Video production costs confuse many first-time buyers. Quotes arrive with line items like "DOP day rate," "offline edit," and "grade and audio," and it is not always obvious what these mean or why they cost what they do. This guide demystifies video production pricing from the client's perspective — explaining each component, why it exists, and what drives its cost up or down.
The three phases and their costs
Video production has three phases: pre-production (planning), production (filming), and post-production (editing and finishing). Each phase has its own cost drivers. Pre-production costs are often absorbed into overheads on simple projects but become visible line items on larger ones. Production costs — crew, equipment, location — are usually the largest single cost block. Post-production costs can rival production costs on effects-heavy or revision-intensive projects.
What a crew actually costs
A professional video crew for a corporate shoot typically includes a director or director/DOP, a camera operator, a sound recordist, and sometimes a producer or production assistant. Each has a day rate. On a typical UK corporate shoot, crew day rates range from £300 to £1,000 per person depending on role and experience. For a three-person crew over two days, crew costs alone can reach £3,000–£6,000 before equipment, location, or post-production.
Equipment costs
Camera hire for a professional production runs £300–£800 per day depending on the camera and lens package. Lighting hire £200–£500 per day. Audio £150–£300 per day. Grip equipment for moving shots can add another £200–£400. Equipment is often bundled into the DOP or camera operator's rate on smaller productions but itemised separately on larger ones.
Location and logistics costs
Studio hire ranges from £300 to £2,000+ per day. On-location shooting may involve location fees (£200–£1,000+ per day depending on the venue), travel costs, and accommodation for out-of-town crews. Catering for the crew is a standard cost on full shoot days — typically £25–£50 per person per day.
Post-production costs
Post-production covers editing, colour grading, audio mixing, motion graphics, and delivery. An editor day rate for corporate work ranges from £300–£600 per day. Colour grading and audio mixing typically add one to two days for a short corporate video. Motion graphics, if required, can add several days of work at similar rates. Total post-production costs for a two-minute corporate video typically range from £1,500 to £5,000.
Revision costs
Every production quote should specify the number of revision rounds included. Additional revisions beyond the contracted allowance are typically charged at the editor's hourly rate (£40–£100 per hour). The cost of excessive, unconsolidated client feedback rounds is one of the most common causes of project overrun. Studios that use a structured review platform reduce revision costs for both parties by consolidating feedback efficiently.
“The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Understand what each quote includes before comparing them on price.”
Quick cost reference for UK video production
- DOP/director: £500–£1,000/day
- Camera operator: £350–£600/day
- Sound recordist: £300–£500/day
- Camera package: £300–£800/day
- Studio hire: £300–£2,000/day
- Video editor: £300–£600/day
- Colour grade / audio mix: 1–2 days per short video
Frequently asked questions
Why do some studios include "project management" as a line item?
Project management on a video production covers producer time, client communication, scheduling, and administrative coordination. On larger projects this is a significant time investment and is legitimately chargeable.
Can I reduce costs by supplying my own talent?
Yes — supplying your own on-screen presenters or actors avoids casting fees. However, inexperienced on-screen talent often increases shoot time and editing time, which can offset the saving.
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