microtunnelling machine. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire VFXaddART to accomplish?

• Create a video that clearly explained how our technical microtunnelling machine worked.
• Show a realistic video render of the machine from STP files

SOLUTION

How did you find VFXaddART?

Online Search

Why did you select VFXaddART over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• Other

How many teammates from VFXaddART were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Our company has developed a world-first microtunnelling system designed for precision underground horizontal drilling and pipeline installation. The machine incorporates several unique, patented technologies that required clear visual explanation for the industry. 
Because the drilling process happens entirely below ground, filming the machine in operation isn’t feasible. To overcome this, we commissioned a highly realistic 3D animation to demonstrate exactly how the system works.

The animation involved converting and reconstructing multiple machine components from STP files, including the main microtunnelling unit, drill heads, reamers, drill rods and support equipment. 
These elements were then animated to accurately show how the system drills forward, retracts, removes material and installs pipework underground. We needed (and received) a detailed, technically precise visualisation that allows viewers to fully understand the machine’s capabilities and workflow in a way that traditional video simply cannot capture.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Technical accuracy validated: Every stage of the animation was reviewed and approved by the machine’s inventor and our engineering team to ensure the drilling sequences, component movements, materials and operational steps were demonstrated exactly as they occur in the field.

Improved industry understanding: The final video successfully translated complex engineering processes into a clear, easy-to-understand visual narrative. Feedback from non-engineers, partners and marketing audiences confirmed that they were able to grasp the machine’s functionality and workflow after viewing the animation.

Realistic visualisation of underground operations: Because the machine operates entirely below ground, realism was critical. The animation accurately replicated soil conditions, machine movement, material extraction and pipe installation, providing a lifelike representation that would otherwise be impossible to film.

Effective communication tool for multiple audiences: The animation is now used by multiple departments to demonstrate how the technology works, reducing the time needed to explain processes manually and creating consistency in messaging.

Enhanced presentation and engagement: When used in industry presentations and meetings, the video significantly increased engagement and comprehension among viewers, helping position the machine and its patented features as innovative and accessible.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management throughout this animation was exceptional. With multiple stakeholders involved on our side, our scope and priorities shifted at several points during the process. The team handled these changes with impressive flexibility, adapting quickly and professionally without disrupting the overall workflow.

Communication was consistently clear, especially around timelines and milestones, which made it easy for us to plan internally and keep all stakeholders aligned. Despite the evolving scope, the project remained on track, and all deliverables were provided within the agreed timeframes. This level of organisation and transparency contributed significantly to the smooth delivery of a highly technical and complex animation project.

What was your primary form of communication with VFXaddART?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What impressed us most was the team’s ability to succeed where others couldn’t. This was the third company we engaged to attempt this animation project, after two previous teams were unable to meet the technical and visual requirements. From the outset, this team demonstrated a deep ability to understand our unique, patented microtunnelling machine and translate that complexity into a clear, accurate and visually compelling animation.

They not only brought the machine to life with precision, but they also delivered a smooth, professional experience throughout, including fair pricing, exceptional communication and a genuine commitment to getting the details right.
Their combination of technical understanding, creative execution, and collaborative approach made them stand out as the right partner for this highly specialised project. We would work with them again in a heartbeat, and be confident recommending them for any kind of 3D animation project. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something VFXaddART could have done differently?

I honestly couldn’t fault the team on any aspect of their work for this project. If anything, the only improvements would have come from our side. As this was our first time commissioning an animation of this scale and technical complexity, there was a learning curve in understanding exactly what information and direction we needed to provide from the outset.

In hindsight, having a clearer initial vision would have streamlined a few early steps. Despite this, VFXaddART guided us through the entire process exceptionally well. They took our instructions, clarified anything ambiguous, and helped us understand each stage, ultimately translating our evolving ideas into a highly accurate and compelling animation. From their side, everything was executed perfectly.