We often get calls or emails asking “How much do your videos cost?” In truth, that question is not helpful to the person seeking video production. Really, what they want to know is, “How much will my video cost?” We totally understand the concern over cost. Many people don’t know how much professional, top-quality video production costs, and they want to know right off the bat if they can afford it or not. Unfortunately for those looking for a quick answer, we need to know specifics about the project before we can provide a cost. We’re not doing that to frustrate anyone; we need to wrap our heads around the needs and scope of the video(s), so that we can estimate cost. There are far too many variables in video production to give a quick answer.Below are just some of the variables we need to know in order to create a budget for a project:
Video Length
The length of the video will have a great impact on the cost of the corporate video. We’ve produced 30 second commercials and 90 minute documentaries. The duration can impact cost. This is most true for motion-graphic videos. A 30 second motion-graphics video will cost less than a 60 second one. Why? Because we’re having to create and animate double the amount of graphics.
Pre-production Services
Some companies come to us with a complete script with storyboards, others with just the concept, and others with nothing but the knowing that they need a video for something. The amount of work we’ll need to do in pre-production to get the video from an idea to the scree effects cost. Will we have to cast the project, write the script, scout locations, pull filming permits from the city, etc.? These are just some of the things we’ll need to understand.
Visual Effects
We offer 2D and 3D motion-graphics, and green screen visual effects. If your project needs this, that will impact the budget. We’ve also created videos with special effects, like explosions. Something like that also impacts the budget.
Locations
Often, the most cost effective solution to this is to film at the client’s warehouse or office, but that’s not always possible or wanted. If we’re not filming at our client’s, we need to find a location. Locations rental rates range from free to $20,000+ for a day. This huge range is why we often keep it as a variable or additional cost until we know where we’re filming. Renting a location may also require location scouts, tech scouts, a filming permit fees from the county or city. Locations can be a big expense, so we do our best to leverage relationships we have with property owners to save our client money.
Number of Production Days
Production (the “lights, camera, action” part) is another big expense. It requires the bringing together of crew, cast, vehicles, catering and craft, props and decor, sets, and equipment – everything needed on set for the shoot. There are many moving pieces and safety requirements to consider during production. Some videos can be shot in a day, while others require multiple days of filming. Once we understand the concept and scope, we can determine how many days we’ll need.
Actors
Often, we’ll hire actors to appear in our corporate videos. Sometimes the actors are heard and not seen, like with voice-over. These professionals need to be paid fair rates for their participation in corporate and brand videos. We advise our clients on what to offer actors for their roles in their videos.
We hope this gives you a better understanding of why there’s no quick answer to “How much does a 2 minute video cost?” The process we go through to create a custom proposal is free, so if you’re in need of video, please don’t hesitate to email or call.
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