If you’ve ever Googled “how much does video production cost,” you’ve probably seen answers ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. That’s not helpful. You need real numbers so you can plan a real budget.
Here’s the honest answer: video production costs depend on what you need. But that doesn’t mean pricing has to be a mystery. At Fourside Studios, we publish our rates because a client who understands what they’re paying for makes better decisions, and the project goes better for everyone.
This guide breaks down video production costs, what drives them, and what you can expect to spend for different types of projects.
Video Production Costs Breakdown
Video production pricing falls into a few core categories. Here’s what each phase typically costs and what you’re getting for that investment.
Pre-Production
Pre-production is the planning phase. This is where your project goes from “we need a video” to a clear plan with a script, shot list, and timeline.
- Script writing: $750
- Storyboarding: $500
Some studios skip this step or bundle it into a package price. We list it separately because not every project needs both. If you already have a script, you shouldn’t be paying for one.
Production (The Shoot)
This is the day (or days) when cameras roll. Production costs cover crew, equipment, lighting, and on-location setup.
- Half-day shoot (up to 4 hours): $2,000
- Full-day shoot (up to 8 hours): $2,800
A half-day shoot works well for interviews, testimonials, and straightforward product shots. A full-day gives you time for multiple setups, B-roll, and more complex scenes.
Post-Production
Post-production is where raw footage becomes a finished video. This includes editing, color correction, audio mixing, graphics, and revisions.
- Simple Video Edit: $400+
- Standard Video Edit: $1,000+
- Advanced Video Edit & Composite: $3,500+
- Additional revision rounds (after round 2): $150/hr
Simple edits cover short-form content: social clips, basic single-cam cuts, light color and audio with no custom graphics. Standard edits cover multi-cam, longer-form content (3–10 min), branded motion elements, and basic sound design. Advanced covers heavy motion graphics, 3D compositing, complex post-production, and long-form content — scoped individually above the floor. Two revision rounds are included at every tier. All editing projects are quoted based on actual deliverables before work begins.
What About Full Production Packages?
Most real-world projects combine all three phases. When you need script-to-screen production, we scope custom packages based on your specific project. Why? Because a two-minute brand film and a series of 10 social clips are completely different animals, even if they cost similar amounts.
Custom scoping means you pay for exactly what you need. No inflated line items for services you won’t use.
What Factors Affect Video Production Costs?
Understanding what drives pricing helps you make smarter decisions about your video production budget. Here are the biggest factors.
Video Length and Complexity
A 60-second product highlight costs less than a 5-minute brand documentary. More footage means more shooting time, more editing, and more revisions. But length alone doesn’t tell the whole story. A 30-second spot with five locations and custom animation can cost more than a straightforward 3-minute interview.
Number of Shoot Days
This is usually the single biggest line item. Each shoot day requires crew time, equipment, and logistics. If you can consolidate multiple videos into fewer shoot days, you’ll save money.
Location and Travel
Local shoots in Western Massachusetts or the Hartford, CT corridor keep costs down. If your project requires travel, expect additional expenses for crew transportation, lodging, and per diem.
Talent and On-Screen Subjects
Using your own team members costs nothing extra. Hiring professional actors or voice talent adds to the budget. For corporate video production, using real employees often looks more authentic anyway.
Animation and Motion Graphics
Animated content requires specialized skills and software. 3D animation costs more than 2D, and both cost more than live action. That said, animation can actually save money when the alternative is an expensive physical shoot.
Revisions
Two rounds of revisions are standard. Beyond that, revision time is billed at $150/hr. The best way to minimize revisions is investing in solid pre-production. When the script and storyboard are right, the final video usually is too.
Video Production Rates by Project Type
To give you a ballpark, here’s what different types of video projects typically cost:
- Explainer video: $3,000 to $8,000 depending on animation vs. live action
- Corporate brand video: $3,000 to $10,000
- Social media video package: $1,500 to $5,000 for a set of clips
- Educational/training video: $3,000 to $8,000
- Video editing only: Simple $400+ / Standard $1,000+ / Advanced $3,500+
These are ranges, not quotes. Your actual cost depends on the specifics we covered above.
How to Get the Most Value From Your Video Budget
Plan for a series, not a single video. Shooting multiple videos in the same session is dramatically more cost-effective than scheduling separate shoots. One full-day shoot can produce content for months.
Invest in pre-production. A $750 script saves you thousands in reshoots and revisions. Skipping the plan to save money almost always costs more in the end.
Know your distribution plan. Where will this video live? A video built for your website homepage has different requirements than one built for Instagram Reels. Knowing this upfront prevents expensive re-edits later.
Read the pricing sheet carefully. Not all production companies break down their costs the same way. Understanding what you’re looking at helps you compare apples to apples.
Why Fourside Studios Prices This Way
We’ve spent 15 years producing video for brands like Smith & Wesson, StairMaster, Coca-Cola, and 20th Century Fox. We know what big-agency production looks like, and we know what it costs. Our model is simple: you get that same level of quality without the overhead of a large agency.
A la carte pricing means you only pay for what you need. Custom packages mean complex projects are scoped to fit, not inflated to pad margins. Either way, you know exactly where your money is going.
Get a Real Number for Your Project
Every project is different, and the only way to get an accurate price is to talk through the details. We offer a free 30-minute strategy call where we’ll discuss your goals, outline a production approach, and give you a clear budget estimate.
No pitch. No pressure. Just a straightforward conversation about what your project needs and what it will cost.
Book your free strategy call or call us at (413) 284-2399.