How much does video production cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does video production cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does video production cost?

$800 – $4,000average cost per finished minute

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$800 – $4,000 average cost per finished minute


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
Are you a vendor? Get new customers
Kristen Cramer
Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Video production cost

Video production costs $800 to $4,000 per finished minute on average, depending on the video type, the video shoot length, special effects needed, and the production crew size and rates. A professionally filmed 2- to 3-minute corporate video costs $1,500 to $8,000+.

Video production cost
Runtime Average cost
30-seconds $700 – $2,500
1 minute $800 – $4,000
2 minutes $1,500 – $6,000
5 minutes $3,000 – $8,000+
> 5 minutes $4,000 – $10,000+

*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.

Get free estimates from video production companies near you.

Video production pricing sheet

Video production costs depend primarily on the production size and the crew needed. A basic keynote speech video requires only a minimal crew. In comparison, producing a TV commercial typically requires a director, script writer, actors, multiple videographers, and sound and lighting technicians.

Video production crew cost per hour
Production crew member Average cost per hour
Producer / Project management and coordination $50 – $250
Video director $50 – $250
Main videographer cost $75 – $350
Second videographer $25 – $200
Actor or presenter (each) $50 – $500
Background extras (each) $10 – $30
Narrator or voice-over $25 – $100
Script writer / marketing writer $30 – $150
Video editor $20 – $150+
Video rendering $25 – $75
Sound technician $40 – $100
Lighting technician $30 – $100
Gaffer $30 – $75
Grip $25 – $75
Drone operator & equipment $50 – $175
Teleprompter operator & equipment $50 – $150
Hair stylist cost $50 – $150
Makeup artist cost $50 – $120
Special effects / VFX artist $30 – $200

Hands holding a clapboard next to a camera for a video production.
Hands holding a clapboard next to a camera for a video production.

Additional video production costs

Other common costs during video production include:

Additional video production costs
Factor Average cost
Studio / location rental & permits $100 – $500 per hour
Casting audition room rental $30 – $100 per hour
Equipment rental $25 – $200+ per hour
Supplemental visual assets (B-roll, cut-away shots, & stock video footage licensing) 15% to 50% of total shooting cost
Music licensing fees $10 – $50 per royalty-free music track
Custom music composition $500 – $1,000+ per track
Closed captioning or subtitles Adds 5% to 15% to total job cost
Catering / craft services $25 per person per day

Total production costs also depend on:

  • Video runtime – The final video length affects the number of hours or days of shooting time required, as well as the amount of post-production time.

  • Equipment type & quality – Production companies typically include equipment rental costs in their quote. The equipment needed depends on the video type and complexity.

  • Location / studio rental – Renting a studio or location costs $100 to $500 per hour, depending on the location's popularity and availability. Most cities also require a film permit and insurance to film outside a studio.

  • B-roll and stock footage – These shots make up 15% to 50% of the total shooting cost. B-roll footage is supplemental video intercut with the main narrative shots, like shots of your products or staff in action. The production company may license stock footage to supplement your video.

  • Music licensing / composition – Licensing royalty-free music costs much less than hiring a composer to score your video. Licensing a popular song will significantly increase costs.

  • Travel expenses – Additional costs apply for mileage, transportation, hotels, and meals if the production crew must travel outside their standard range to reach the shooting location. Hire a local production crew to minimize travel expenses.

  • Post-production – Involves editing, adding special effects or animations, and rendering the final video in a playable format. Costs depend on the video's complexity:

    • Video editor rates are $20 to $150+ per hour, depending on their experience and the project's complexity. Editing a multi-camera shoot typically takes longer and costs more than a single-camera shoot.

    • Special effects, animations, and motion graphics add to final production and rendering costs.

A professional video editor reviewing footage for a film.
A professional video editor reviewing footage for a film.

Video production crew rates

Video production crew rates depend on the crew size and the shooting length. A small crew includes 1 or 2 videographers who also handle the sound and lighting. A typical mid-sized crew might include a director, 2 videographers, a sound technician, a lighting technician, and actors.

Video production crew rates
Rate Average cost*
Hourly rate $100 – $500
Half-day rate $400 – $2,000
Day rate (small to mid-sized crew) $800 – $4,000
Day rate (large crew) $2,500 – $10,000+

*For entire crew.

Video production price packages

Some video production companies offer package pricing based on your project's complexity. A simple testimonial video featuring one customer might require only a basic video package. A brand promo video may require a higher-level package with multiple cameras, shooting locations, and actors.

Video production packages
Package Average cost (1- to 3-minute video) Includes
Basic $800 – $4,000
  • One videographer with one camera
  • Shot in your office or place of business
  • Uses your employees as actors
  • Minimal B-roll footage
  • Minimal lighting setup
  • No special effects
  • Royalty-free music
  • Professional editing
Pro $1,500 – $8,000
  • One or two videographers
  • Two cameras
  • Shot in-studio or on-location
  • One or more actors
  • B-roll footage
  • Standard lighting kit
  • Royalty-free music
  • Professional editing
  • Some motion graphics / VFX
Premier $3,000 – $15,000+
  • Two videographers
  • Multiple cameras
  • Shot in-studio or on-location
  • One or more actors
  • B-roll footage
  • Sound and lighting technicians
  • Professional lighting system
  • Custom or royalty-free music
  • Professional editing
  • Motion graphics / VFX

Commercial video production costs by project

Commercial video production costs vary widely according to the video type and scope.

Video production costs by project
Project Average cost
Corporate marketing video $1,500 – $8,000+
Corporate training video $1,500 – $8,000+
Explainer video $2,000 – $6,000+
Documentary video $2,000 ­– $6,000+
Music video $2,000 – $50,000+
Workout video $5,000 – $20,000+
Real estate video shoot $250 – $600

How to save on my video production budget

Follow these tips to save money on your video production:

  • Pre-production planning – Have clear goals for your video up front. Write a script and create rough storyboards to guide the production crew. The more time you spend on planning, the less chance you'll run into costly problems during the shoot itself.

  • Location – Shoot in your office or place of business instead of renting a studio or location.

  • On-screen talent – Make sure your actors and presenters are familiar with the script and know all their cues before shooting. Use your employees, friends, or clients as actors to reduce costs.

  • Equipment – Use DSLR or mirrorless cameras to shoot your video. These days, their video quality is on par with that of much more expensive professional studio cameras.

  • Special effects – Use fewer motion graphics and special effects to keep costs down.

  • Bulk video production – Some production companies offer discounted package pricing if you book multiple video shoots at the same time.

Get free estimates from video production companies near you.

Getting estimates from video production companies

Before hiring a video production company, be sure to:

  • Establish your goals and concept for the video.

  • Set a budget.

  • Select a company specializing in the video type you want —for example, promotional videos, corporate training videos, documentaries, conference video coverage, or music videos.

  • Review their portfolio of similar projects.

  • Read their reviews on Fash and Google.

  • Ask for references with contact information.

  • Get a detailed contract in writing before the project begins.

  • Confirm the contract covers usage rights for your finished video.

  • Don’t make the last payment until you’ve received the final video.

Questions to ask

Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best video production company:

  • What is your rate structure?

  • Can you describe your production process?

  • What kind of pre-production planning services do you provide?

  • How many videographers will you provide?

  • Do you have a director?

  • What type of video and audio equipment do you use?

  • Will you shoot my video in a studio or on location?

  • Do you use stock footage and music?

  • Will you handle the editing in-house or outsource it?

  • How soon can I get the edited video?

  • What formats will you deliver the video in?

  • Do you provide marketing services for the finished video?

  • Will we own the rights to the video? Are there any sharing or use restrictions?

  • Will you share our videos on your website or social media?