How Much Does Professional Video Production Cost? (A Real Breakdown From a Working Commercial Filmmaker)
If you’ve started searching for professional video production, you’ve probably noticed one thing right away: prices are all over the place. Some freelancers charge a few hundred dollars. Some studios quote $20,000+. And most websites online give you the same vague answer:
“It depends.”
That answer is technically true…
But it’s not helpful.
So in this guide, I’m going to give you real numbers, real examples, and a transparent breakdown of what things actually cost in the video production world—based on my experience producing commercial content, professional content capture, event videos, and photography across North Texas.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what affects video pricing, what you should budget for, and how to evaluate quotes from different videographers so you get the most value for your investment.
Our Real Pricing (So You Don’t Have to Guess)
At Media Depot, these are the typical starting costs for the types of projects we produce most:
Commercial Projects — Starting at $5,000
Commercials are high-intent content pieces designed to drive sales, traffic, or brand authority. These require the most planning, lighting, crew, and post-production, which is why they start at this level.
Professional Content Capture — $1,500 to $10,000
This covers anything from branded social content to ongoing content days, facility coverage, interviews, and more. Pricing varies heavily depending on scope and deliverables.
Event Coverage — $1,000 to $4,500
This includes conferences, grand openings, expos, tournaments, corporate events, etc.
Commercial Photography — $200/hr or $1,000/day
Perfect for businesses that need product shots, branding images, team headshots, or social-ready photos.
Why the Range? What Actually Affects the Cost
Video production isn’t just “pressing record.”
The majority of the work happens before and after the shoot.
These are the factors that most influence cost:
Crew Size
A one-man-band costs less, but a three- or four-person crew can capture far more—and at higher quality—especially for commercials and brand films.
Lighting Requirements
Lighting is one of the biggest quality differentiators in video.
More lights = more crew + more gear.
Scripting & Pre-Production
Commercials typically require concept development, scripting, shotlists, location scouting, and planning meetings.
Travel
Out-of-city shoots or multi-location productions affect pricing.
Actors or Talent
If your commercial includes people who are not part of your team, you may need models, actors, or voiceover talent.
Editing Complexity
More deliverables, revisions, color grading, motion graphics, sound design, subtitles, and multi-camera syncing all take time.
The combination of these is what makes one project cost $1,500 and another cost $8,000+.
Case Studies: When Video Production Pays Off
Here are real examples from clients who saw measurable value:
Home Builder Sold Two Homes Immediately After a Video Release
We produced a 3D Drone Tracking video that showcased two completely empty lots. Keep in mind that this was a challenging client as potential buyers weren’t buying just the lot, they had to agree that our client would build their custom home as well. Within days of posting the video, both properties sold. Learn more about this case study here.
Local Gym Saw a Spike in Traffic After Their Commercial
A gym owner needed to generate new members.
We created a high-energy brand commercial that highlighted their environment, trainers, and culture.
Within weeks, they saw a noticeable uptick in foot traffic and sign-ups.
Hispanic HVAC Company Saw New Leads Flood In After Their Video Release
We created an HVAC service-centered commercial in both English and Spanish.
This helped the brand appear more trustworthy, approachable, and professional.
The result: a surge in service calls and new customers.
Wedding Couple Absolutely Ecstatic With Their Film
Not every ROI is monetary—sometimes it’s emotional.
One couple described their film as “the best investment in the whole wedding.”
This is the power of storytelling, brand positioning, and high-end visuals.
The Biggest Misconceptions About Video Production Pricing
“It’s too expensive.”
Modern tech has made video more affordable than ever.
You don’t need a $50K commercial to get great results.
“It’s just pointing a camera and hitting record.”
The camera is 10% of the job.
Utilizing professional crew members and post-production make up the majority of the cost.
“A higher budget means a giant Hollywood crew.”
You’d be surprised how much we can accomplish with a small, efficient professional team—especially with modern cinema cameras.
The Most Common Mistake When Comparing Quotes
Most clients look only at price.
But here’s the truth:
A cheaper quote typically means less pre-production, smaller crew, weaker lighting, fewer deliverables, lower-quality gear, and slower turnaround times.
When comparing quotes, always ask:
What deliverables are included?
Who is on the crew?
What camera and lighting package is being used?
How many hours of editing are budgeted?
Is pre-production included?
What’s the revision policy?
Choosing based on price alone is the fastest way to get a video that fails to accomplish your goals.
Our Process (And Why It Produces Better Results)
We’ve developed a process that ensures clients get a final product that truly serves their business:
Discovery Phase
We sit down to define your goals, audience, message, and the scope of work.
This is where we build clarity, so the final result hits the target.
Pre-Production
Shotlists, scripts, storyboards, location planning, timelines, and logistics.
Production Day(s)
This is where the cameras roll.
Our team is trained to work with high-end cinema gear like:
Sony FX3 and FX6
RED Komodo X
Advanced lighting setups
Pro audio
Stabilizers, drones, and more
These tools—and the expertise behind them—are why our projects look cinematic, polished, and elevated.
4. Post-Production
This includes editing, color grading, sound design, and final delivery.
Throughout each step, we reference your goals to ensure we’re building a product that makes sense for your business.
not just a pretty video.
What’s the ROI of Professional Video Production?
ROI isn’t always measured in dollars (though often it is).
High-quality video communicates:
Professionalism
Credibility
Authority
Success
Attention to detail
A strong brand
A polished commercial isn’t just content, but a shift in consumer’s perception..
When people see your brand investing in how it presents itself, they instantly trust you more.
Find out more on how Video helps you lock in more clients here
So… How Much Should You Expect to Spend?
Here’s the simplest breakdown:
Small business content or event coverage: $1,000–$4,500
Professional content capture days: $1,500–$10,000
Commercial productions: Minimum $5,000
Commercial photography: $200/hr or $1,000/day for one photographer
If your goal is to actually influence customers, build brand authority, or make your business look legitimate, investing in professional video production is paramount, and it’s also your strategic advantage.
Final Thoughts: Our Pricing Philosophy
We price everything per project, not with rigid packages, because every business has different goals. But we always aim to deliver a great product at a fair price—something that genuinely moves the needle for your business.
If you’re ready to elevate your brand with video that actually performs, the best next step is simple:
Chat with us down below so we can talk through your goals and build a custom quote.
