Main Factors that Affect Video Production Costs: 7 Ways to Reduce the Video Production Cost

Video production cost is an obvious consideration for any business looking to bolster its marketing efforts and better communicate with its team using video. Just as much as video production budgets are important, however, it’s essential to consider both the quality and steps of video production.

Good quality video production can make the difference between videos that drive traffic and business and videos that become a wasted expense.

At Gillespie Productions, we utilize our years of experience in journalism and broadcasting to create high-quality videos that help expand brands. We also believe in transparency – so below, you’ll find a list of the main factors that determine video production costs.

Let’s take a look at this video production cost breakdown.

Main Factors that Determine the Cost of Video Production Process

Here are some of the main factors that determine the cost of your next video project.

Type of Video

First off, remember that the average cost of video production won't tell you much. Every video is different, and the kind of video you need to produce will be one determining factor for the price.

Are you looking for a highly-produced marketing clip or a recording of a live event? The price will vary depending on your answer.

Duration

Duration also plays a major role in video production pricing. Consider the difference between a long-form film and a short testimonial clip. While the video production equipment used will typically be the same, some films require more time on set and more time clipping and editing in post-production.

Pre-Production

Pre-production has as much impact on the cost of video (if not more) than post-production. Unlike most production companies, at Gillespie Productions, we believe in the importance of pre-production, with our team members taking the time to learn about your business, your story, and what matters to your customers.

Pre-production may involve script writing (though we prefer testimonial-style videos), and it also involves deciding on where your video will be filmed, who will be in it, and your overall budget. The amount of pre-production that’s required will determine the cost of your video.

One of the great benefits of working with Gillespie Productions is that we become long-term partners with our clients, becoming an extension of your team and handling videos as and when you need them. This helps reduce the amount of pre-production each time we take on a new project.

The Crew

How many people do you need on set? The bigger the project the bigger the video production crew required. This also has a substantial impact on the general cost of video production.

Testimonial videos may require a very small team, while larger production for live events or documentary-style films will require a larger team.

Number of Subjects

How many people are going to be in your film? When you increase the number of subjects in your film, you don’t just increase the time it takes to complete the video shoot but you also expand pre-production and post-production processes.

Locations

The location of your video will also play a part in the cost of your video. At Gillespie Productions, we have years of experience providing industrial video production to clients across Wisconsin. This is a good example of how location can determine the cost and length of time it will take to film and produce a video. Industrial videos require that team members are familiarized with the industrial environment, get to know the space, and work with the client to determine what processes and regions of their industrial space are best to film.

Other videos, however, may simply require an attractive office backdrop.

Equipment

The cost of equipment is tied to a standard production company fee. At Gillespie Production company, we own all of our equipment, and won’t charge you extra for its use. We use broadcast quality, high-end video cameras, and equipment to ensure a professional finish on every video we produce.

That’s built into our usual day rate, and it may vary depending on the number of people required to operate the equipment.

Post-Production Work

Finally, there’s the post-production work - the video editing. This is where a video goes from being just footage into a high-quality video that will entice customers, help you communicate with clients and employees, and more. Our post-production process takes into account your preferences and needs.

Your input is always requested during this process, too, to ensure that everything from the clipping to the motion graphics and other effects is exactly how you want them.

How Video Production Companies Optimize the Budget

Sticking to a budget is important for professional video production – but so is making sure that the videos you produce properly reflect the professionalism and enthusiasm of your brand.

Whether you’re looking to expand your business, reach new audiences, or communicate better with your employees, video can be an exciting tool. Let’s look at some top tips on how to cut video production rates.

#1. Take Your Time on Preparations

Pre-production is significant. It is the stage where you envision your video and start making plans. The more plans you make now, the fewer problems you are likely to encounter in the future.

This step of the process involves determining the objective of your video, your goals, your audience, and the overarching message of the video. You'll also need to consider the style, the length, the production timeline, and your plans for distribution.

Working with a well-known production company helps. At Gillespie Productions, we work with you to iron out all the details before production begins, meaning we won't make costly errors when it comes to filming and production.

#2. Save on Scriptwriting

Some businesses hire marketing professionals to handle their scriptwriting, but did you know scripts aren't necessary to create incredible videos?

Our video production team often prefers to use testimonial-style videos. Not only are they more authentic, but they bring out the best in everyone we film. Our team asks questions and uses the natural responses from interviewees as part of your video.

While scripts certainly serve a purpose, producing a testimonial video removes the need to spend time writing scripts entirely.

#3. Hire Local Video Production Company

Gillespie Productions is a Wisconsin video production company that works with clients from various industries across the state. We're known for producing broadcast-quality videos, using high-end camera equipment, incorporating our flair, and creating brand videos at great prices that help generate business.

Our local video production company helps you maximize returns on this important business expense by working with you regularly and becoming an extension of your team.

#4. Be Aware of Day Rates

When negotiating a video production budget proposal, remember that day rates are typically higher because they consider the cost of camera equipment and pro-production. Many videographers charge by the day.

At Gillespie Productions, we offer a wide range of rate options and typically work with our clients on a regular basis to create multiple films for ongoing marketing campaigns and more.

#5. Choose the Filming Location Wisely

If you choose a filming location that's far away, difficult to get to, or expensive for multiple people to all travel to, you should expect your video production budget to go up.

If the venue you choose doesn't have good natural lighting, you may incur additional costs for lighting. Some venues may require the right furniture, and others may require additional setup to block distracting noises.

Choosing the right location can help you stay on budget by ensuring that no additional costs are required.

Remember to choose somewhere local, easy to access, and with plenty of light. Often even your own office or place of work is the best place for it!

#6. Go for a More Simple Video Choice

There's nothing wrong with keeping things simple. Videos that offer a simple message in a simple format often do well with potential customers because they appear more authentic.

Simpler videos require less time to film, and they also need less time in editing and post-production, meaning it's a cheaper and simpler way to get your message out there. Just make sure the content is good and that your products speak for themselves if that's what you are showcasing.

#7. Optimize the Editing Time

Post-production takes longer when a video consists of a large number of shots. It also takes more time when it requires additional graphics, music, and other additions. Some video production firms prefer to edit how they see fit, only to ask for feedback from their client later – but at Gillespie Production, we work with you from day one to understand precisely what you mean.

That means a shorter editing time and fewer revisions because we know what you want in your finished video!

Maximize Returns with Wisconsin's Videography Specialists

While budget video production may be your first thought, it's important to remember that the quality of the videos your brand shares reflects everything you do. High-quality video production generates more interest in your brand and, in turn, creates greater revenue and profit.

When considering your video production budget, consider whether low-quality films do justice to your brand.

At Gillespie Productions, we have a team of videography experts at hand. Consider hiring us to create broadcast-quality videos for your company. From marketing films to internal communication and educational videos, we're the Wisconsin video production company that does it all.