Factors that affect the cost of video production [with video]

Here are some of the main factors that affect the costs of video production so you can get a better idea of what is involved.

As we have years of experience working on many types of videos, clients often ask us quite a lot of questions. Many are keen to learn the process that is adopted when creating a corporate or inbound video from scratch whilst some wonder how the cost is allocated.

From our experience, the things which can influence the cost most are:

1. The location(s) and duration of the shoot. Time is money, after all.
2. Not agreeing a plan in the pre-production stage. Winging it rarely works when it comes to videos!
3. Changing from the agreed plan during post-production. This means backtracking and 'making do' with what's filmed or re-shooting altogether.

There are many other factors that affect the cost of video production but as long as you find a reputable company to shoot your video, you will be pleased with the results.

These companies (like ours) are also passing on savings to clients as unlike other everyday items the cost of video production has actually declined over the years.

There are also many options available to businesses, allowing your video to cost as much or as little as you would like depending on the features you rank as the most important.

Factors that affect the cost of video production

Video agency experience

The experience of the video production company – the more experience your chosen company has in the production of the video the more money you will save.

Without the skills to shoot perfectly you could find your budget being spent on editing, dubbing and tweaking when you could have got it right the first time.

A good production company will also advise on motion graphics, licensed backing tracks and other finishing touches, for the video. Whilst incorporating them seamlessly, therefore adding to the overall quality of the content.

Marketing know-how

To have a video that sells your product or service and gets your information across perfectly, you need a good marketing brain and aligned strategy.

A video may look fancy and may be a feast for the eyes, however if you’re spending money to increase your profits you need to know it will do the job.

A good marketing script writer will be able to put your message across in a clear and concise way that uses psychology to encourage your viewers to do what you want.  Whether that’s to listen, buy or contact you.

And the aim of the video itself will be in line with your wider inbound strategy.

Editing efficiently 

The editors are the ones behind the scenes who take the best dialogue, the best angles and shots and turn them into a free flowing video that you are proud to promote.

Without editors, you would be left with a ten minute video that includes the tea lady, slight shifts of camera and lines that are fluffed. No matter how great the camera operator, an editor is always needed and their magic can be astounding as they turn a hum drum reel into a crowd pleasing triumph.

But without taking an age to do so and without veering from the strategic plan agreed in pre-production.

Equipment

A video production team will have access to a wonderful array of tools allowing multiple camera angles, panning steady-cam shots or even drone shots from above.

The costs all depend on your idea of the finished results and what equipment you both agree will be needed to achieve the strategic goals of your video campaign.

People 

Experienced video producers don’t need a crew of more than two to shoot a good inbound video, however if on location the numbers may rise a little.

You may also be considering actors, presenters or models, all of which add to the overall cost of a video.

Again, this is where proper pre-production planing actually makes sure there are no cost surprises down the line.

Third parties 

Going direct to the video agency can save huge amounts, as a third party will add on their own fees and expenses.

Some companies exist purely to connect end-clients to video production companies. But the client is left to make sure the marketing strategy and other elements required all combine.

An all-in-house video agency gives you one point of contact that makes sure you get:

• An aligned video strategy that impacts marketing, sales and other key business goals
• Efficient production processes as there are no multiple teams involved
• Better ROI and longevity from your video production because the strategy is designed for multi-purpose, evergreen, inbound video use
• Full video hosting and branding via software like Vidyard

This is not a comprehensive list as there are loads of factors to take into account when producing a video and most of them affect the price.

However we’ve chosen what we feel are the most important. 

To see our full range of video services and how much they cost, take a look at our price guide.