How Much Does Video Production Cost?

Good fast cheap video production cost

Our Experience

We’ve been in the video production game for over a decade, working on everything from viral hits like the McDavid House Tour to award-winning campaigns for GoAuto. Whether it’s ideation, filming, or even media buying, we can support your project every step of the way. Or, if you just need a dependable film crew for a day, we can help with that.

The honest answer? It depends.

There are many factors that influence the price of a video production project, so we’re here to demystify the process. In this guide, we’ll break down the key elements that affect video production costs. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how we—and most established video production companies—quote projects, helping you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!

Pre-Production:

Pre-production can vary widely. Some clients come with everything in place—storyboards, schedules, and shot lists—so we simply need to cover the basics. Other times, clients need help with the whole process, from ideation and scripting to location scouting and casting. Whether it’s minimal or extensive, the scope of pre-production plays a big role in the overall cost.

Crew Size and Expertise:

The size and skill level of the crew directly affect costs. Do you need a seasoned Director or DoP? A dedicated audio engineer? What about camera assistants, lighting setups, and specialized equipment? Do we need Hair & Makeup, wardrobe, or actors? And don’t forget, we’ll have to feed and sometimes provide parking for the team. Travel and accommodations are also common factors to consider. Every project is unique, and the level of crew involvement will vary accordingly.

Specialized Equipment and Technical Needs:

The gear required for a project can quickly add to the price tag. How many cameras are needed? Are we using versatile zoom lenses, or does the project call for high-end prime lenses? What’s the lighting setup? Do we need motion rigs, UAV aerial drones, or teleprompters? Specialized equipment and technical services, like sound recording or aerial shots, all play into the final cost.

Shoot Locations and Art Direction:

Will the shoot involve multiple locations? Do we need to scout and rent venues or handle permits? If the project requires more than a couple of locations, it can extend the shoot by several days, increasing costs. Art direction—staging scenes with props and styling—may also factor in depending on the project’s needs.

Post-Production Services and Their Impact:

Another opinion here, but corporate videos should communicate through visuals and emotions, NOT long blocks of text. Keep messaging simple and impactful.

Balancing Quality and Timing with Budget:

Finding the right balance between quality and budget is crucial. We always try to work within our clients’ budgets, but the age-old service industry rule applies: “Good, Fast, Cheap—pick two.” Unfortunately, you can’t have all three.

The Costs of Running a Business:

We need to account for the operational costs of running a creative business—fair wages, rent, insurance, taxes, bookkeeping, equipment leases, and software subscriptions. Our industry also demands constant investment in high-end computers, storage solutions, and camera gear. These overhead costs are part of what allows us to keep delivering premium work.

The Longevity of Video Production Businesses :

While some video production companies charge less, this often reflects where they are in their business journey. In our early days, we charged next-to-nothing because we had fewer expenses and needed to grow our portfolio. Over time, rates go up as businesses gain experience and invest in better equipment. We’ve learned that to stay in business, companies must charge rates that reflect their value—or they won’t last.

Conclusion.

We hope this guide helps clarify what goes into video production costs. When you reach out for a quote, expect questions about these factors. But don’t worry, we’re here to make the process as easy as possible and are always happy to answer any questions. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life!

By Crystal McPhee

Crystal is Owner and Executive Producer at Urban Video Inc.

Comments

2 Responses

    1. Hi Chloe, yes sometimes the shoot might require multiple locations and that has to be taken into account when we provide a price. Sometimes a project also requires us to location scout and rent locations or handle permits and those hours and costs will also have to be taken into consideration when we provide a quote. Thanks for the comment.

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