In the rapidly evolving world of digital design and motion capture, one studio stands out for its innovative approach and commitment to quality: Animation Vertigo.
Founded by Marla Rausch over a decade ago, this dynamic animation studio has carved out a niche in the digital creatives industry, growing from a modest team to more than 50 skilled artists today.
Based in California, with operations in Pasig, Philippines, Animation Vertigo has partnered with Payoneer since October 2023 to streamline its cross-border payments and fuel its growth.
Here’s a closer look at their story through a recent interview with Animation Vertigo’s founder and CEO Marla Rausch.
Q: Can you share the origin story of Animation Vertigo?
Marla: Animation Vertigo began because we recognized a need. The industry was in a cycle of hiring employees, training them for a project, and then releasing them once it was done. When a new project came along, those people weren’t available anymore. So, it became a question of what if there was a company you could turn to, knowing the quality and the people would always be there, and you only paid when you needed them? That’s how Animation Vertigo started. And having worked in the industry, it’s nice to be able to give this opportunity to artists who are truly deserving.
Q: How has Payoneer been instrumental in Animation Vertigo’s growth?
Marla: In the Philippines, one of the hardest challenges is trying to find an easy means to be able to pay, get paid and receive payments. One would think that banks would make it simple and, because the Philippines is such a BPO land, there would be alternatives. Payoneer was so easy to set up and it’s what we use now constantly. And as we look into new avenues for revenue, Payoneer is flexible enough and has a global reach, so we don’t have to seek different payment options.
Q: What unique opportunities has Payoneer created for Animation Vertigo?
Marla: The major benefit is the US virtual receiving account. It makes it as easy for our clients to send payments as transferring to another bank account in the US. And payments arrive here in the Philippines quite quickly too. So, it’s been a game-changer for us.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Marla: The hardest part for many new business owners or those wanting to break into entrepreneurship is you don’t know what you’re getting into. As an entrepreneur, you wear so many hats, you have so many things to think about, and you might feel a little insecure because you don’t know everything. In the 20 years that we’ve been around, we’ve changed how we’ve done things, changed our business model to be able to satisfy our clients’ expectations. Be prepared to learn a lot and grow continuously. Ultimately, if it’s something you want to do, go for it. Take the bull by the horns!
Q: Looking ahead, where do you see Animation Vertigo in the next five to 10 years?
Marla: I see Animation Vertigo changing and adapting again. Our clients’ needs are changing. Technology is changing. With the advent of AI, we’re seeing increased content and the rise of new platforms. So, I think in the next five to 10 years, it’s going to be yet another period of amazing growth for Animation Vertigo. And as we explore new areas, I like that Payoneer is with us in this growth – flexible enough and with the global reach so we don’t have to spend time finding easy ways for our clients to pay us and can focus on the business.
Ready to take your cross-border payments to the next level? Learn how Payoneer’s solutions can be a game-changer for your studio’s business.