Video production prices

The price of video production varies depending on the scope and objectives of the project. On one end of the spectrum is a light “cameraman and camera” production, where one person handles everything from filming to editing. On the other end can be a comprehensive filming crew, which includes a director, camera operators, sound engineers, lighting technicians, producers, makeup artists, and production managers. Between these extremes, there are countless options – and this is precisely why the price of video production is never fixed, but rather determined on a project-by-project basis.

High-quality video production is, however, an investment, not just an expense. When a video is well planned and executed, it provides value for a long time: it increases brand awareness, boosts sales, and facilitates the communication of complex issues.

Why do video production prices vary so much?

The price of video production is determined by several factors: the script, the size of the filming crew, the equipment, the filming locations, the number of production days, and the extent of post-production. A light social media video is on a different scale than an international brand film.

For example, video production for a company can mean a short staff introduction or a multi-week production that tells the company’s story through multiple locations and professional actors. Video production for a service can involve a one-day shoot, but it can also be a longer project where the service is visualized through animation and graphic elements. Video production for industry may include filming at production facilities, drone footage, safety planning, and detailed post-production.

Factors affecting the price

1. Pre-production – script and planning

Video production does not start with turning on the camera, but with careful planning. Pre-production includes:

• ideation and scripting

• shot lists and storyboards

• location scouting

• scheduling and resourcing

A light project can be completed without extensive advance work, but for example, video production for industry often requires precise safety and permission matters, which increases the workload of planning. Video production for a company also benefits from careful scripting, as the brand’s story cannot be told randomly.

2. Filming – small or large team?

The cost of a shooting day depends greatly on how large a team is needed.

• One-man production: Suitable for quick social media videos, short interviews, and internal announcements. This solution is cost-effective and fast.

• Medium production: A typical video production for a service, which may include a camera operator, sound engineer, and director. The quality clearly increases, and the content can be used across multiple channels.

• Large filming crew: When creating an impactful video production for a company or an impressive brand film, multiple camera operators, drone footage, a lighting team, and a director are often needed. This incurs costs, but at the same time, the production level matches that of an international advertisement.

3. Equipment and technology

The price of video production is influenced by the type of equipment used. A lightweight DSLR camera is sufficient for a quick social media video, but a film-grade camera, lenses, lighting, motion devices (sliders, jibs, steadicams), and drones increase costs.

If the aim is for international video production for a company, it often makes sense to invest in equipment to ensure quality meets customer expectations.

4. Filming locations and logistics

Shooting in one’s own facilities is inexpensive, but if the project requires multiple locations, travel, or permits, costs increase.

Video production for industry can mean filming at production sites, where compliance with safety regulations and obtaining permissions requires special attention. On the other hand, an international story told through video production for a company can involve several filming days in different countries, which increases the overall budget.

5. Post-production – from editing to visual effects

Post-production is often the largest single cost. Editing can be light and straightforward, or it can involve many elements:

• color grading and visual finishing

• graphics and text animations

• motion graphics and 3D elements

• music, sound design, and voice-over

A light social media video can be cut in a day, but for example, a comprehensive video production for a service, which combines animation, interviews, and graphics, can take several weeks.

6. Video length and versioning

The duration of the video is directly tied to the price. A 30-second advertisement is completed faster than a 10-minute introductory video. Additionally, versions made for different channels – for instance, a shorter social media version and a longer version for websites – slightly increase costs, but yield more value.

A multichannel approach is advisable: one production can be adapted for multiple uses, making it an efficient investment. This is particularly useful in video production for services and video production for companies when material is needed for various communication channels.

Why should video production be seen as an investment?

A high-quality video does what mere text or images cannot – it evokes emotions, convinces, and remains memorable. A well-executed video production for a company can strengthen the brand for years to come. A clear and visual video production for a service can accelerate the sales process and reduce the burden on customer service.

Video production for industry helps clarify technical solutions and production processes, supporting international trade and onboarding. Every euro invested in well-planned video production pays back manifold.