It is the first question almost every client asks, and the honest answer is: it depends. A short social cut and a multi-day brand campaign sit at opposite ends of the scale, and the right number for your project comes down to a handful of clear factors. Here is how to think about it.
What actually drives the cost
Most of your budget is shaped by scope and craft rather than any single line item:
- Crew and gear, a one-person shoot is very different from a full crew with lighting, audio and a director.
- Shoot days, more days mean more planning, more locations and more footage to shape in the edit.
- Pre-production, scripting, storyboarding, casting and location scouting all protect the final result.
- Post-production, editing, colour, sound design and motion graphics are where a film is really made.
- Deliverables, one hero film versus a hero plus a dozen social cut-downs changes the picture.
Think in tiers, not a single price
A useful way to plan is to picture three broad tiers. At the lighter end, a focused social or testimonial piece is quick to shoot and edit. In the middle, a polished corporate or brand video brings a small crew, a considered look and a proper edit. At the top, a flagship commercial or campaign involves directing, talent, multiple locations and a full post pipeline. Where your project lands depends on the outcome you need, not a fixed menu.
Getting the most from your budget
The clients who get the best value come to us with a clear goal, where the video will live, who it is for and what it needs to achieve. From there we can recommend the right level of production and capture extra cut-downs while the crew is already rolling, which stretches a single shoot a long way.
The most reliable way to know what your project costs is a tailored quote. Tell us what you have in mind and we will come back with ideas and a transparent estimate.
