This video cost guide will help you get started:

There are several factors to consider when coming up with the budget for your video. The first is the type of video. Is it an animated explainer? Or a cinematic commercial with talent? Naturally, the higher the production value, the more you can expect to spend on it. So, before anything else, spend time identifying the best type of video to connect with your audience while communicating your brand story.

Now we get into the pre-production phase that involves writing a script, finding a location, and setting up shoots. Find a local production company that can help in the scriptwriting process and scout locations. You will immediately cut down the costs of finding and hiring a scout separately and shelling out money on travel-related expenses. Pre-production also involves hiring a crew, and the price will depend on the scope of the project, type of equipment, creator experience, and location. Hiring a production company to oversee the project from inception to delivery will cost you $3,000 or more.

We have broken down the standard video project rates for the most common crew members. Ultimately, the price and budget depends on the flexibility of your project.

• Senior Producer $250-$3,000
• Commercial DP $2,000-$5,500
• Drone Operator $2,500-$3,400
• Gaffer $250-$2,500
• Grip $250-$2,500
• Sound Designer $250-$2,000
• Post-Production Manager $500-$8,500
• Video Editor Commercial $500-$3,500
• Colorist $250-$2,000
• Motion Graphics Designer $250-$6,000

Hiring talent (actors, influencers) will cut into your budget, but you can save money by featuring your employees or customers in your branded videos.

A great way to save during the production phase is by hiring a local crew that can handle a remote or hybrid video production workflow. Nowadays, you only need a skeleton crew on set.

You've made it to the post-production stage! It includes everything from editing, motion graphics, revisions, color correction to delivery. You may need to hire a different person for each role. So, your best bet is to go with a production company that can handle video production from start to finish.

How to create most effective video production brief:

Do you have an exciting idea for a video and ready to get started? Hang on a second because the first step is to write a video production brief. We share the essential components of a video production brief:

• What is the purpose of your video? In your production brief, you need to provide a short description of the story you want to tell and the impact you want to make. Also include details about your target audience and where you want the video published and distributed.
• What is your storytelling style? Here you can provide examples of other videos you want to emulate and describe what you are looking for in terms of the pace of the video, tone, and emotional impact.
• What is the scope of your production? What do you need to bring your project to life? List the crew members you want to hire that could be a freelance commercial DP or a full-service production company. If you have an in-house editor and are only looking for a shooter, be sure to mention this. In addition to listing crew members, you’ll need to outline the type of equipment you’re looking for, such as a drone or a specific camera model. Next, specify the production requirements such as securing film permits, scouting locations, and the rounds of revisions needed. Finally, what are your deliverables? If you are looking for social media cuts in addition to the final project, add those details here.
• What is your budget? You need to clearly state how much you are willing to spend on your project and be prepared to negotiate with the creator or production company on a price that works for everyone and ensures the best results. In this part of the brief, include your company expense policy.
• What is your deadline? Provide your team with deadlines for each stage of the production process, such as securing talent, filming, delivering footage, first cut, and so on. Also, mention your preferred method of communication and how you want the files and final results to be delivered, for example, a hard drive or FTP.

Find top-rated video services in your area. Here is a complete list of video production jobs that you can find through the Storyhunter creator network:

• 360 Commercial Videos
• 360 Documentary Videos
• 360 News Videos
• Audio Storytellers
• Colorists
• Commercial DPs
• Content Strategists
• Copy Editors
• Copywriters
• Corporate Videographers
• Creative Directors
• Documentary DPs
• Drone Operators
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalists
• Event Photographers
• Executive Producers
• Fashion Photographers
• Field Producers
• Filmmakers
• Fixers
• Full-Service 360 Production
• Full-Service Live Production
• Gaffers
• Grips
• Hair and Make-up Artists
• HD Live Operators
• Landscape Photographers
• Line Producers / On-Location
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamers
• Motion Graphics Designers
• Music Composers
• News Shooter / Video Journalists
• Non-Fiction Film Directors
• On-Air Reporter / Hosts
• Podcast Producers
• Portrait Photographers
• Post-Production Managers
• Product Photographers
• Production Assistants
• Production Companies
• Production Coordinators / Crewing
• Reporter / Journalist