Use CGI when reality is limiting
CGI can show an internal mechanism, a future product variant or a camera move that is impractical to capture physically. It is not automatically the cheapest route; detailed modelling, materials and revisions still need planning.
Use live action when human context matters
People, places, tactile handling and authentic environments can carry a message that a render cannot. Many campaigns benefit from filming the human story and using CGI only for product details.
Prepare the source assets
Useful inputs include product CAD or reference photography, dimensions, material samples, colour references, packaging artwork and brand guidelines. The closer these are to final, the more reliably the visual can be planned.
Approve in stages
Agree storyboard and composition before fine-detail rendering. Review geometry and lighting in a lower-resolution preview before final animation and finishing.
Plan for delivery channels
A single product scene can support wide, square and vertical outputs if those crops are considered early. Ask for the exact deliverables and rights in the brief.