Explainer animation video with a storytelling edge

Journeyman is a proven Canadian video production company that helps you communicate your messages through animated video. We guide you with story structure that hooks your audience and a style that fits your brand.

Book a call to bring your project to life

Explain. AND tell a story.

Playful and fun? Or bold and poetic? Time to get creative!

Let's animate your vision

seamless process

The Journeyman team was a breath of fresh air to work with, and ensured a straightforward, seamless process from start to finish. Mathew's openness to working on the script details more diligently up front helped ensure a smooth process to completing the final products.

Professional, creative, knowledgeable, on time and on budget. The Journeyman team was a breath of fresh air to work with, and ensured a straightforward, seamless process from start to finish. Mathew's openness to working on the script details more diligently up front helped ensure a smooth process to completing the final products. We were extremely satisfied with our videos and look forward to working with Mathew and company again.

—Sarah Morris

Senior Communications Advisor, Property Valuation Services Corporation
you made us look like superstars!

I wanted to pass along my appreciation again to you and your team for making ENSC look like super stars at our conference. The sizzler and the award videos were the highlight of the conference!

I wanted to pass along my appreciation again to you and your team for making ENSC look like super stars at our conference. The sizzler and the award videos were the highlight of the conference! Your team’s efforts to get seven award videos turned around so quickly and their willingness to make any last minute tweaks we had did not go unnoticed. I appreciate working with such a professional team and look forward to working with you again soon on the CKF film, which I know will be another successful video.

—Natalie Irwin

Marketing Specialist, Efficiency Nova Scotia
well crafted, well told

Journeyman Film Company has been my go-to video storyteller on work in both community development and clean energy. Professional, creative, thorough — they won’t let you do the hackneyed and over-done. They respectfully push you to tell the most impactful story you can.

It may be a cliché, but it’s true — people are hardwired to understand our world through emotions and stories, not just facts. Rational, scientific data often loses against a compelling, emotional story that speaks to people’s core values.

But that story needs to be well crafted, well told, and get into the hearts, minds, and if need be, wallets, of your core audiences.

Journeyman Film Company has been my go-to video storyteller on work in both community development and clean energy. Professional, creative, thorough — they won’t let you do the hackneyed and over-done. They respectfully push you to tell the most impactful story you can. And I believe asking the right questions is as important as the answers, so I appreciate Journeyman’s process and approach.

—Sean Kelly

Lead Consultant, SKC (Sean Kelly Communications)
delighted with the final product!

We have nothing but praise for the creation and delivery of a quality product. Being halfway across the country in different time zones posed no issues in communication.

We worked with Mathew from Journeyman and have nothing but praise for his creation and delivery of a quality product. Being halfway across the country in different time zones posed no issues in communication. He was consistently prompt with responses, flexible, as well as very friendly and pleasant to collaborate with. Mathew shared a genuine interest in understanding the business and always gave us the opportunity to openly explain our thoughts and ideas together as a team. It is evident how intuitive he is with his work and it shows in the great quality of the video. Thank you Mathew, it was a pleasure working with you and your team. We are delighted with the final product!

—Lucy D’Avella

Regulatory Affairs Officer, Ontario Power Generation
incredible tool for instructors

We were provided with an incredible tool for our instructors that can be used at all levels of training. The feedback from the students has been awesome

We were provided with an incredible tool for our instructors that can be used at all levels of training. The feedback from the students has been awesome, opening dialogue and discussion. Journeyman's professionalism and steadfastness through this project can not be understated.

— CPO Charles Trombley

Training Director, Fleet Dive Unit (Atlantic), Department of National Defence Canada
we are moved by its power

There was an element of risk on our part if you had missed the mark. But you did not. You hit it. Hit it so directly, that even we, who work with this subject all the time, are moved by its power and its ability to create discussion.

Embarking on a project like this – creating a video teaching tool – was a new venture for us, and
we wanted to do this right. Our working group started with a rigorous selection process, viewing
and scoring many different kinds of films. In doing so, we learned that any message we wanted to
impart would be lost to bad production values and horrible background music – a waste of
money, no matter how much (or little) was spent. It certainly would not have yielded anything our
group could have felt good putting our names on.

Your work stood out among the rest, and we took the bold step of upping our initial investment of
$12K to nearly $45K, which was no small consideration for us. What we tasked you to do – take
Population Health, and make it real and relevant to our colleagues in healthcare – was not easy.
Even though we felt confident in your abilities, it would also be fair to say there was an element
of risk on our part if you had missed the mark.

But you did not. You hit it. Hit it so directly, that even we, who work with this subject all the
time, are moved by its power and its ability to create discussion. The film takes the subject from
an academic discussion and transforms it into a springboard to action, which, we hope, will lead
to some new thinking about how we address health and healthcare in this province. Even before
we launch we have identified at least a dozen uses for it in our organization alone.

We would like to thank you for work with the participants, for whom trust is hard won; in many
ways you could go where we could not. We would also like to thank you and your team for the
expertise in your craft, so evident in this project, and your willingness to listen and to learn about
Population Health. On behalf of the Population Health Working Group, we are very pleased to
provide you with this letter of recommendation. The work that Journeyman Film Company did on
“Redefine. Rebuild. Reconnect: Changing our picture of health” was exceptional, and we would
be pleased to work with you again.

—Population Health Working Group

Nova Scotia Health
wow, goosebumps!

I've had some videos that I've been happy with when I've worked with other companies, but they're just..."meh, they're okay." Whereas working with Journeyman, everything's just, "wow, wow, goosebumps, I just can't wait to show that, I can't wait to share it!"

Journeyman's creativity has shown through incredibly. Every time we see a draft of something that they're working on, we are just wowed. And every time we see one of their videos that Journeyman has produced for us, we don't change a thing. We don't need to, it's just ready to go. And to have that confidence in an organization like Journeyman to do that makes my life a lot easier because I don't have to worry about what political sensitivities might there be around this, because they understand what we're trying to get at.
Far exceeded our expectations. So from a creativity perspective, it's been awesome working with Journeyman. As I said, they're very, very good at what they do and just getting at that nugget. And I know it's not easy, because sometimes they've spent many, many long hours out on that bridge in cold and trying to get people to talk to them who probably -- they're iron-workers, they don't necessarily want to talk to someone with a camera -- but they get what they need and we are all the better for it because we've gotten so many accolades about the videos that have been produced by Journeyman on our behalf. It's been great.
The way we've approached communications and with these videos, it has allowed us to step out of our normal conservative box. They must work really hard to get some of the footage because it's very unique what we've done together. It's their approach in terms of their storytelling. The end product is very engaging. I've had some videos that I've been happy with when I've worked with other companies, but they're just... I've been happy, but "meh, they're okay." Whereas working with Journeyman, everything's just, wow, wow, goosebumps, I just can't wait to show that, I can't wait to share it.
I've worked with some other companies and they were less expensive than Journeyman, but I think the difference was obvious in the finished product that we got. I do believe there's a bit of "you get what you pay for" and it depends what you're looking for. This is a special project and we wanted to work with a company, an organization that really was going to let the project shine and through the proposal process, that was obvious that that was going to be Journeyman.

—Alison MacDonald

Communications Manager, Halifax Harbour Bridges
powerful storytelling tool

What truly sets Journeyman apart is their ability to not only capture the essence of our story, but to infuse it with a deep respect for our heritage. Thanks to Journeyman, we have a powerful storytelling tool that will be passed down for generations to come.

As a Mi'kmaq First Nation located in Nova Scotia, Membertou has always valued the power of storytelling as a way to preserve our history and culture. Nearly a decade ago, we partnered with Journeyman to create a video that would serve as an enduring tool for cultural education and awareness. The video they produced has since become a cornerstone for our Mi'kmaq Medicine Walk, community bus tours, and educational presentations, allowing us to share the powerful story of the King’s Road Reserve Relocation.
What truly sets Journeyman apart is their ability to not only capture the essence of our story, but to infuse it with a deep respect for our heritage. The team at Journeyman took great care in ensuring that the narrative of our people, their forced relocation over a century ago, and our resilience as a community, was told in a way that honours our traditions.
The final result was a video that isn’t just a product — it’s a legacy. One that we proudly share at conferences and on educational platforms to educate the world about our history. Thanks to Journeyman, we have a powerful storytelling tool that will be passed down for generations to come.
We are grateful for their dedication and thoughtful approach, and we would highly recommend their services to anyone looking to bring their story to life in a meaningful way.

—Communications Team

Membertou First Nation

So, you want to make an animation

Are these hurdles getting in your way?

You're not sure where to start

Animation seems complicated and you're too busy

You're not sure what it should cost

You're not sure what your animation should be about

Your message is complicated or easily misunderstood

You don't feel you have artistic ideas

Let's get you started

OR Read about the animation process

Featured Animation Videos from Journeyman

What style fits your story?

Meet the tax detectives

Canada Revenue Agency

A Revenue Canada agent walks us through tax investigations like a detective story. Using a real CRA voice helps make complex policy feel relevant, human, and surprisingly engaging.
Forests - understanding the value

Natural Resources Canada

A bold vision for Canada’s forests that balances economy, environment, climate resilience and culture. A short explainer video to help redefine sustainability as a shared path forward.
Reframing efficiency as a "first fuel"

Efficiency Nova Scotia

*ICE Award Winner! A bold 30-second tv commercial that flips the script on energy efficiency, re-framing it as the quiet powerhouse cutting emissions and costs across Nova Scotia.
The power of a simple question

IESO Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario

One employee’s question sparked millions in energy savings. This story-driven video combines expert insight and simple animation to show how real change happens, often from the smallest spark.
How does the electricity market work?

IESO Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario

Electricity markets are complex and invisible. This animated explainer turns technical jargon into clear, relatable information. We help Ontarians understand how power gets to their homes, and why it matters.
Technical plan made simple

Halifax Harbour Bridges

The Big Lift was an incredible engineering feat. We got incredible footage during the project to show what was going on. This technical animation simplifies the project and we hear the lead engineer narrate the video.
What is energy efficiency?

Efficiency Nova Scotia

This stylized animation reframes how we think about energy, blending imagery and emotion to show why the cleanest power is the power we don’t use.
Finding a new home

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Finding housing in a new country is hard. This animation gives newcomers clear, friendly guidance — helping them feel informed, less overwhelmed, and one step closer to finding home.
How do we adapt to climate change?

CLIMAtlantic

Most of us are familiar with mitigation efforts against climate change, but what about adaptation? It's a reality we need to face, and this explainer shows communities how to begin.

Animation production process

What goes into making an animated explainer video?

Animation can help you communicate ideas that are otherwise hard to show. If you’ve never been through the process, you might not know where to start. How long does it take? What does it cost? What kind of animation should you choose? And how do you make sure the video actually works for the audience you need to reach?

Animation and motion graphics are related. Motion graphics are created by video editors who create simple shapes, typography, icons, or logos that move in sync with narration or music, often laid over live action footage. Animation is done by animators and involves more skills in design and illustration and special software.

We’ve produced explainer videos for organizations since 2008 — live action, animation, and motion graphics and blends of all three.

Let’s talk about cost

How much should an animation video cost? The biggest animation cost drivers are:

Length: A two-minute video takes more work to animate than a one-minute video.
Style or Artwork: A very simple motion graphic style costs less than something detailed with custom characters, environments, or advanced motion.
Concept + Script: Every video needs to be carefully written, designed, and mapped out before animation even begins. That foundational work is part of the budget.

Ballpark: a very basic styled two-minute explainer might start around $14K CAD, but most of the animation we do lands in the $16K–$22K range for that same length. Add more time, complexity, or character motion and styling, and it might move up to $22K–$25K.

We’re always upfront about scope and budget, and we can often suggest creative ways to get more value from a single production — like planning in advance for additional versions for social media posting.

simple artwork = less cost

more complex artwork = more cost

Why work with Journeyman instead of online AI animation tools?

There are a lot of cheaper ways to make animation now using AI tools, low-cost marketplaces, overseas freelancers. And for some projects, those might work just fine.

When strategy, trust and nuance matter, you might choose someone who helps you figure out what to say, how to say it, and how to get there without it turning into a giant headache.

You can really benefit from our storytelling, strategy and production experience. We manage timelines and expectations. We guide your story and your team from initial ideas to final product.

Tell us about your project

What are the steps to expect during an animation video project?

Start with your audience. Where are they now, and what do they need to understand or feel by the end of the video?

Here’s how the typical process unfolds:

1. Kickoff

We meet to learn about your goals, your audience, the challenges you're facing, and any creative references you’ve seen that feel close to what you’re after. We’ll also talk about where this video is going — your distribution plan — are we just making one video, or do we also need shorter versions for social media or presentations?

2. Script

We build an outline first, then flesh out the full visual script. The script shows what the voiceover narration says and a description of the visuals and transitions. Writing is one of the places we bring you the most value.

Styleboards explore colour and style before animation

Storyboards map out each frame before animation

3. Visual development

Next, we define the style. We’ll share mood boards and sample frames so we can agree on the look and feel. This is where we explore tone: is it clean and corporate? Playful and bold? Calm and warm? We explore ways to use your brand colours.

4. Storyboarding

Once the script and style are approved, we create a storyboard. These are simple static illustrations, with a rough visual and the matching script to help you see how it flows, frame by frame, before we move into production.

5. Voiceover narration

We’ll share a number of voiceover audition samples so you can pick someone who fits the tone. Need French or another language? We’ve done a lot of bilingual work.

6. Animation + Music

This is where it all comes to life. Animation takes time — usually the longest stage — but you’ll already know what to expect from the storyboard. Once we have the full motion animation file, we add the voiceover, music, and sound effects to bring it all to life.

7. Feedback + revisions

You’ll review a full draft and give feedback. Because each stage builds on the one before, there shouldn’t be big surprises. We plan for a round or two of refinements to get it right. We can always make changes to make sure you get the final product you're happy with.

And then, we’re done. You get a polished animation that’s built to connect with your audience, and built to last.

Book a call to discuss YOUR project

What do you get when you hire Journeyman?

solid track record

Trusted by communication pros at large organizations

no more guesswork

Confidence in the production process from kickoff to final cut

strategic, not just creative

We make it look good — AND make sure it does the job

the right story

You have many options, and we help you focus on what works

variety of animation styles

From technical to poetic

the storytelling touch

Turn talking points into something your audience actually wants to watch

Hire us to deliver your project

or Read more about the animation process

Hi, I'm Mathew Welsh

Founder, Producer, Director

I started Journeyman in 2008 after a decade in documentary film and TV. I saw the power of real human stories and how often organizations missed that in their video storytelling.

If you work in communications, I can appreciate how tough the job can be: competing priorities and opinions, tight budgets, responsibility for reputation. On top of that, you hope to create video content that feels fresh and gets attention. With so much pressure to get it right, it’s understandable to default to something safe or predictable and more "corporate" than human.

Nothing is certain except storytelling and taxes

We had a lot of fun creating an animation for the Canada Revenue Agency — not the first place you’d expect engaging storytelling. But by collaborating with one of their own staff, who helped write the script and voice the narration, we gave the piece a personal, human touch. It turned a dry topic into something clear, warm, and surprisingly watchable.

I’ve spent over 17 years helping organizations tell stories through video. What makes animation useful is how we can use design, movement, and metaphor to bring even complex or abstract ideas to life. But it all starts with strategy and story structure.

Whether it’s a quick 30-second explainer or a deeper dive into a big concept, we approach every project the same way: with curiosity, purpose, and storytelling at the core.

Let’s put video storytelling to work for you.

Book me for a virtual coffee

Thinking strategically

How can you get more from your video project?

Stretch your content further

When you invest in research, concept development, logistics, and filming, it’s smart to make the most of that effort. We help you get more value from your project by thinking ahead to re-cuts and versions formatted for social media.

Let's get strategic

Journeyman by the numbers

17 +

years in business

1000 +

videos delivered

200 +

clients

1000 +

real people on camera

Countless hearts and minds won.

Let's get your project started

Explain. AND tell a story.

seamless process

you made us look like superstars!

well crafted, well told

delighted with the final product!

incredible tool for instructors

we are moved by its power

wow, goosebumps!

powerful storytelling tool

So, you want to make an animation

Are these hurdles getting in your way?

You're not sure where to start

Animation seems complicated and you're too busy

You're not sure what it should cost

You're not sure what your animation should be about

Your message is complicated or easily misunderstood

You don't feel you have artistic ideas

Featured Animation Videos from Journeyman

What style fits your story?

Meet the tax detectives

Canada Revenue Agency

Forests - understanding the value

Natural Resources Canada

Reframing efficiency as a "first fuel"

Efficiency Nova Scotia

The power of a simple question

IESO Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario

How does the electricity market work?

IESO Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario

Technical plan made simple

Halifax Harbour Bridges

What is energy efficiency?

Efficiency Nova Scotia

Finding a new home

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

How do we adapt to climate change?

CLIMAtlantic

Animation production process

What goes into making an animated explainer video?

Let’s talk about cost

Why work with Journeyman instead of online AI animation tools?

What are the steps to expect during an animation video project?

1. Kickoff

2. Script

3. Visual development

4. Storyboarding

5. Voiceover narration

6. Animation + Music

7. Feedback + revisions

What do you get when you hire Journeyman?

solid track record

no more guesswork

strategic, not just creative

the right story

variety of animation styles

the storytelling touch

Hi, I'm Mathew Welsh

Founder, Producer, Director

Nothing is certain except storytelling and taxes

Let’s put video storytelling to work for you.

Thinking strategically

How can you get more from your video project?

Stretch your content further

Journeyman by the numbers

FAQs

Some questions on video production

How long should a video be?

What languages can we work in?

Do we produce broadcast ads?

What subject areas are we experienced in?

What video production services do we offer?

Who do we typically work with at your organization?

Do we help with messaging and scriptwriting?

Do we deliver bilingual content?

Can we make versions for social platforms or different audiences?

Can we help you come up with the concept, or do you need to bring the idea?

What’s the ROI of a great promo video?