How Much Does Video Production Actually Cost in 2026?

Ask ten production companies what a video costs and you'll get ten answers — usually after three discovery calls. We think that's backwards. Here's how video pricing actually works, using our own public rate card as the example.

Every video project has four cost layers: pre-production (strategy, scripts, storyboards), production (crew, equipment, locations), post-production (editing, color, sound, graphics), and delivery (formats, captions, platform versions). A 'cheap' quote usually means one of these layers is missing — and you'll feel it in the final cut.

For reference: a professional half-day shoot runs around $500, full-day $900. Advanced editing bills around $125/hour. A finished 30–60 second commercial, all layers included, typically lands between $1,500 and $6,500 depending on concept complexity. Monthly social content packages start around $1,400.

The real question isn't 'what does video cost' — it's 'what does the video need to do?' A brand film that wins you two enterprise contracts pays for itself hundreds of times over. A reel that dies with 200 views was expensive at any price. Start with the business outcome, and the budget conversation gets easy.

Want a real number for your project? Our pricing calculator uses our actual rate card — no email gate, no sales call required.