How to Estimate Your Video Production Costs
Video production can become very pricey depending on a multitude of factors. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the average cost for your basic needs to be met. This way, you can budget for your video effectively. Before we go into what makes up the cost of a video, we should give insight into what the typical video production costs looks like.
Average Commercial Video Production Costs
The average commercial video production cost in the USA is $15,000 to $200,000+. However, the lower end does not provide nearly enough features to create a winning video, so it is good to expect to be on the higher end of your budget when filming in America. These price range greatly because each project is developed from the ground up, and some videos require more features or work than others, creating a wide spectrum of overall potential production costs. So, how does the average video production cost in the U.S compare to other countries such as Serbia?
Well, the average cost for video production in Serbia is between $4,000 and $30,000. Again, the cost will vary depending on your project’s specific needs. For example, a product video will cost between $6,000 and $10,000, whereas a commercial will command a higher rate, coming in at around $9,000 to $30,000.
So, what causes such a scale in the average cost of video production, and why is it that the average cost in America is higher than in Serbia?
What Causes Costs to Vary?
5 key factors play into the overall cost when it comes to video production.
Overall Video Shooting Quality
One of the main ways we can increase the quality of a video is by working with additional crew members and better equipment. At AA Frame, we can provide several tiers of quality, which can help you decide how much to invest in your video.
For example, your video needs an aerial shot. In the standard tier, your video can be filmed by a professional DJI Inspire 2 drone with a built-in camera. However, if you opt for the premium tier, the shot is captured by a specialized drone that carries the exclusive Alexa Mini Film Camera on it.
Location and Travel Costs
Production costs do vary to a degree based on the filming location and if there are any travel costs included to get there. You can choose for your video to be filmed in a simpler setting, such as a rented house or a professional studio OR you can have it filmed in a creative and scenic natural space. You may expect to pay big more for a scenic location, and this is true in countries with fewer opportunities for scenic shooting locations. However, in countries like Serbia, better views don’t always mean crazy high production costs.
AA Frame is thankful to be located in Serbia, a vastly diverse country both in landscapes and cultures. When filmed in Serbia, you can choose to have your commercial shot in a location encompassed by beautiful mountain peaks, large natural green forestry, picturesque plains, ancient ruins, or modern cities. The best part is that you won’t have to pay international production and travel costs because the scenery is located in our base country!
Why you should choose Serbia for business?
We authored an article in which we outlined in detail why Serbia is an great location for video production projects and why you should consider working with us.
Check out our article: Why You Should Choose AA Frame for Your Video Production Needs
Animations and Graphics
The animations and graphics of your video production will affect the cost. To provide a unique creative take on your video, small graphics or full 3D animation may be needed. These components vary in additional expenses based on their size, quality, and overall complexity.
Post-Production Needs
Upon completion of filming, post-production begins with the editing of the visual and audio content. It is important to keep in mind that here, the price of the video is mostly determined by its length and complexity. A larger budget means more time can be given towards creating an incredible production piece.
Rate of Daily Crew Members
Lastly, the hire rates required for daily crew members will fluctuate your overall video production cost. It can sometimes take an army to develop a well-rounded and extraordinary video, leading to the daily hire of different models/actors, stage crew members, and additional specialists.
For example, if the project requires multiple models, we will need more additionally hire multiple makeup artists. Another example is if your project requires a uniquely built set in the studio instead of a rented space – we will need a multi-member art department team.
Money Saving Tips for Video Production
The most important step to take when trying to save money on video production costs is to be upfront with your video producer. A good producer will help you create an incredible video without exceeding our maximum budget.
What makes working with a company located in Serbia is how its global market position allows for better cost of video production. With a government that supports the art of film, AA Frame can offer top-quality work at affordable costs.
Take a look at this cost and feature breakdown between an average American-based video production company and AA Frame:
$5,000 – $15,000
Budget range
USA producer features:
Motion graphics projects with limited creative development, short running times with reduced client participation, live-action projects with stock footage sources, or possibly a three-person film crew.
$15,000 – $40,000
Budget range
USA producer features:
Moderate commercial shot with HD cameras in a studio or on a limited selected location over the course of two days. Crew size 4-9 and standard talent or 3D Motion Graphics projects with sound design, along with top voice talent and full creative development.
$40,000 – $90,000
Budget range
USA producer features:
Top production value with cinema cameras, crew size 10-30, specialized locations, premium onscreen talent, high-end post-production, and motion graphics.
AA FRAME features:
Multi-day shooting of a high-end product video in a studio and location, with talent, props, and a crew of 6-9 members – complete and professional post-production with motion graphics.
AA FRAME features:
Multi-day commercial filmed with cinema cameras in different locations and studios, top talents, extras, and a crew of 10-20 members. Complete with high-end post-production combined with motion graphics or moderate VFX.
AA FRAME features:
Top production value with cinema cameras, crew size 20-30, multiple specialized locations, specially built sets in the studio, premium Serbian or non-Serbian onscreen talent, high-end post-production and VFX
Average Breakdown of Costs for Talent (models)
USA:
$1,200 per shooting day
Serbia:
$500 per shooting day
The Take-Away
The bottom line is that the higher your budget, the more complex, unique, creative, and engaging video we can develop for you. Therefore creating a budget based on your needs can help avoid financial struggles or video development setbacks.
Are you interested in what can be done with the budget you have? Or how much of a budget do you need to turn your vision into reality?
Fill out our intake form or contact us to get a free quote.