Understanding Video Production Costs: Pricing for Business Video

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Estimated reading time: 21 mins

Summary

Curious about whether to handle your business video in-house or hire a professional? In the post below, you’ll discover the reality behind the DIY and professional video production costs — from equipment and editing to time and expertise. You’ll learn how to weigh the pros and cons of each approach, understand when to save and when to invest, and make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and budget.

Introduction
What Elements Make Up the Cost of Video Production?
Types of Videos & Average Production Cost
How Much Should a 5-Minute Video Cost?
How to Create a Video Production Budget
How to Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Professional vs. DIY Video Production Costs
Final Thoughts

Introduction

Ever wondered why the cost of a business video can vary so much—even for videos of the same length? One business might spend £500 on a short promotional clip, while another could spend £5,000 on something that looks similar. If you’ve been scratching your head over how video pricing works, you’re not alone.

The truth is, the length of a video is just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like production quality, complexity, editing requirements, and even the experience of the crew all have a major impact on the final price tag.

In this post, we’ll break down the key elements that influence video production costs, explore how much you can expect to pay for different types of business videos, and offer smart strategies to maximise value—without cutting corners on quality.

What Elements Make Up the Cost of Video Production?

Video production is much more than simply hitting the record button and hoping everything turns out well. Creating a professional video involves multiple steps, each of which influences the overall budget. Let’s break down the key stages involved:

1. Pre-Production

This phase is all about planning. If you nail this part, you can save a lot of time and money down the line. Here are some potential costs to consider:

Scripting: You might want to hire a writer to develop a captivating script.
Storyboarding: This helps visualise the flow of the video, minimising confusion during filming.
Location Scouting: Finding the perfect location may incur extra expenses for permits or rentals.
Casting: If you need actors or hosts, be prepared to budget for their fees. Often, usage fees are only valid for certain uses and time before you need to renew the licence with them.

2. Production

This is where the actual filming takes place, and it can often carry the highest investment. Key expenses include:

Crew: You’ll need to pay everyone involved, from the Director to the Camera Operator and Sound Technician.
Equipment: Investing in cameras, microphones, lighting, and other gear is essential for quality footage.
Props and Set Design: This could range from branded backdrops to specific product displays.- Location Fees: Don’t forget about studio rentals, permits, and travel costs where appropriate.

3. Post-Production

After filming, it’s time to stitch everything together. This is where a lot of the creative work happens:

Editing: This involves cutting and organising footage into a cohesive narrative.
Colour Grading: Adjusting colours and tones gives your video a professional finish.
Sound Design: Enhancing audio quality, adding background music, and incorporating sound effects are crucial here.
Graphics and Animation: This includes adding logos, lower thirds, and any visual effects needed.

4. Distribution

The final step is getting your video out into the world. Although this may not always fall under production costs, it’s important to consider:

Platform-Specific Editing: Tailoring your video format for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
SEO Optimisation: Creating metadata and captions can help improve your video’s visibility in search results.

Understanding these stages will help you appreciate the complexities of video production and better plan your budget.

Types of Videos & Average Production Cost

Not all business videos are created equal — the type of video you choose to produce will have a big impact on the overall cost. Different video styles require varying levels of expertise, equipment, and production time, which is why costs can differ so much. Below are some of the most common types of business videos, along with an idea of the typical price ranges — and where those costs might sit depending on the type of production company or professional you hire.

1. Promotional Videos

Promotional videos are designed to highlight your products, services, or brand identity in a slick, engaging format. These are often polished pieces intended to be used on social media, your website, or even in paid ad campaigns.

Freelancer: £500–£2,000 – If you hire a solo videographer, they might handle everything from shooting to editing, which keeps costs down but can limit the production value.
Small production company: £2,000–£5,000 – A small team will have access to better equipment and more creative input, raising the quality.
High-end production company: £5,000–£20,000+ – Larger agencies will bring in directors, stylists, professional lighting setups, and post-production specialists, which results in a more cinematic feel but comes with a higher price tag.

2. Explainer Videos

Explainer videos are designed to break down complex products or services into simple, engaging content — often using animation or a combination of live-action and graphics.

Freelancer: £300–£1,500 – A simple animated explainer video or a talking-head style video with basic graphics.
Small production company: £1,500–£5,000 – Higher-quality animation, custom graphics, and professional voiceovers.
High-end production company: £5,000–£15,000+ – Complex, detailed animation, advanced graphics, and a fully produced soundtrack or voiceover.

3. About Us Videos

An About Us Video helps businesses communicate their story, mission, and values while building trust with potential clients. It’s often used on websites, social media, and presentations to showcase who you are and why you do what you do.

Freelancer: £750–£2,500 – A simple, well-shot video featuring a single camera interview with a founder or team member, light editing, and basic branding elements.
Small Production Company: £2,500–£7,000 – Higher production quality with multiple camera angles, professional lighting, branded motion graphics, and some b-roll footage of the team and office environment.
High-End Production Company: £7,000–£20,000+ – A polished, cinematic-style production featuring drone shots, scripted storytelling, professional voiceovers, and custom animations.

4. Testimonial Videos

Testimonial videos feature satisfied customers talking about their experience with your business. These help build trust and can be a powerful tool for converting leads.

Freelancer: £300–£1,000 – A single-camera setup, basic lighting, and straightforward editing.
Small production company: £1,000–£3,500 – Higher production value with multiple camera angles and better sound design.
High-end production company: £3,500–£10,000 – Professionally directed, shot in multiple locations, with enhanced graphics and post-production.

5. Social Media Videos

Short, snappy videos designed for platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. These need to grab attention quickly and work well without sound.

Freelancer: £200–£800 – Basic editing with stock footage or simple filming.
Small production company: £800–£2,500 – Custom filming, enhanced graphics, and motion design.
High-end production company: £2,500–£10,000+ – Professional editing, multiple formats for different platforms, and enhanced visual effects.

6. Event Coverage

Covering a live event — whether it’s a conference, launch, or company party — requires specific equipment and experience.

Freelancer: £500–£2,000 – A single camera operator with basic post-production.
Small production company: £2,000–£7,000 – Multiple cameras, professional sound, and enhanced editing.
High-end production company: £7,000–£20,000+ – Multi-camera coverage, live streaming, high-quality post-production, and possible use of drones.

7. Training Videos

Training videos are designed for internal use, helping staff or clients understand processes or products. They need to be clear and well-organised.

Freelancer: £500–£1,500 – A simple talking-head style video or screen capture with a voiceover.
Small production company: £1,500–£5,000 – Multiple camera angles, better sound, and some added graphics.
High-end production company: £5,000–£20,000+ – Professionally directed with advanced visuals and sound effects.

8. Case Study Videos

A Case Study Video highlights real client success stories, demonstrating the impact of your services. These are powerful tools for building credibility and trust through real-world examples.

Freelancer: £750–£2,500 – A single-camera interview with a client, some overlay text, and minimal b-roll footage. A cost-effective way to capture testimonials.
Small Production Company: £2,500–£7,000 – A well-produced case study with multiple interview angles, professional lighting, engaging b-roll footage of the client using the service, and well-crafted storytelling.
High-End Production Company: £7,000–£20,000+ – A highly polished case study with cinematic visuals, professional narration, detailed motion graphics, and a compelling narrative arc designed to engage and convert prospects.

Why the Price Gap?

You’ve probably noticed the wide range of prices for each type of video. That’s because the cost is influenced by several key factors:

✅ Experience and Reputation – A seasoned production company or high-profile freelancer will charge more but also deliver a more polished result.
✅ Complexity of the Project – A simple testimonial shot in your office will cost a lot less than an explainer video with custom graphics and animation.
✅ Equipment and Crew Size – Hiring a single videographer is cheaper than booking a full crew with lighting, sound, and production assistants.
✅ Location and Permits – Filming on location might require permits, which adds to the cost.
✅ Post-Production Workload – The more editing, graphics, and sound work needed, the more expensive the final product.

What’s the Best Option for Your Business?

If you’re a small business or just getting started with video, working with a skilled freelancer or small production team might be the best balance of quality and cost. On the other hand, if you’re creating a major brand campaign or need a high-end product video, investing in a larger production company could make a big difference in how your brand is perceived.

How Much Should a 5-Minute Video Cost?

If you’ve been reading up to this point, you’ll have figured out the cost of a 5-minute video isn’t as straightforward as you might think — and for good reason. Video production isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. There are several moving parts that can push the price up or down, which is why production companies are often reluctant to give an exact quote without knowing the details first. Because of all these variables, they’ll usually want to understand your goals, budget, and vision first — that way, they can give you a realistic quote and make sure the final product meets your expectations.

The bottom line? A 5-minute video could cost anywhere from £500 to £15,000+, depending on how ambitious (or simple) you want to get. The key is to be clear about your goals and budget from the start — that way, you can get the most value for your money.

How to Create a Video Production Budget

Setting a budget for your video production is one of the smartest moves you can make before starting the process. Without a clear budget, costs can spiral quickly — and you may end up with a finished product that doesn’t quite match your expectations. A well-planned budget not only keeps you on track financially but also helps production companies understand your priorities and deliver the best possible outcome within your limits.

Here’s how to approach creating a realistic video production budget:

1. Define Your Goals

Start by asking yourself:

What is the purpose of this video?
Who is the target audience?
What action do you want viewers to take after watching it?

A promotional video aimed at attracting new clients will need a different approach (and budget) than an internal training video for your team. Understanding the video’s objective will help you decide where to spend and where to save.

For example, if you’re creating a product demo, investing in professional lighting and crisp sound will likely be more important than fancy special effects. On the other hand, if you’re producing a high-end brand video, the overall visual quality and production value will need to reflect that — which will require a bigger budget.

2. Prioritise What Matters Most

You might not have the budget to throw everything at your video — and that’s fine. The key is knowing what’s essential and what you can live without.

For example, if your video relies heavily on strong visuals, prioritise camera quality and lighting over special effects. If it’s more about communicating a message, then investing in professional scriptwriting and clear sound should take precedence.

It’s also worth considering the shelf life of the video. A high-end brand video designed to sit on your website for the next two years is worth a bigger investment than a quick social media clip that will be forgotten in a week.

3. Factor in the Hidden Costs

There are often unexpected costs in video production, so make sure you account for them upfront:

Travel expenses – If the crew needs to travel to a location, this could include fuel, accommodation, and meals.
Revisions – Many production companies include one or two rounds of revisions in their pricing — but extra edits may cost more.
Music licensing – Using copyrighted music requires licensing fees. There are free options, but high-quality music often costs extra.
Storage and delivery – Do you need the video delivered in multiple formats or resolutions?

4. Get Quotes and Be Clear About Your Budget

Once you have a rough idea of your budget, reach out to video production companies for quotes. Be upfront about what you can afford — this helps them tailor their proposal to fit your needs.

For example, if you have £2,000 to spend, a good production company will advise where to cut back (like using stock footage instead of custom shooting) while still delivering a professional result.

5. Track Spending as You Go

Once production begins, keep an eye on costs. Ask for regular updates from the production company and check that you’re still within budget. If you notice that spending is creeping up, work with the production team to adjust the plan before things get out of hand.

How to Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Creating a professional business video doesn’t have to cost a fortune. As a service provider, you want a high-quality video that reflects your brand’s expertise and professionalism — but that doesn’t mean you need to blow your marketing budget. The key is to know where to invest and where you can cut back without affecting the final product’s impact.

Here’s how you can work with a production company to create a high-quality video while keeping costs under control:

1. Start with a Clear Plan

A well-planned project is a cost-effective one. One of the biggest reasons video production costs spiral out of control is poor preparation — unclear goals, last-minute changes, and disorganised shoots all lead to wasted time and extra expenses.

Before you approach a production company, make sure you have:

A clear objective – What’s the purpose of the video? To generate leads, explain your services, or build brand awareness?
A realistic budget – Be upfront with the production company about your budget so they can tailor their services accordingly.

2. Minimise Location Costs

Shooting on location can quickly inflate costs due to travel, permits, and setup time. But for service businesses, you often have a built-in advantage — your own premises.

To reduce location expenses:

Film at your business location – An office, meeting room, or client site not only saves money but also makes the video more authentic.
Limit the number of locations – Shooting at multiple venues adds time and logistical costs. Try to get as much footage as possible from one location.
Use creative staging – A production company can help you make one location look different with clever angles and backdrop changes.

Example: A law firm creating a brand video could film client interactions, team meetings, and interviews all within the same office — reducing the need for additional locations and keeping costs down.

3. Keep the Crew Lean

A smaller crew means fewer people to pay and lower logistical costs — but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality.

When hiring a production company, ask about:

Bundled roles – Some videographers can handle filming, lighting, and sound themselves — reducing the need for a larger crew.
Small, experienced teams – A compact team of two or three skilled professionals can often deliver the same quality as a larger crew.
Day rates vs. hourly rates – Booking a crew for a full day may cost less than paying by the hour, especially if you’re filming multiple pieces of content.

Many production companies also offer package deals that cover filming and post-production — this can be more cost-effective than hiring separate teams.

4. Keep Post-Production Simple

Post-production (editing, sound design, colour correction) can be one of the biggest cost drivers in video production. Keeping it simple helps reduce these expenses.

To cut post-production costs:

Use minimal effects – Clean cuts and basic transitions often look more professional than complex animations.
Stick to simple graphics – A clean title and logo animation is often more effective than flashy motion graphics.
Be clear with your feedback – The fewer revisions required, the lower your final bill will be.

5. Repurpose Footage Across Multiple Platforms

Maximise your return on investment by getting more use out of the footage you create.

Create shorter social media cuts – A 60-second clip for Instagram or LinkedIn can be pulled from a longer brand video.
Use the same footage for multiple purposes – A customer testimonial can be featured on your website, in email campaigns, and on social media.
Plan ahead for future content – Ask the production company to capture extra B-roll footage that can be used in future videos.

6. Choose the Right Production Partner

Not all production companies are created equal — and working with the right partner can make all the difference in terms of quality and cost.

When evaluating production companies:

Review their portfolio – Look for examples of business videos similar to the style you want.
Ask about package deals – Some companies offer all-in-one pricing that includes filming, editing, and delivery.
Be upfront about your budget – A good production company will work with you to find cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

Example: A production company that specialises in corporate videos will understand the needs of service businesses better than a generalist — helping you achieve a more focused, professional result.

Reducing video production costs isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about working smarter. By planning carefully, keeping the production process streamlined, and working with the right team, you can create a high-quality video that reflects your business’s professionalism without overspending. A well-crafted video that communicates your expertise and builds trust with your audience is always worth the investment.

Professional vs. DIY Video Production Costs

As a business owner or marketer, one of the first decisions you’ll face when considering video for your service business is whether to produce the video in-house or hire a professional production company. Both options come with their own set of advantages, but understanding the cost implications of each can help you make a more informed decision. Let’s break down the costs and value of both professional and DIY video production.

DIY Video Production Costs

Going the DIY route might seem like the most cost-effective option at first glance. After all, you already have access to a smartphone or a basic camera, and with free or low-cost video editing software, it seems straightforward, right? But the reality can be more complex. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you might encounter:

Equipment
While smartphones today have surprisingly good cameras, they still fall short of the high-quality gear used by professional videographers. Even with the latest phone, you’ll still likely need additional equipment to get the best results.
Time & Effort
While it may feel like you’re saving money, DIY video production comes with a significant cost of both time and effort. Filming, editing, and producing the final product can take many hours, days, or months, depending on your experience. For a small business, this could mean sacrificing valuable time you could otherwise spend focusing on core business activities. Ask yourself how much your own time is worth, and whether it is better spent on the tasks you’re already great at.
Software
Editing software plays a huge role in video quality. Free programs like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker have limited functionality, whereas professional-grade software such as Adobe Premiere Pro come at a cost via a monthly subscription. There are also one-off options like Filmora (or Final Cut Pro on Apple products) if you don’t want a subscription-based software.
Learning Curve
If you’re new to video production, there’s also a learning curve to consider. Mastering the technical aspects of video editing, sound design, colour correction, and mastering lighting could take weeks or even months, and errors or inefficiencies along the way could lead to wasted time and rework.

Professional Video Production Costs

Hiring a professional production company is generally more expensive upfront, but the benefits often outweigh the costs — especially for businesses looking to build a polished, consistent brand image and foundational content. Here’s how professional video production costs break down:

Crew & Equipment
A professional production company will provide all the equipment necessary for top-quality video, including high-definition cameras, advanced lighting setups, and high-end microphones. Their team of experienced videographers, sound engineers, and editors will ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Prices can range from anywhere between £500 – £50,000. Usually, video production companies will try to find something to suit your budget.
Production Quality & Expertise
The main benefit of hiring a professional production company is the quality of the final product. Skilled videographers and editors have an eye for detail that can make a massive difference. A professional video will look more polished, the audio will be crisp, and the shots will be steady and well-framed. This expertise means that your business video will be in line with industry standards and make a stronger impact on your target audience.
Creative Input
Many businesses underestimate the creative input professionals bring. A production company can help you develop the concept, write the script, plan the shots, and ensure your brand is accurately reflected. Their experience can help transform a simple idea into a video that is not only high quality but also compelling and engaging.
Post-Production Expertise
Editing is where much of the magic happens. Professional editors can add complex transitions, colour grading, special effects, and custom animations. While you can learn these skills over time, it’s unlikely that you’ll achieve the same polished result in-house. Editing can make or break a video’s quality, and hiring professionals ensures a seamless end product.

When to Choose the DIY Route

If your goal is simply to post quick social media updates, video blogs, or create informal internal content, DIY could be a solid option. It’s especially viable if you’re already comfortable with the equipment and editing software. For instance, quick behind-the-scenes videos or updates on Facebook or Instagram don’t require the same level of polish as a professional brand video.

When to Go Professional

For anything that represents your business to potential clients or partners at key stages of your marketing funnel — such as an About Us video, promotional content, customer testimonials, or a service explainer — hiring a professional production company will give you the best results. Professionals will help you showcase your service offerings at their highest quality, ensuring your brand is presented consistently and effectively across all platforms.

In the end, the choice between DIY and professional video production comes down to your budget, the purpose of the video, and the level of polish you want to achieve. While DIY can save you money upfront, it may cost you time and a less-than-professional result. A professional production company will incur higher costs but provide a return in quality and efficiency that can make a significant impact on your business’ brand perception and overall marketing strategy. Consider your priorities carefully, and don’t forget to factor in the long-term benefits of a well-crafted video.

Final thoughts:

Creating an effective business video doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget—or chasing viral fame. The key is understanding where the costs come from and making smart choices that align with your goals. Focus on creating valuable, high-quality content that engages your audience and reflects your brand’s authenticity.

Need help bringing your video ideas to life? At TrustVid, we specialise in helping service providers create professional, effective videos that deliver results – for a whole range of budgets.

Need help creating your own DIY video content? Check out our selection of products at the Business Video Academy.