Contents
I. Commercial video production costs & factors that influence them
1. Commercial video price also depend on the film type
a. Commercial video production costs include marketing & distribution expenses
II. How to calculate commercial video production costs
1. Commercial video production costs: estimates from the YOPRST portfolio
III. On a final note
Have you ever wondered how much a commercial video production costs? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, can surprise many business owners! Commercial video production is more than just an artistic expression; it is a significant investment influenced by various factors. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what the commercial video price can be and reveal the key elements that affect the quality and effectiveness of your campaign. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions and invest in a video that captivates your audience.
Commercial video production costs & factors that influence them
Commercial videos have become an essential element of modern marketing campaigns. They capture attention, evoke emotions, and allow complex messages to be conveyed in a simple, engaging way. A well-produced video commercial can significantly impact a campaign in today’s fiercely competitive social media-driven world. However, before you move forward, it’s important to understand the factors that influence commercial video production costs. The video commercial price can vary significantly depending on multiple variables. Some of the most important factors include:
- Video length. Short video commercials, like 15-second spots, are usually less expensive than longer productions, such as 60-second video ads. The length directly affects the commercial video production cost because longer content requires more footage, more crew time, and more shots. Longer productions also drive up post-production expenses, including video editing, visual effects, and sound design. If you’re aiming to keep your commercial video price down, producing shorter ads could be a smart move.
- Technical complexity. The more advanced the special effects, such as animations, you use in your video, the higher commercial video production costs will be. Using cutting-edge technology – like drones or 3D effects – also means hiring professionals. These costs can add up quickly, as preparing and executing such effects takes more time, leading to higher crew salaries. Complex productions also demand more intricate post-production work, further increasing the video commercial cost. That is why you should always match your budget to your expectations.
- Actors and extras. The more people participate in the video shoot, the higher the commercial video production cost. Hiring professional actors or extras, as well as making necessary accommodations (such as catering and transportation), is a significant expense, too. Casting costs may vary based on the actors’ experience and reputation, as well as the number of shooting days required for your project. If your commercial involves scenes with large groups, the video commercial price can rise significantly.
- Filming equipment. Purchasing or renting professional-grade filming equipment, such as cameras, lighting, microphones, tripods, and camera cranes, contributes significantly to the overall video commercial price. In most cases, you’ll need high-end equipment to achieve the desired “polished,” commercial look and audio quality. If the project requires specialized devices such as drones or 360-degree cameras, commercial video production costs can skyrocket, especially if equipment must be rented for a set period of time.
- Location. The choice of filming location plays a big role in the commercial video production cost. Shooting in remote or hard-to-access places involves additional expenses for crew and equipment transportation and sometimes accommodation. International shoots and renting specialized spaces, such as film studios or unique venues, further elevate the video commercial cost. In some cases, securing special permits for certain locations adds administrative fees that impact the final video commercial price.
Commercial video price also depend on the film type
The type of commercial video significantly influences its final production cost, as different formats entail varying technical requirements, locations, crew time, and production complexities. Grasping these distinctions aids in better budgeting and resource allocation at each production stage. The choice of format depends not only on campaign objectives but also on brand specifics and the media platform for the advertisement. Each format possesses unique characteristics that impact both commercial video production costs and the advertisement’s effectiveness.
- TV commercials. Television commercials are among the most expensive productions due to stringent quality standards for both visuals and audio. TV also imposes strict format requirements, often necessitating production in professional studios and complex editing processes. For instance, car advertisements aired during prime time exemplify such high standards. The estimated video production cost ranges from €11,700 to €117,000, depending on the project scale, location, crew involvement, and special effects used.
- Social media videos. Professional-looking videos for social media platforms or YouTube are typically less expensive due to their informal nature and lower equipment requirements. These are frequently shot with smartphones or simpler cameras in order to quickly capture the viewer’s attention. Short, viral, trend-based product ads or “behind-the-scenes” footage are two examples of social media videos. Estimated costs range from €1,170 to €11,700, depending on video length, platform, and production quality.
- B2B promotional videos. Commercial videos targeting businesses and corporate clients require meticulous preproduction, encompassing scriptwriting, directing, and professional editing. Commercial video production costs vary based on content length and chosen locations, often involving rented office spaces, factories, or specialized facilities. These videos aim to professionally showcase a company’s offerings. An example is a promotional video for enterprise software. The estimated commercial video cost ranges from €4,680 to €46,800.
- Product video ads. In product advertisements, the key is to present the product appealingly. Such productions often necessitate high-resolution cameras for macro shots and advanced lighting setups. For example, cosmetic ads must capture details like packaging texture, product application, and before-and-after footage. These videos typically necessitate efficient postproduction. The video ad cost in this case is estimated to range between €3,510 and €35,100, depending on the level of detail, location, and number of shooting days.
Commercial video production costs include marketing & distribution expenses
Producing a commercial video is only one step toward success; effective distribution and promotion are equally important. Do you want to know how much a commercial video costs after accounting for marketing expenses? Marketing costs include the purchase of ad space in traditional media such as television and radio, as well as on websites. Advertising space can significantly affect the video ad cost, especially if you aim to air the content during peak hours or on popular online platforms. Investing wisely in ad space ensures greater visibility and helps you reach a wider audience.
Another essential marketing aspect is running campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Social media advertising can be highly effective but also requires a dedicated budget, which needs to be added to the overall commercial video production rates. In addition, advertising agencies often assist businesses with distribution strategy development, campaign analytics, and the creation of supporting materials such as teasers, graphics, and landing pages. By carefully planning your promotional efforts, you can increase your reach and achieve a faster ROI.
How to calculate commercial video production costs
Budgeting for a commercial video is an important stage that requires careful consideration of numerous factors. First, clearly define the campaign’s goals and select the video format that best fits them. The length of the video, type of production, and technical requirements all have a direct impact on the project’s cost. Selecting the appropriate format can help reduce commercial video production costs, especially if your campaign goals can be met with shorter or simpler videos, such as Instagram Reels and Stories. Remember, efficiency is just as important as visual appeal.
Another important aspect of budgeting is keeping track of costs throughout the production process. You’ll need to allocate funds for pre-production expenses, including script development, location scouting, and team preparation. Next, you should estimate shooting costs – such as equipment rental and fees for actors and crew members. Accurately forecasting these variables helps to avoid surprises in the final video commercial cost. Finally, it’s essential to include post-production expenses like video editing, visual effects, and sound design in your financial plan.
It is also prudent to consider any additional costs that may arise during production. Marketing and distribution costs can significantly affect the overall commercial video price. Transportation, crew accommodations, and unforeseen circumstances such as location changes or extra shooting days can all contribute to the increased video commercial cost. Before making a final decision, you should also compare different production companies to find the best balance between quality and commercial video production costs. While we’re at it, here’s a list of the top video production companies in Poland.
Commercial video production costs: estimates from the YOPRST portfolio
To better understand just how diverse commercial video production costs can be, here are three real-world examples from YOPRST’s portfolio. Each of these projects had a different vibe, location, and marketing objective, which led to varying budgets. These examples highlight how critical it is to match the video format to the client’s specific needs – a factor that heavily influences the final commercial video price. It’s important to remember that the overall video ad cost is shaped not only by production complexity but also by factors such as location, number of shooting days, etc.
- Mobile casino commercial. This vibrant production featured actors, performers, and even live llamas; therefore, it necessitated an extensive crew and specialized equipment. Filmed both in a house near Warsaw and at a downtown nightclub, the dynamic video project demanded precise planning, complex lighting setups, and seamless coordination. The use of live animals and special effects significantly increased the video commercial cost. Due to the unusual locations and number of actors involved, the production cost was approximately €81,900.
- Commercial for an online language learning platform. The commercial for Tutlo was shot in a beautiful home outside Warsaw. In this video, we aimed to highlight common language learning challenges and how the platform helps overcome them. Directed by Andrzej Asijuk, the shoot involved three scenes illustrating different student scenarios. Thanks to the perfect location and a simplified production approach, the focus remained on the emotional message. This approach helped keep commercial video production costs under control, totaling €8,200.
- Promotional video for Belyaevs & Partners law firm. The promotional film for Belyaevs & Partners defied traditional legal advertising conventions by incorporating a dynamic style, striking visuals, and a fast-paced rhythm. The client granted the production team complete creative freedom, allowing for bold narrative choices, distinctive visuals, and unconventional editing methods. This fresh, high-energy approach significantly boosted engagement and captured the attention of a wider audience. The video ad cost for this project was around €9,400.
On a final note
Commercial video production is a multi-stage process where pricing depends on numerous factors. For example, the cost of producing a one-minute commercial video in Poland and the EU can range from approximately €11,700 to €250,000, depending on the format, production quality, and complexity. Recording a 30-second television spot typically costs between €7,000 and €35,000. Simpler productions, such as social media commercials, may cost as little as €1,170 to €11,700, depending on factors like location, technology used, equipment quality, and the participation of professional actors.
Remember: a well-executed commercial video is an investment that can improve brand perception, recognition, and even sales. Understanding commercial video production costs from the outset helps set realistic expectations and ensures you get the most from your budget. If you would like a tailored quote to better understand how much a commercial video would cost for your specific project, please contact the YOPRST team. We would be delighted to advise you, discuss your options, and create a video that will impress your target audience. Let’s create something beautiful together!