Video production costs explained

Understanding video production pricing can come with a lot of unknowns. From creative development to post-production, there are many moving parts that go into a polished, professional commercial. Whether you’re planning your next brand campaign or just starting your ad budget planning, it’s crucial to know what you’re actually paying for.

This breakdown will help demystify commercial production costs — and make you a more informed buyer in the process.

The 3 Phases of Production (And What They Cost)

Every commercial project can be broken into three phases: pre-production, production, and post-production. Each phase has its own costs — and each plays a critical role in the final result.

1. Pre-Production: Where Planning Meets Creativity

This is where the groundwork is laid. Typical steps of the process at this phase include:

Creative concepting + scriptwriting
Storyboarding + shot lists
Casting talent + location scouting
Permits, insurance, and scheduling
Production coordination and planning

Why it matters: Strong pre-production saves costs during the shoot. It’s where ideas take shape, logistics are nailed down, and every step of production and post are meticulously planned to assure a smooth process.

2. Production

This is what most people imagine when they think of video production — the actual shoot days. Typical costs associated with this stage include:

Director
Producing Team
Production Crew
Gear (camera, lighting, sound)
Talent + Styling (wardrobe, makeup)
Studio or Location Rentals
Catering

Why it matters: The resources allotted to a production directly impact the creative ceiling of the project. There are often many ways to make a production work – multiple tiers of budgets that can achieve certain creative. But the difference between a $5K budget and a $50K budget will be evident in the capabilities of the production.

Our team is always sure to advise on the ideal budget tier for each project, to achieve it at the highest level possible for the most cost effective means possible.

3. Post-Production

Once the cameras stop rolling, your footage heads into the edit bay. The costs associated with this phase are dependent on what the project needs.

Some projects simply require editing and color grading. Others involve motion graphics, VFX, animation, or thorough sound design.

Another factor that has budget implications is the number of deliverables required. These days, cutdowns and social versions are a part of just about every video package.

Why it matters: This is where your message is polished, optimized for different platforms, and shaped into the product that you envisioned back in pre-production.

You’re Not Just Paying for a Video — You’re Paying for Expertise

The cost of production isn’t just about lights and lenses — it’s about experience, creativity, and the ability to translate your goals into compelling content that gets results.

You’re paying for:

Strategic thinking that aligns with your brand
Efficient execution that keeps costs low
Professional polish that reflects well on your business

Ways to Optimize Your Budget

If you’re working within a limited budget, here are a few smart ways to stretch your dollars:

Batch content: Shoot multiple deliverables in one day.
Repurpose footage: Get vertical edits, teasers, and cutdowns for social.
Be upfront: Share your budget early. A good production company will tailor the creative to fit.

The Sum Total

When it comes to commercial production cost, there’s no one-size-fits-all number — but there is a process. Understanding where the money goes helps you plan smarter, ask better questions, and get the most value out of your investment.

Ready to bring your next video to life?
We offer flexible production packages built around your goals and budget. Let’s make something impactful together.