How Much Does Video Production Cost? A Transparent Guide for Brands & Nonprofits

Everyone asks it. And they should.

“How much does video production cost?”

It’s a fair question.

The cost of professional video depends on what you’re trying to do, how well you want to do it, and how long you want it to work for you.

We believe in being transparent. This guide will walk you through the key factors that affect pricing, what a typical project includes, and how to think about cost in a way that actually serves your mission.

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What affects video production pricing?

No two projects are the same. But most of them hinge on a few common variables:

Scope of the project

Are you creating a single brand video, or a series of short films? Will the video be used for a fundraising event, a campaign, or as a long-term asset on your website? The more you want to say, the more time and care it takes to say it well.

Length and complexity

A one-minute video that’s carefully structured and story-driven can take more time than a five-minute piece with minimal editing. It’s not just about length, it’s about clarity, pacing, and emotion.

Crew size and equipment needs

Some stories need a two-person crew and natural light. Others require a full lighting setup, a second camera, audio tech, and time to capture b-roll across multiple locations. We scale to fit the need, not inflate the production.

Post-production requirements

Will you need multiple versions of the video for different platforms? Are you planning to use motion graphics or titles? Do you want one polished cut or several deliverables tailored for different audiences?

Travel or location logistics

Is the project local, regional, or national? Will we need to fly a crew, rent equipment, or book lodging? Travel costs are always scoped carefully and passed through transparently.

What’s a realistic budget range?

Most of our projects fall between $5,000 and $50,000+.

That’s a wide range, and for good reason.

On the lower end, you’ll find focused storytelling projects with a single filming day and a defined outcome, like a 2-minute video to show at an event or feature on your homepage.

On the higher end, you’re looking at multi-day filming, travel, multiple deliverables, and support with strategic planning.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• $5K–$15K: A single short film, one or two-day local shoot, one edited version
• $15K–$25K: Multi-day filming, multiple interviews, regional travel, b-roll, multiple cuts
• $25K–$50K+: National travel, complex storytelling structure, full campaign, multiple deliverables

We also occasionally build longer-term partnerships with clients who need an annual slate of video assets with unified messaging across their organization.

What’s included?

This is where the real value lives, not just in the final file, but in the process that gets you there.

Here’s what our clients get with a typical engagement:

• A collaborative pre-production phase using our Project Guidebook
• Messaging strategy and story development
• An experienced, award-winning crew who knows how to film real people well
• Interview guidance that puts subjects at ease
• Cinematic b-roll of your space, team, and impact in action
• Thoughtful, story-first editing
• Up to two rounds of revision to get the message just right
• Final delivery in web-optimized formats
• Optional short versions for social, email, or live events

We don’t treat your project like a transaction. We treat it like a story that’s going to live for years, and we build it that way.

Is it worth the investment?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: cheap video is expensive. Not because of the dollars. Because of the missed opportunity.

Bad video confuses people. It makes you look unsure. It can even damage the credibility of your cause or brand.

Good video, well-planned, well-told, and well-executed, builds momentum.

It raises money. It lands partnerships. It wins trust.

And it keeps working for you long after the shoot is over.

The return on investment isn’t theoretical. It’s emotional. Strategic. Measurable.

If your work matters, the story you tell about it matters just as much.

FAQs About Video Production Pricing

Is there any way to do a project under $5,000?

Sometimes. If it’s a short local shoot with a defined outcome and minimal editing, we can often scale a project creatively to meet a lower budget.

Can I use one video in multiple ways?

Absolutely. We often create a core story cut, plus versions for social media, vertical platforms, email campaigns, and internal use. You get more value from the same shoot.

Do you charge for revisions?

Two rounds of revisions are included in every project. If more are needed (which is rare), we’ll quote additional editing time before proceeding.

Do you include licensing, music, and voiceover if needed?

Yes, and it’s all handled transparently. You’ll know what’s included from the start.

Want a quote?

If you’ve got a story to tell and want to make sure it gets told the right way, we’d love to hear what you’re working on. We’ll help you think through the best way to structure your project, and give you a realistic quote for what it will take to bring it to life.

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