Video Production Pricing 101: Costings Guide
Video content is one of the most impactful ways to connect with your audience and communicate your brand’s message. From quick social media interviews to engaging behind-the-scenes footage, videos are essential to any business's marketing strategy. But how does the cost of video production break down, especially for smaller, more intimate shoots? And how does that investment translate into value for your brand?
At Splinter Unit Films, we specialise in small-scale, lean video productions that are cost-effective yet high in value. Our team typically works with a minimal crew, often shooting on location at venues for social interviews and brand storytelling. This allows us to keep costs down while delivering top-notch video content that drives results.
Breaking Down the Cost of Lean Video Production
Even with a small-scale approach, video production involves a few key stages. Each contributes to the overall cost and quality of the final product. Let’s take a closer look at these stages and how they apply to more compact video shoots.
1. Pre-Production
Laying the Groundwork for Success
In small-scale productions, pre-production is often streamlined but still essential for creating a cohesive, well-planned shoot. Key tasks include:
Concept Development: Clarifying the video’s purpose, message, and target audience.
Script or Interview Planning: Outlining key questions, talking points, or dialogue for interviews or testimonials.
Venue Logistics: Coordinating with the venue, managing shoot schedules, and ensuring all required permissions are in place.
Cost Drivers: Planning time, venue logistics, lighting hire and any necessary scriptwriting or interview prep.
2. Production
Capturing Your Story with a Lean Team
In our lean video productions, we focus on keeping things efficient with a small crew and compact equipment setup. Here’s what you can expect during the production stage:
Small, Skilled Crew: Typically, a few key crew members handle multiple roles, such as a camera operator doubling as a director or sound technician.
Lightweight Equipment: We often use high-quality but portable cameras, microphones, and lighting setups, minimizing setup time and disruption at the venue.
On-Location Filming: Most shoots are done at the client’s venue or event space, which keeps location costs low and integrates seamlessly into your existing operations.
Cost Drivers: Crew size, equipment needs, and the duration of the shoot. Lean productions mean lower overhead, but we maintain quality by using highly skilled professionals.
3. Post-Production
Transforming Raw Footage into a Polished Final Product
After filming, we move into post-production, where the real magic happens. Here’s what goes into it:
Editing: Cutting together the best parts of the interview or shoot to create a cohesive narrative or highlight key moments.
Audio Enhancement: Cleaning up sound, ensuring crisp audio from interviews or events.
Color Grading: Making sure the video looks visually appealing and professional.
Adding Graphics: Simple on-screen text, logos, or name tags for interviewees may be added.
Cost Drivers: The level of editing and any additional graphics or audio work required. Since we focus on lean productions, post-production is typically streamlined but delivers professional results.
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What Affects the Cost of Lean Video Production?
Even with a lean production model, costs can vary depending on several factors. Understanding these will help you budget effectively and make sure your video meets your goals.
1. Simplicity vs. Complexity
For a straightforward social interview with a minimal crew and basic equipment, the cost remains relatively low. However, if you need additional elements like multi-camera setups, special effects, or multiple shoot locations, costs can increase. Deciding on the right level of complexity is key to balancing cost and impact.
2. Shoot Duration
The length of the shoot is a major factor in production costs. Short interviews or event recaps can be filmed quickly, while more detailed projects might require additional time on set, increasing costs. Most of our shoots are 1 to 2 days shoot for a 1-5 minute video (these can be cutdown in to multiple videos for posting over a longer duration).
3. Post-Production Needs
Simple interview edits can be completed quickly and affordably. But if you’re looking to include detailed motion graphics, additional revision rounds (2+ major revisions are included with every project), or advanced sound design, the cost of post-production may increase.
The Value of High-Quality, Lean Video Production
While small-scale video production keeps costs lower, it still delivers immense value for your business. Here’s how lean video production can drive results.
1. Boost Engagement with Authentic Content
Connect with Audiences Through Real Stories
Videos that capture real moments—whether it’s a candid social interview or a behind-the-scenes look at your business—resonate with audiences. Lean productions are perfect for creating authentic, engaging content that performs well across social media, websites, and more. Engaging video content leads to:
Increased social media interactions: More likes, shares, and comments.
Longer website visits: People spend more time engaging with video content, boosting your SEO and conversion rates.
2. Build Trust with Your Audience
Showcase the Real You
Smaller-scale video productions often allow for more intimate and personal storytelling, which helps to build trust with your audience. Whether it’s a testimonial, interview, or behind-the-scenes glimpse, lean video production helps you authentically showcase your brand’s values and personality.
3. Affordable, Long-Term ROI
Small Investment, Big Return
With lean video production, you don’t have to spend large sums to create impactful content. By keeping the crew small and the process efficient, you save on costs while still producing professional-quality videos that can be used across multiple platforms. Plus, the videos can be repurposed for future campaigns, stretching your investment further.
Is Lean Video Production Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Lean video production provides the perfect balance between affordability and high-quality content. It allows your brand to create ongoing, authentic videos without breaking the bank, making it an excellent option for businesses looking to boost their marketing with regular video content.
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How Splinter Unit Films Maximises Value for Your Budget
At Splinter Unit Films, we specialise in small-scale, high-quality productions that deliver big results. Here’s how we make the most of your video budget:
Minimal Crew, Maximum Efficiency: Our experienced team handles multiple roles, streamlining the shoot without sacrificing quality.
Tailored Approach: We work with you to understand your content goals and adjust the production to fit your needs.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees—just clear, upfront costs. Our prices start from £1,200 p/m (video subscriptions) or from £1,500 per project.
Ongoing Content Options: If you need regular video content, we also offer subscription models to keep the videos coming consistently and affordably.
Ready to Elevate Your Brand with Lean Video Production?
Let’s create authentic, high-quality videos that fit your budget and deliver outstanding results.
