Animators at Law,
Inc.
1423 Powhatan Street, Suite 3
Alexandria, VA 22314
Ph: (800) 337-7697
Fax: (703) 548-5450
www.animators.comLawrence J. Acchione, Chairman
Kenneth J. Lopez, Founder, President & CEO
Allen S. Melser, Esq., Senior Litigation Consultant
Carlyn L. Cranford, VP Litigation Marketing
Michele Y. Gallagher, Litigation Consultant
Product Line or Service The principal product/service of
Animators at Law is computer animation for use in litigation. However, the company also
offers trial consulting, trial exhibits, interactive CD-ROMS, web design, graphic design,
and strategic marketing consulting for law firms and Fortune 500 firms. Essentially, the
firm is a today superbly talented graphic design firm. Eventually, the firm expects to
offer its services to the highly lucrative motion picture production industry.
Technology/Proprietary Rights The firm derives its competitive
advantage not from a patentable device or process, but rather from the abilities of its
staff. For example, the companys CEO is both an attorney and a professional compute
animator. The Board of Directors is made up of litigators, businesspersons, and
professional artists. It is the synergy of these individuals that make the firm unique and
a powerful tool for law firms and corporations alike. Unlike the competition, Animators
persuades while the competition merely illustrates.
Market Opportunities The firms principal line of business
is developing high-end computer animation and graphics for use at trial. In this area,
there exists a $300 million market that is growing at 100% each year. However, the
firms overwhelming talent allows it to also perform work for top corporations
nationwide. For example, America Online is a major client. Additionally, the company is
pursuing work in Hollywood productions to diversify its product line and give its staff an
outlet for their creative talent.
Marketing/Sales and Distribution The company employs marketing
representatives that are highly experienced in the legal industry. These representatives
are able to identify potential customers and easily sell the services that Animators
offers. This is true because there is very high demand for Animators services and
there are very few firms offering the kind of specialized service that Animators offers.
Thus, while there is great demand for the companys services, the company is only
able to scratch the surface of the potential marketplace due to a financially constrained
marketing team. This is the area that the firm expects will be helped most by raising
capital.
Competition The firms principal competition is from two
major firms that formerly specialized in engineering. They are EAI of Iowa and FTI of
Maryland. Reflective of Animators talent, both firms have approached Animators for
subcontracting work. EAI has followed a path similar to that of Animators. EAI was founded
ten years ago, went public in 1996 and today has a book value in excess of $500,000,000.
Despite these seemingly formidable opponents, Animators distinguishes itself in the
industry by being attorney-owned and operated, and by out-pricing the competition.
Animators can compete on price because it does not have the overhead associated with
maintaining a staff of over 100 doctoral level employees.
Financial The firm is pursuing two financial options. Option
one involves an investment of $4,000,000 over a two year period. Because the firm
recognizes that it is early in its development, an investor may wish to pursue a more
conservative investing strategy. Option two involves a smaller equity investment for an
investor ready to put forth a minimum of $500,000. With 1000% growth in 1997, current run
rate of $300,000 and an expected year-end run rate of nearly $1,000,000, the firm is well
positioned for either type of investment. |