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CGI project brief template

Use this practical CGI brief structure to define outcomes, deliverables, source assets, approvals, timing, budget, and usage before approaching studios.

F/TS editorial · Updated September 1, 2026

The short version

A useful CGI brief does not need to solve the creative work in advance. It needs to make the commercial goal, production boundaries, and missing decisions visible enough for a studio to recommend the right approach and quote on shared assumptions.

Key takeaways

Lead with the business outcome and audience.

Separate required deliverables from optional versions.

List what exists, what is approved, and what is still changing.

Name the decision-makers and the final immovable date.

The eight parts of a useful brief

These inputs are enough for a serious first production conversation. If an answer is unknown, label it as open rather than filling the gap with a guess.

1. Objective

What should the work help launch, sell, explain, approve, or validate?

2. Audience

Who will see it, in what context, and what do they already understand?

3. Deliverables

List stills, films, durations, aspect ratios, resolutions, languages, and cutdowns.

4. Source assets

Describe CAD, BIM, models, drawings, scripts, boards, references, and brand assets available.

5. Creative direction

Share the intended feeling, must-keep product truths, and references with a short explanation of why.

6. Timing

Include kickoff, review windows, stakeholder meetings, media delivery, and public launch.

7. Approvals

Name the people who consolidate feedback and who gives final approval.

8. Commercials

State the working budget, usage, territories, source-file needs, and procurement requirements.

Separate facts from open decisions

Studios can plan accurately when they know which inputs are locked. A model that is still changing, an unapproved material, or an undecided duration affects both schedule and cost.

Approved

Mark source files, products, materials, messages, and brand rules that should not change.

In progress

Show what will develop during production and when each decision is expected.

Studio recommendation

Call out the areas where you want the partner to propose an approach rather than follow instructions.

Out of scope

State exclusions such as copywriting, sound, talent, live action, media delivery, or localisation.

Make feedback production-ready

The number of reviewers matters less than the quality of the decision process. One consolidated response at each checkpoint protects both the schedule and the work.

One owner

Nominate the person who collects, resolves, and sends stakeholder feedback.

Stage-specific notes

Approve composition before polishing materials, and approve an animatic before final rendering.

Decision deadlines

Put review dates in the schedule and explain what moves if a response arrives late.

Change control

Separate corrections from new requests so cost and timing consequences stay visible.

Keep this list

Before you approach a studio.

Business objective and audience

Required and optional deliverables

Available source files and their approval status

Creative references with reasons

Review stages and final decision-maker

Delivery date, budget, usage, and exclusions

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