Want to Hire a Video Production Company? Here’s a Video Production Cost Estimate in Australia

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Every business leveraging videos wants to know how much video production costs. But the answer isn’t as simple as giving you a number.

So many factors affect the video production cost. What type of video are you thinking of making? Which team should you hire to help you with corporate video production?

Before jumping into production, you must have an idea of how much it is. That said, here’s a video production cost breakdown.

Pre-Production Costs

When you’re making a movie, there are all sorts of pre-production costs you have to consider.

You need to pay for the script writing, equipment, the actors, and the other people who will make your movie happen.

These things can add up quickly. So you must know the pre-production cost before you start shooting your movie.

Video Production Equipment Costs

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For anyone starting a career in the video production process, equipment is necessary. Remember that your tools’ quality will directly affect your work quality.

In other words, skimping on equipment will likely lead to subpar results.

With that in mind, here are some essential tools video production companies use.

  • Camera. You’ll need a camera that can shoot high-quality videos. These days, you don’t need to break the bank to get a good one. Plenty of great options won’t cost an arm and a leg. Get a mid-range DSLR or mirrorless camera. Or invest in a professional-grade camera, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. But make sure you do your research before making a purchase.
  • Microphone. A decent microphone is vital for picking up audio. Again, you won’t haveto spend a fortune here. Buy a lapel or rifle microphone online for around $140 to $220.
  • Lighting. Good lighting is essential for getting clear, quality video footage. You can invest in professional lighting equipment. Or use natural light if you’re shooting outdoors.
  • Editing software. Once you’ve shot your video footage, you’ll need to edit it all together. Many different editing software programs are available—for example, Final Cut Pro, which costs $300.

Professional Actors

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Finding talented amateurs for free is possible. But most production companies hire professional actors.

The good news is that there are various ways to save money on professional actor costs. Here are a few tips:

  • Budget for professional headshots. Yes, you can find headshots online. But the quality will likely be lower than that of a professional photographer. So budgeting for professional headshots upfront can save you money in the long run.
  • Think about casting local talent. To save money on travel and lodging expenses, cast local talent. This way, you can support your community while also getting high-quality actors.
  • Use technology. Use technology if you’re willing to get creative with your casting process.

Estimated Cost: For a short video (under 10 minutes), you can expect to pay around $200-$300 per actor. For a longer video (10-30 minutes), you will likely pay between $500 and $1,000 per actor. And for a feature-length film, you could be looking at $5,000 or more per actor.

Set Crew

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Producing a high-quality video is no small feat— it takes time, effort, and skill. Not to mention, it can also be pretty pricey.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the estimated costs you can expect:

  • Director: $500 to $5,000 per day
  • Producer: $250 to $2,500 per day
  • Cinematographer: $500 to $5,000 per day
  • Assistant Director: $200 to $2,000 per day
  • Camera Operator: $250 to $2,500 per day
  • Sound Mixer: $250 to $2,500 per day
  • Editor: $200 to $2,000 per day

Estimated Cost: For a typical corporate video, hiring a set crew usually falls between $5,000 and $20,000. Then for major Hollywood blockbusters, expect to pay $100,000,000.

Post-Production Costs

After filming, you must do several steps before it is ready for release. These post-production tasks have three main categories: editing, sound, and visual effects.

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Editing

This stage of post-production has a massive impact on the final product. A skilled editor can piece together the various elements of the film to create a cohesive whole.

Remember, a good edit can make a good film great, while a lousy edit can ruin even the best footage.

Sound

Even the most beautifully shot film will fall flat if the sound is poor.

And to ensure that the dialogue is clear and audible, the sound team must add atmospheric sounds.

Visual Effects

VFX enhances or completely transforms the look of a film. Plus, you can use it to create realistic-looking backgrounds or worlds.

Add CG characters or creatures. Or even create entire sequences that would be too costly or dangerous to shoot for real.

Estimated Cost: For a basic edit of 30-second corporate videos, you can expect to pay around $200. But many production companies increase the video production pricing for animated videos.