Factors That Affect Videography Pricing
When we’re looking for a solution to a problem, we often want to find a simple, clear cut answer to it. Unfortunately, sometimes things can’t be solved in such a simple manner. Video projects are one of those things. Sure, videographers and video production companies would love to provide simple package pricing for videos, but, truthfully, there are a lot of factors that go into videography and video production that can make one 30 second video $1,000, and another 30 second video $10,000. See what I mean? It’s hard to put a set price on video work.
You’ve probably heard the following phrase from creative agencies before: “We quote on a project-by-project basis.” This is because, when putting together a videography quote, there are so many factors that affect videography pricing that the videographer thoroughly needs to understand what exactly your project entails, and ensure that they provide a quote that covers ALL factors involved with the video.
In general, simple video productions will cost less than more elaborate ones, but there are still a few things you should keep in mind before reaching out to a videographer for a quote. Below, we’ve outlined a few key factors that affect videography pricing so that you can be aware of what you may (or may not) need for your video project, and ensure you only get quoted for what you truly need in your project.
Time Required for the Project
This one may seem obvious, which is why we’re getting it out of the way right up front. The amount of time it will take to complete a project will affect the videography pricing, but this isn’t just the time it will take to actually film the video. Videography pricing generally covers some level of pre-production work, which can include scriptwriting, location booking, equipment renting / testing, etc. The more your videographer is involved with the pre-production process, the more your video project will cost.
The other element in regards to time is post-production, or simply editing the video. Some videos require really quick, simple edits, and this will generally require less time to complete, ultimately costing less money. Some videos, however, require complex transitions, colour grading, audio engineering, sound effects and more. The more that is required in the editing process, the more time that’s ultimately required as well, leading to higher videography pricing.
Location of the Project
Location can affect videography pricing in two ways: if the filming location(s) requires a permit or a rental, and if the videographer needs to travel there.
For the first part, some venues do cost money to use - especially if you’re using the location for commercial purposes. A lot of the time, to film in a public space, you need to require a permit allowing you and the film crew to utilize the space in your video. These permits do cost money, and will generally be included in the overall videography pricing. Similarly, if you want your video to be shot in a studio, there is typically an hourly / daily rental fee that again gets incorporated into the videography pricing. If you have a location that you can use for the location of the video, then that is a great way to reduce your overall videography pricing.
The second part has to do with travel. Not all videographers charge a travel fee, but, if they’re required to leave their town and travel to another city, province or country, a travel fee will likely get incorporated into the overall videography pricing. This travel fee could be a simple flat fee, or it could include fees for flights, rental cars, hotels and food. If you’d like to reduce or eliminate fees for travel, try sourcing a local videographer if possible.
Actors / Actresses
If you have people who are willing to be in your video, whether it’s your friends, family or coworkers, that’s great, and will certainly help you reduce the overall pricing of your video. If actors or actresses are required, though, you can expect a much higher videography pricing. The amount required to hire actors / actresses will depend on how many are required, how many days they’re needed for and if they need to travel. The pricing can also vary quite a bit. Highly experienced actors and actresses can make or break a video, though, so, if you don’t really have anyone to be in your video, hiring actors and actresses is a good move.
Additionally, even if you don’t require actors and actresses, you may require a voiceover actor / actress. If you have a script that requires narration, someone with a great narration talent can really make a video come to life.
If you do have people willing to be in your video though, especially people who work at your company, this can be a great way to showcase who your company really is, and give off a genuine vibe about your place of business. It’ll also save you some money too!
Music Licensing
Yes, it would be awesome to add whatever music we want to our videos, but alas you can’t. Any music that gets added to a video must be licensed. This is especially true for commercial video projects. Most videos do require some form of background music though, so this is an essential piece to the videography puzzle.
Again, music licensing costs vary. You can get music licensed for in and around $50, or it can cost thousands depending on who the artist is. The good news it that there is music licensing options for everyone’s budgets, so getting music into your video should be the least of your concerns!
Videography projects have a lot of factors that contribute to the overall cost of your video. Having an understanding of these factors can help you better understand what exactly goes into a videography project, and help you decide what factors are essential to your project, helping you save money in the long run.
Toronto Videography Pricing
If you’re looking for videography pricing in the Toronto area, including Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Hamilton and Brampton, give us a shout. We’d be happy to learn more about your videography project, and provide you with a quote. Reach out today!
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