Video production at an indoor set

Videos are one of the most powerful tools to promote your brand or organization. As many as 90% of businesses report a favorable return on their investment in video production. While on average,  it costs more than most other forms of content to create, videos pack an unrivaled punch.

The total cost always depends on the scope of your video project and its concept. For example, does your video involve on-location filming or animation? Do you plan to include special effects? Will the background score involve stock audio or licensed music? All of these choices influence the cost of corporate video production

At 336 Productions, we’ve managed video projects ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands. Reach out to us to talk with a pro about your video project and to get a tailored quote. 

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Elements of a Video Production Budget

Typically, video production goes through three stages, pre-production, production, and post-production. For a live-action video project, the production phase, where the cast and crew come together to film, is generally the most expensive phase. Each stage involves different associated costs. Below are the major budget line items under each phase. 

Pre-Production

1. Scripting and Storyboarding

Costs for conceptualization, scripting, and storyboarding can vary considerably. Some of our clients come with a finished script ready to go. Others just come with a budget and ask for advice on how to get the best return on their investment. Most are somewhere in the middle – They may have a concept and need a script, or they might have a script that needs refinement.

2. Location Scouting

Finding the right filming location and paying for the right to film there can add to your video production costs. But not every project calls for a new location, or any location at all. If you know your video will be produced at your business, location scouting may be a non-factor. For other projects, your video may even be filmed entirely on a sound stage or made completely using animation and motion graphics.

3. Talent Casting & Crew Assembly

Hiring talent, including actors or voiceover artists is often another important part of video production. Casting costs can include finding the ideal look or voice of your cast, onboarding them through signing talent releases, and of course, the cost of their time and performance. Many of our projects do not require casting since in corporate video projects, the stars of the videos are often the company’s employees.

Crew assembly means assigning the proper crew members to a project. At minimum, there will be a camera operator and production assistant on set. For larger projects, the crew may be over a dozen people. An agency like 336 Productions has many of these experts on staff, and contractors on speed dial to fill these roles at a predictable cost depending on the scope of your project.

Production

video production cameras on tripods

Production is usually synonymous with filming, either on-location or at a studio. This is often the most costly part of corporate video production unless you’re producing an animated video. On-location filming combines several different expenses, including booking the location), managing a safe and secure set, and talent and crew salaries. For a project with a short video duration, production may last one day. For larger projects, either with multiple videos in a series or one video with a long duration, the shoot may last several days or weeks.

Animation/Motion Graphics

If you’ve opted for a 2D or 3D animated or motion graphics video, this will be the bulk of your production costs. Since video animation is an entirely computer-based process, it can be much less expensive than video where you’ve had to film on location or on a sound stage.

Post-Production

1. Visual Effects

Visual effects, or special effects, can add a lot to the cost of a corporate video production. It’s a labor-intensive process that can include green screen filming, possibly motion capture, and computer-generated imagery (CGI).

2. Color Grading

Color correction is often part of the post-production process that can enhance a scene and add to its impact. It’s a key part of the quality difference between a movie-quality video and an amateur video. Video agencies like 336 Productions will typically have professionals on staff to handle this during the editing process.

3. Sound Design

Sound quality is one of the most important aspects of professional-grade video. Audio editing and mixing is a standard part of a studio’s offering.

4. Music Licensing

Working with 336 Productions means access to extensive music libraries with thousands of contemporary tracks that suit most corporate video needs—at no extra cost to your budget. For projects requiring a unique touch, we can also collaborate with composers to create custom music. Additionally, if your video will be used for broadcast or streaming ads, we’ll guide you through any necessary licensing to ensure compliance.

5. HD Editing

Bringing the entire video together, including editing the footage and combining the visual effects and soundtrack is crucial to the success of the video. At 336 Productions, you can count on us to produce a polished video that impresses your audience and brings you more business.

Video Production Clarity: No Surprises, Just Success

The cost of corporate video production depends on factors like the video’s length, complexity, production needs (e.g., scriptwriting, animation, special effects), and usage (e.g., online, broadcast). At 336 Productions, we customize budgets to fit your project goals, with most corporate videos ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. We understand that most marketers have a budget for both the production of the video and the campaign to promote it. That’s why we work closely with our clients to create projects that stay within their budgets, avoiding unexpected add-on costs. If you’re unsure of your budget, we can pitch concepts tailored to an ideal cost or range.

See Excellent ROI With 336 Productions

336 Productions is one of the most sought-after video production companies in Orange County. As seasoned video professionals, we know what it takes to execute corporate video production cost-effectively, with a high-quality product. Browse our portfolio to see our work first-hand.

If you have a video project in mind, reach out to us to discuss its scope and your goals. We’ll work with you to map out a production plan and budget that meets your needs.

  • "Marlowe Stone is the co-owner and co-founder of 336 Productions, a video agency specializing in corporate video production and branded media, producing content for government agencies and some of the world's biggest brands. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the business. Additionally, she writes, produces, and project manages many of 336's projects. In 2022, Marlowe graduated with her Executive MBA from UCI to gain new insights and knowledge. She also holds a certificate in Women's Leadership and Digital Transformation. An Orange County native and mom to two girls, Marlowe is happiest when spending time with her family and friends."

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