How much does video production cost?

As we mentioned, the cost of video production is based on a few factors, including total runtime of the finished video, the number of cameras required, shooting location, and if you’re looking to add graphics. Typically, commercial videographers don’t offer a standard pricing menu. Instead, they consult with clients and then quote a price based on the requirements, time and labor necessary to complete the video to the customer’s satisfaction.

Some video production companies set their prices based on the runtime of the final video. Other production companies charge an hourly rate for the time it takes for all aspects of a production, including preparation, shooting and editing the video. Here are a few examples from Thumbtack video producers on how runtime affects the total cost of production.

Pricing for commercial videography covers a number of services. Before entering an agreement with a video production company, make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

For example, package pricing for American Media Professionals of West Palm Beach, Florida, includes on-location time for the shoot, music rights, professional voiceover, editing and uploading to YouTube. All of these services may be additional add-ons at other video production companies, so it’s important to understand what’s included ahead of time.

If the video shoot location is beyond a certain mileage radius, the videographer might add on a travel fee.

Some commercial videographers offer standard packages to keep things simple for clients who may not want a custom production.

For example, Lorray Digital Media of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, offers three standard packages based on finished runtime and shooting time:

All of these packages include full editing services, basic motion graphics, concept video treatment and script, professional voiceover, on-location up to 100 miles or in-studio shoot, royalty-free soundtrack and video formatting to prepare for upload.

As another example, ISDesigns Studio of Berkeley, California, offers a few different hourly rates and day-rate packages for their clients:

• Starting base rate for jobs with one camera, one shooter, existing light and no set dressing: $250
• Pre-production and post-production, graphics work and all other production time: $50/hour
• Four-hour package for mobile on-location or in-studio productions, including one shooter, two HD cameras, a basic mic and sound setup, a lighting kit with a backdrop and green screen setups: $300
• Eight-hour package for mobile on-location or in-studio productions, including one shooter, two HD cameras, a basic mic and sound setup, a lighting kit with a backdrop and green screen setups: $500

Additional time is billed at the hourly rate of $50/hour.

There are a few steps you can take to aid in your decision making and to ensure that you hire a video production company who will be the right fit for you or your small business:

• Ask for reviews: Reviews from other satisfied clients are crucial in your decision-making process, so seek them out online or ask the video production company for testimonials.
• Schedule a consultation: Since many commercial videographers don’t offer a standard pricing menu, they will typically consult with clients and then quote a price based on the requirements, time and labor necessary to complete the video to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Determine your budget: Figure out how much you have to spend on professional video production. Aligning in the upfront about your budget will save you both time and energy in the long run.
• Figure out your needs: What is the subject matter? Is your video for personal use, a marketing video, or a corporate video? Will you need to shoot in multiple locations? Will you require b-roll footage? Whichever the video type, knowing exactly what your needs are before scheduling your consultation will help the process go smoothly.

Video costs aren't cheap, so here are a few ways you can save a little extra cash and keep the production low-cost:

• Time is money: Train your on-screen talent in advance so you don’t waste time with the videographer. Make sure the talent knows their lines and cues before shooting with the video production crew.
• Schedule a pre-production meeting: The day before the shoot, schedule a pre-production phone call or meeting to ensure that everyone on the crew and talent is on the same page. This will ensure that all expectations will be met on both sides of the partnership.
• Upload the video yourself: If you can upload the video yourself, don’t pay to have it done for you. Win-win!
• Buy a package: If you know that your video project is going to require a lengthy shoot, need mics/lighting, etc., look into the package options that the video production company offers. It may end up saving you some serious dough!
• Shoot locally: To avoid additional travel fees, plan to do some location scouting so you can choose a shooting location within the production company’s mileage radius.