+
+
Oct 21 — 2024
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 too.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Finding the right balance between creative quality and budget is essential. While we do our best to work within clients’ budgets, there’s an age-old rule in the service industry: “Good, Fast, Cheap—pick two.” Unfortunately, it’s impossible to have all three.
Creative burnout is also an important factor. In this industry, producing high-quality work requires fresh, focused creative energy. If team members are constantly working overtime without proper compensation, their creativity and performance can suffer. Striking a balance between high expectations and fair pay allows us to consistently deliver our best work without compromising on quality.
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.
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.
We hope this guide helps clarify what goes into video production costs. While we avoid giving overly vague estimates, understanding your needs can help us provide an accurate quote tailored to your vision and budget.
For example, if you’re looking for a straightforward shoot with one videographer, a simple camera setup, and four hours of filming that provides raw video files, production costs can start around $800. On the other hand, if you need a high-end corporate video requiring a small crew for one full day and an expertly edited, polished two-minute final video, you may be looking at $10,000 and up.
When you reach out for a quote, expect questions about the specific factors we’ve outlined. But don’t worry – we’re here to make the process as easy as possible and are always happy to answer any questions.
Crystal is Owner and Executive Producer at Urban Video Inc.
2 Responses
Will the shoot involve multiple locations? Or you need to scout and rent venues or handle permits?
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.