FAQS to Help Control Costs for Us to Produce Your Video
- Storyboards are the most helpful and most important part of creating any video. They are generally a written description of what the video is about and what you want to say. This can be done with a written paragraph, a scene by scene description and may include pictures and or graphics. If there is a script written the story board focuses on the visual description of what will be taking place in the video. Depending on our customer they can provide this or we can develop it as well. Regardless, this is a “joint” effort and serves to assure the video meets everyone’s expectations.
- Regardless if it is an on location or studio video shoot it should be organized to best utilize everyone’s time. If there are multiple locations involved, it is important that everybody and everything is ready at the designated time. If the shoot is outdoors obviously weather will be a major consideration. Since there are usually multiple shots/scenes we like to utilize green screen video where every possible. This gives us more flexibility in the final production.
- Sound can make or break a great video. This part of the video generally requires specialized equipment and can affect location. Since in some videos there is background music consideration but be given to copy rights, etc. We have large library of royalty free music as well as access to artists/studio that can help with a variety of sound. Voiceovers are very useful and we have several companies and several local individuals we work with. Depending on the subject/type of video, our customers are sometimes much preferred especially if they are comfortable doing it.
- We are asked all the time “Can I shoot my own video”? Generally speaking the answer is no unless you have the right equipment. However sometimes it is unavoidable. May problems are created and it usually results in addition editing and production time. If a project requires it we will consult concerning equipment and how it can be done to eliminate as many problems as possible.
- Scripts are very helpful. If there is a company or an outside person providing voices it is required. Even if that is not the case it helps with the story board process and also in the shoot itself.
- How much does a video cost? While videos we have produced range from several hundred dollars to several thousand the only real what to get an estimate is to meet and discuss it or at a minimum have a paragraph describing it. We can provide many suggestions and alternatives which will help keep the cost within most of our customers budget.
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While this article covers information about costs they are not representative of our prices but does a good job pointing out where time and money is spent when producing video’s. http://www.costowl.com/b2b/marketing-video-production-company-cost.html
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Video Production Prices
Videos are a compelling way to convey your company’s message, whether the film is designed for your own employees or will be posted online for the rest of the world to see. Company films are used for a variety of purposes, including marketing presentations for prospective clients, product demonstrations, and employee education and training, to name just a few. They’re quick! They’re captivating! And they’re the perfect advertising for today’s fast moving society.
Video Production Average Costs
The price of a corporate video is influenced by dozens of factors, including the experience of the production company; the length of the video; the complexity of the concept, storyline and script; geographic location; and the quality of equipment used.
The standard industry price is about $1,000 per minute of professionally-produced video. A three-minute video will cost you $3,000; while a 30-minute video will set you back $30,000. However, sometimes the price drops below $1,000 per minute for longer videos.
Here’s a look at some of the individual hourly costs that contribute to the total price, courtesy of a blog post by Jimm Fox of One Market Media, a Canadian video production and video marketing company:
A novice producer might charge $25/hr, while a seasoned producer might charge $250/hr.
A script writer might charge $60 to $125 per hour.
Editing costs $40 to $125 per hour.
Professional actors charge $50 to $500 per hour, depending on experience.
Experienced crew members will command $25 to $75 per hour.
Studio costs run $100 to $400 per hour.
Stock footage runs $20 to $50 per second.
Stages of Video Production
There are three stages of video production:
Pre-production is the planning stage. You’ll sit down with the production company and explain your vision for the video. Then, the production company will offer alternative ideas and suggestions. Be sure to carefully consider the producer’s suggestions, even if they’re different from your original vision. Production companies are in the business of knowing what works with audiences.
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Filming begins when the cameras start rolling. Filming usually requires a crew of at least five people, including a producer, director, and script supervisor. The length of filming depends entirely on the length and complexity of your video.
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Post-production is the final stage. The footage is edited and graphics and stock footage are added. Sometimes production companies go through more than one phase of editing to perfect the final product.
There’s little you can do to control filming costs, but you do have some influence over pre-production and post-production costs. To limit pre-production costs, come to the initial meeting with a clear idea of what concepts the video should cover and how long you want it to be. The less time you spend at the planning table, the more money you’ll save. During post-production, don’t send the company back to the editing room for minor issues that come down to personal preference. Extra time in the editing room means extra dollar signs.
