Main Factors that Affect Video Production Costs: 4 Ways We Optimize Your Budget

Video production cost is an obvious consideration for any business looking to bolster its marketing efforts and better communicate with its team using video. 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

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. Some films require more time on set and more time clipping and editing in post-production.

Pre-Production

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 involves planning your video story, planning the shoot day, and sometimes even scripting. The amount of pre-production needed for your specific video will impact the overall cost.

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

The bigger the project the bigger the video production crew required. This also has an impact on the general cost of video production. Testimonial videos may require a typical team size, while larger productions for live events or documentary-style films may require additional team members.

At Gillespie Productions, our typical crew includes three people:

• Producer
• Director of Photography
• Production Specialist (2nd Shooter)

Number of Subjects

Consider the number of individuals you want to have in your video. This will impact the number of shoot days needed. This can also impact the amount of time editing takes. We can help you shape your story and provide guidance on who the right individuals are to feature.

Locations

The location of your video can also play a part in the cost of your video. Multiple locations can sometimes mean additional shoot days, depending on how far away locations are from one another. If the location is a long distance away, there may be travel costs to consider.

Most of our shoot days are at client locations, but sometimes we utilize professional studio spaces. Space rentals can add cost, but it can be worth it if the project warrants it. We will provide location recommendations. Typically, even a conference room can become an on-brand set with lights, backdrops, and more.

Equipment

At Gillespie Productions, 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.

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

Whether you’re looking to expand your business, reach new audiences, or communicate better with your employees, video can be an exciting tool. Here are a few ways that we make sure you get the most out of your video content and budget:

#1. Take Time on Preparations

Pre-production is significant. It is the stage where we envision your video and start making plans. The more plans made at the start of a project leads to less re-work later on. 

This step of the process involves determining the objective of your video, setting clear goals, identifying your target audience, and defining the overarching message. Additionally, you'll need to consider the video’s style, length, production timeline, and plans for distribution. 

To help you plan your next video project, download our free Project Brief Template, which will guide you through these important details and ensure everything is aligned with your vision. 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. Continued Partnership

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. As we get to know you and your goals, we can help you maximize your budget through strategic planning and content batching. We hold on to all of your footage (from every shoot), so we have content we can quickly repurpose as needs arise!

#3. Recommending the Best Video Approaches for Your Goals and Budget 

Our goal is to help you create videos and tell stories that will make an impact. We do this in a way that considers your goals and needs. We want to work with you and your budget to make the best recommendations. We recommend larger productions when appropriate and let you know when simple is the best approach.

#4. 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 want.

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

High-quality video production generates more interest in your brand and, in turn, creates greater revenue and profit.

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.

‍