Ever been caught off guard by unexpected fees for crew, equipment, or locations? It’s a common pitfall that can turn your video project into a logistical nightmare, transforming a clear vision into a frustrating headache with surprise costs.
At Vidico, we’ve tackled it all. With over 1,200 successful projects for brands like Spotify and Square, we excel at keeping video productions on track—creatively and financially. Our fully-managed process guarantees your project stays within budget without compromising quality.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key cost factors and share actionable tips to help you avoid budget overruns and achieve production success.
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How Much Does Video Production Really Cost?
Video production companies charge between $100 and $149 per hour for their services. This hourly rate typically covers equipment rental, labor costs for the production crew, editing, and post-production work.
However, the typical costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the complexity of the video project, location, equipment needed, and the expertise of the video production company.
Also, while hourly rates are common, many video production companies offer package deals. These packages often include a set number of hours or days of production and specific services such as scripting, shooting, editing, and delivering the final product.
One common objection we’re seeing is tight budgets. Marketing teams love the idea of video, but finance often pulls back at the final approval stage. To address this, we’ve introduced a ‘10x’ approach, where we provide 10x versions of the video, de-risking the project for clients. This means they get multiple creative assets for the price of one, maximizing potential success while minimizing financial risk. Instead of one winner, they might have several, offering insights that go beyond a single campaign and inform messaging for the next two quarters. It’s a smarter investment for marketers in today’s climate.
— Michael Pirone, CoFounder, Vidico
Use our VidiFit Quiz now for free and upfront pricing in less than 2 minutes and unlock the power of professional video creation at your fingertips!
Video Production Cost Breakdown
Timeline
The timeframe for completing a video production project is a vital factor influencing costs. Tight deadlines often require additional resources and a workforce, leading to increased expenses.
Rushed timelines may necessitate overtime pay for video production crew members and expedited production processes, driving up costs significantly.
Therefore, careful planning and realistic scheduling are essential to mitigate the financial impact of tight timelines while ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality video content.
Number of Shooting Days
The duration of the shooting schedule directly impacts production costs. Each additional shooting day incurs expenses for equipment rentals, location fees, and full video production crew salaries.
Furthermore, longer video shoot schedules may require additional resources and logistical planning, contributing to higher overall expenses.
Therefore, optimizing the shooting schedule to minimize the number of days while maximizing efficiency is crucial for controlling costs and ensuring a successful video production project.
Location/Travel Cost
Determining location expenses is important because filming in certain areas may incur additional expenses such as permits, transportation, and accommodation for the production crew.
Moreover, filming in remote or international locations often involves higher travel costs and logistical challenges, adding to the overall expenses. Careful consideration of location options and budgeting for associated travel costs are essential for managing production expenses effectively.
Size of the Crew
The size of the production crew directly influences production costs. A larger crew requires higher payroll expenses, including a video producer, directors, cinematographers, camera operators, sound technicians, and production assistants.
Additionally, a larger crew may require more extensive equipment rentals and logistical coordination, increasing production costs.
Balancing the need for a sufficient camera crew with budgetary constraints is essential for optimizing production efficiency and controlling expenses.
Experience
The experience level of the production team can impact typical costs and overall video project quality. Hiring experienced professionals often commands higher rates but can result in a smoother production video production process and higher-quality results.
Conversely, opting for less experienced individuals may offer total cost savings but can entail delays or compromised quality risks. Evaluating the trade-offs between the cost of video production and experience is crucial for achieving the desired outcome within budgetary constraints.
Resources Needed
Equipment
High-end cameras, lighting rigs, audio recording equipment, and editing software are essential tools that contribute to the overall production value. However, depending on the specifications and brand, these tools have significant rental or purchase fees.
Additionally, maintenance, insurance, and overhead costs should be factored into the video production budget when considering equipment expenses.
Accessories
Accessories such as drones, stabilizers, specialty lenses, and camera mounts can enhance the visual appeal and creativity of the final project but also add to pre-production costs.
While these accessories may only be essential for some projects, their strategic use can elevate the production value and differentiate the video from competitors.
Talents
Hiring professional actors, presenters, or voiceover artists can significantly enhance the quality and impact of the product but comes with fees based on their experience and reputation.
While experienced talents may command higher rates, their contribution to the project’s success can justify the investment.
Services That Video Production Companies Offer
Scripting
Video production companies often provide scripting services to help clients develop compelling narratives and dialogue for their videos.
This involves crafting a cohesive storyline and scripting dialogue that effectively communicates the intended message to the audience [1].
Storyboarding
Storyboarding involves creating a visual video blueprint detailing each scene and shot sequence [2]. Video production companies offer storyboarding services to help clients visualize the final product and ensure the creative vision is accurately translated onto the screen.
Casting
Video production companies assist clients in casting professional actors or presenters to bring their scripts to life. This involves holding auditions, selecting suitable talent, and negotiating contracts to ensure the cast meets the project’s requirements and budget.
Scouting Locations
Video production companies help clients identify and secure suitable filming locations for their video production projects. This involves scouting potential locations, obtaining permits, and coordinating logistics to ensure a smooth filming process.
Filming
Filming is capturing video footage according to the script and storyboard. Video production companies offer filming services using professional-grade equipment and experienced crews to ensure high-quality results.
Sound Design & Editing
Sound design and editing services enhance the video’s audio quality.
The video production company will record and edit dialogue, add sound effects, and mix audio tracks to create a cohesive and immersive sound experience. The cost should include royalty-free music and voiceover talent (in-person or AI).
Video Editing
Video production companies provide editing services to assemble raw and original footage into a polished final video. This involves cutting and arranging clips, adding transitions, video style, visual effects, and text overlays, and ensuring the video flows smoothly from beginning to end.
Animation
Animation services involve creating sequences or graphics to enhance the video’s visual appeal. Video production companies offer animation services, including 2D and 3D animation, to create dynamic and engaging visuals that captivate the audience on social media platforms.
Motion Graphics
Motion graphics services involve adding animated elements such as text, logos, and visual effects to the video. Video production companies utilize motion graphics to convey information, highlight key points, and create visually stunning graphics that enhance the overall production value of the video.
Types of Videos & Average Production Cost
|
Type of Video Production |
Cost Range Per Hour |
Cost Factors |
| 2D Animation |
$100 – $150 |
Complexity of animation, length of video, revisions |
| 3D Animation |
$100 – $300 |
Complexity of modeling, animation, rendering |
| Explainer Videos |
$100 – $200 |
Scripting, voiceover, animation, editing |
| Training Videos / Educational Videos |
$100- $250 |
Scripting, filming, editing, graphics, voiceover |
| Commercial Video |
$100 – $300 |
Creative development, scripting, filming, editing |
| Live Event/Streaming |
$100 – $400 |
Equipment rental, filming, streaming, post-production |
| Documentary |
$150 – $400 |
Research, filming, interviews, editing, post-production |
| Corporate Videos |
$100 – $250 |
Scripting, filming, editing, graphics, voiceover |
| Interviews & Testimonials |
$100 – $150 |
Filming, interviewing, editing |
Professional vs. DIY Video Production Cost
Professional video production typically involves hiring experienced professionals, renting high-quality equipment, and utilizing specialized services such as scripting, filming, editing, and post-production.
While hiring a video production company can result in higher upfront costs, it often leads to high-quality videos due to the expertise of professionals and access to professional-grade equipment.
However, DIY video production offers a more budget-friendly alternative. It allows individuals to use personal equipment and resources, such as smartphones and free editing software.
Despite its cost-effectiveness, DIY production may result in lower-quality marketing videos due to the need for more professional expertise and resources. Additionally, DIY videos tend to be more time-consuming, as individuals are responsible for all aspects of the production process.
How To Find the Right Video Production Company
1. Define Your Goals
Before you start your search, clearly define your goals and objectives for the video project. Consider the message you want to convey, your target audience, and the desired outcome of the video.
This will help you narrow your options and find a professional video production company aligning with your vision.
2. Research and Shortlist
Take the time to research different video production companies in your area or within your industry. Review their portfolios, client testimonials, and past projects to gauge their expertise and capabilities.
Shortlist a few companies that stand out to you based on their track record and the quality of their videos, not just their video production pricing.
3. Review Their Work
Review their videos in more detail once you have a shortlist of potential candidates. Watch samples of their previous videos to get a sense of their editing style, creativity, and production quality.
Please consider how well their past videos align with your project goals and vision.
“We were very happy with the video and content delivered by the team.” – Roisin Selvarajoo, Marketing Coordinator, Next Payments
4. Consider Experience and Expertise
Look for video production companies with relevant experience and expertise in your industry or niche. They should have a track record of making videos similar to what you have in mind and understand your project’s unique challenges and requirements.
5. Ask for Quotes and Proposals
Once you’ve narrowed your options, ask the remaining production companies for detailed video production pricing and proposals. Review these carefully to ensure they cover all aspects of the project, including pre-production planning, filming, editing, and other services.
To get clear pricing for video production [3], you can use our VidiFit Quiz for free!
Tips to Save on Video Production Costs
- Plan Ahead: Plan your video production well in advance to avoid rushed timelines and last-minute expenses.
- Be Clear About Goals: Clearly define your goals and objectives for video marketing to ensure efficient use of video production budgets.
- Optimize Pre-production: Invest time in thorough pre-production planning to minimize errors and avoid costly revisions later.
- Use Existing Resources: Utilize existing equipment, locations, and talent whenever possible to be more cost-efficient.
- DIY Where Appropriate: Consider handling certain aspects of the production, such as scripting or simple editing, in-house to save on outsourcing expenses.
- Negotiate Video Production Rates: Be bold and negotiate video production rates with vendors, suppliers, and freelancers to get the best possible deal.
- Bundle Services: Look for production companies that offer package deals or bundle services to save on overall costs.
- Limit Revisions: Communicate your expectations upfront to minimize the need for revisions, which can add to typical costs.
- Consider Alternatives: Explore alternative production methods that may be more cost-effective than traditional and longer videos, such as animation or stock footage.
- Monitor Expenses: Keep track of expenses throughout production and adjust as needed to stay within the video budget.
FAQs
How much does a 2-minute video cost?
The cost of a 2-minute video typically starts around $5000 or more. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the project’s complexity, the production quality, and the client’s specific requirements.
It’s essential to consult with a video production company or freelancer to get a more accurate video production pricing guide based on your individual needs and preferences.
How much should I charge for a 5-minute video?
For a 5-minute video, the charge typically starts around $7000 or more. However, the final price of videos varies based on factors such as the project’s complexity, the level of expertise required, and any additional services requested by the client.
Assess the project’s specific requirements and consult with industry professionals to determine a fair and competitive rate for your next video project.
How much should I charge for video editing?
Some editors charge an hourly rate, while others may offer package deals based on the project scope. Discuss your specific needs with the editor to determine fair and reasonable video production prices, especially if you will pay higher hourly rates.
The pricing for video editing services can vary depending on factors such as the project’s complexity, the footage’s length, the level of expertise required, and if you give more videos.
Is video production expensive?
Video production costs can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of video, the production quality, and the professionals’ expertise.
While complex projects may require a significant investment, others can be more cost-effective, especially with careful planning and budgeting.
When determining the expense of video production for your project, it’s essential to consider your video production budget and goals.
Key Takeaways
Video production costs vary significantly depending on project complexity, duration, quality standards, and the professionals’ expertise.
While it’s essential to budget adequately for corporate video production to ensure high-quality results, it’s equally important to balance the cost of video production and value.
Additionally, transparency in pricing and effective communication between clients and production teams are essential for fostering trust and ensuring a successful collaboration [4]. Use our VidiFit Quiz for free and upfront pricing of your video projects.
References:
- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/script
- https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/storyboard
- https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/08/12/2497652/0/en/Video-Production-Company-Vidico-Launch-Rebrand-To-Offer-Their-Customers-Clarity-Precision-And-An-Even-Higher-Level-Of-Communication.html
- https://www.business.com/articles/leading-with-transparency/
