So, what’s it gonna cost me?

Every client has the same basic question initially, “What can I expect to pay for a (insert type of video production here)?” Price is important and that is why we have structured our business in a way that limits production overhead. This ensures you won’t pay inflated prices like you would with a typical internet marketing firm or ad agency. However, we never compromise on the quality or the creative which means we will always provide you with an incredibly professional finished video.

No, seriously, what’s it gonna cost?

If it were as simple as posting a flat rate believe us, we would do it. It would make everyones life easier. However, there are so many variables that go into every single video production that we have to get a little more info from you first. The good news? We always provide potential clients with a free quote once we have a few details!

So what can you tell me?

What we can do is give you an idea of what types of things affect the price of a video project. This information might help you think of things you would like to add to your video or help you know what elements can be trimmed to come in on budget.

Location, location, locationWill you be providing the location where we film or will we need to source it? If you already have a place to film it can save on things like hiring a location scout, paying a location fee, etc. Many of our clients have us film in their office, a home or some other cool location they have access to. However, there can be advantages to paying for a location. If you have a very specific look or style you are going for in your video sometimes you have to pay for the perfect location. If you are needing an infinite white background, a custom set or green screen then it might require shooting in a studio. Finally, are we filming somewhere around Dallas or Fort Worth or is it going to require travel? We often get hired to film projects that require us to fly or drive to a distant location. Out of town travel for a shoot can impact the bottom line as well. Ultimately, the decision of what type of location and where to film is generally driven by the style and content of the video you choose.

Size of crewThe number and type of crew members it takes to accomplish your project can vary widely. The simplest option is what the industry refers to as a “one man band”. It is exactly what it sounds like! One person shows up with a limited set of gear and does all the jobs themselves. There are certain limited scenarios where this is a possibility. However, most shoots will require additional crew members. The crew needs are determined by the scope and scale of the project. Are we filming a video with a CEO and members of the Board of Directors? In that case, we would probably want a Producer/Director to coordinate, a Director of Photography to set up lighting, a camera operator, an audio engineer, a teleprompt operator if it is scripted and finally (but definitely not least) a Makeup Artist to make sure they look their best. As you can see the size of a crew can grow very quickly depending on the video needs. While it sometimes sounds like a lot to someone who doesn’t work in the video industry, each position is incredibly vital to make sure nothing gets missed.

Number of filming daysPart of the pre-production process is to determine the shoot schedule. Will we be able to capture everything in a single day of filming? The biggest factor is typically the length of the video and how much content needs to be captured to tell that story. Often, for a simple corporate video production we can accomplish what we need to in one day. However, sometimes there are schedule conflicts with interviewees that prevent that. Or sometimes the scope and scale of the project requires a multi-day shoot. The good news is our Producers always work closely with you to try and maximize the time that we are filming so nothing is wasted (and they are very good at what they do).

Complex Post ProductionOnce a video project is done filming it is time for editing. In addition to cutting together the basic storyline some videos require more complex elements. Motion graphics can add a lot to a video in the form of title animations, infographics and more. A well designed 3D animation can often take a piece to the next level and add a “wow” factor to your finished video. In fact, in some videos the entire piece is animated. All of these elements add someting special to the finished video but will also impact your budget depending on the length and complexity.

What is the next step?

We enjoy what we do and get excited each time we start on a new adventure with a client. So if you are looking for a corporate video production company in Dallas, Fort Worth or somewhere in between we would love to chat with you about your project! Call, email or submit our form so we can provide you with a free video quote.