7 min read

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Video Production and How to Avoid It

Charter & Co August 26, 2025

Video Production All

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Video Production

13:40

Professional video production can significantly amplify your message and your brand, but what is the cost of video production after everything is done? Is the money really worth it for your business goals?

If you're concerned about your project budget, keep in mind that cutting costs doesn't always mean you have to cut quality. Various tools, strategies, and local production teams can help you save money on a cheap video production while maintaining pristine quality and a clear message.

What Really Drives Video Production Costs?

From equipment rentals to crew expenses, various factors can quickly raise your upfront production costs based on your video project's needs. Multiday production shoots with complex, hands-on camera needs will generally cost more than basic, one-day video shoots.

That said, you must also consider the indirect costs. While cheap video production saves you money upfront, your final video may lack the attention-grabbing impact that your brand needs. This could contribute to lower engagement, scalability, and brand visibility while limiting the impact of paid promotions. Comparing your initial production costs to your potential return on investment (ROI) lets you compare your direct and indirect costs of production.

Breaking Down Budget Categories: Pre to Post

Full-scale video production requires multiple teams and stages to complete, with various elements to budget for. Potential pre-production costs include:

Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and concept development
Location scouting
Casting
Art and set design
Scheduling and logistics
Contingency budget for potential setbacks

Production costs often include:

Equipment and rental costs
Crew salaries and expenses
Talent fees
Craft services and other accommodations
Transportation

Finally, you must plan for post-production and distribution costs, including:

Video editing time and expenses
Color correction
Motion graphics and visual effects (VFX)
Sound mixing
Voice-over talent fees
Sponsored posts, search ads, and other paid promotions

Smart Cost-Saving Strategies for Video Projects

"Cheap video production" doesn't necessarily mean "lower quality," especially if you use cost-effective strategies and tools.

Repurposing Existing Footage

Consider your business's previous video content, such as ads, social media posts, product demos, or raw footage from company events. You can likely repurpose video content as "B-roll" for your future projects, letting you quickly cut away to products, services, and behind-the-scenes content while maintaining viewers' attention.

Beyond previously used videos, you should also consider stock footage. These free or inexpensive videos can significantly enhance your video's final look, whether you want a drone shot of your city or a quick time-lapse.

Shooting in Batches

Try combining multiple video shoots into a single production to avoid spending more time and money shooting each project individually. Of course, you won't be able to do this for every video project, such as for day and night shoots. Still, an experienced production team can recommend easy ways to combine different projects into a single production day without diminishing quality.

Alternatively, think of ways to expand your current video project into multiple videos. For instance, if you're filming a project with two actors, you could write a handful of 30-second scenes that showcase your products and services in different lights. Consider how many nearly identical ads you've seen Flo from Progressive in — yet each ad still works.

Using Free or Low-Cost Tools

While it would be cool to film with an $80,000 camera and a 24-foot crane, this won't be practical for your budget (unless you're anticipating a huge ROI). You can typically lower your equipment costs by simply considering the platforms you want to advertise on. While TV and streaming ads benefit from higher-quality cameras, you can often create excellent-quality social media videos simply with a good iPhone camera.

Various other tools can help you lower your costs beyond basic equipment. Free or cheap video production tools include:

Stock footage
Stock music and audio
Natural lighting
In-house voice-over or acting talent

Essential Gear for Budget-Friendly Video Production

You'll still need the right tools for your average video project, but you can often save money by sticking to the essentials. Take your time researching the most cost-effective tools, whether you're investing in equipment, software, or basic on-set needs.

Must-Have Equipment for Small Studios

If you're filming your video project in-house, such as in a small studio, consider the essential equipment and tools you'll need. Depending on how frequently you plan to film, you may be better off renting more expensive equipment, such as cameras and lenses. Still, you'll likely need the following tools:

Microphones
Headphones
Memory cards
Lights
Tripods and stands
"Sandbags" and other weights
Extension cords
Gaffer's tape
Batteries

Freelancers vs. In-House: What's More Cost-Effective?

While filming everything in-house may be cheaper upfront, it's not necessarily the most cost-effective. Freelance artists and production teams have unique film experiences and skills that can significantly drive up your production value. They know exactly how to frame, light, and color each shot to grab and hold your target audience's attention.

So, while working with freelancers is often more expensive, the higher video production pricing is often worthwhile, based on your specific business goals. Plus, experienced professionals can recommend easy ways to make smart video budget choices, helping you avoid common mistakes and financial setbacks.

How to Choose Affordable Video Production Services

Consider your estimated ROI, your distribution platforms, and how long you can feasibly use your video to determine how much you should reasonably spend on video production services. For instance, a streaming ad directly promoting your product will likely have a greater overall value than a one-time social media video wishing followers a Happy Halloween.

Once you've weighed your project value, cost, and ROI, research the video production teams in your area. Understanding your unique needs and resources is the best way to know how to choose a video marketing company. Many professional video production companies, such as Charter & Co, offer flexible rates based on your exact production goals. Check out each team's demo reels, portfolios, and testimonials to see if they meet your project's needs.

Optimizing the Creative Process on a Budget

A lower video production budget doesn't have to limit its creative potential. In fact, many filmmakers and artists argue that limited resources drive creativity, contributing to more unique and well-refined finished products.

Efficient Scripting Techniques

A changing script can unintentionally drive up your pre-production costs, especially if you keep changing your vision. For example, changing a location could cost more money if your team has already scouted, secured permits, and mapped out camera movement in your first location.

The easiest way to save money during this process is to plan ahead. Before crafting the actual script, write down the message you want viewers to take away and brainstorm ways to structure your video around that goal. This can keep the creative process focused on your actual business goals and reduce the risks of rewrites or reshoots later on.

Minimalist Sets with High Visual Impact

Less is more, which is great when operating on a limited budget. Minimalist backgrounds and sets can help your subject and message stand out by directing viewers' attention wherever you want it to go. For example, consider placing your product in front of an all-black backdrop or using a green screen to create clean, digital surroundings.

Understanding Pricing Models in the Industry

Each video production pricing model will benefit your production in different ways, whether you're working with a fixed number or something more flexible.

Fixed vs. Hourly Rates

Production teams and projects operate at one of two potential rates:

Fixed video production rates: These projects cost a predetermined amount, typically estimated based on your initial production plan. While this rate can help you avoid your project going over budget, it can also limit your chances of making changes or revisions as your production continues.
Hourly video production rates: These projects charge you based on the number of hours it takes to complete the project, considering each crew member's time. Most production teams will give you a clear estimate when the project begins, but the final video may cost more or less by the end of the process, especially if you make changes.

How Value-Based Pricing Works

Many professional video production companies determine fixed rates based on your project's value, such as its determined ROI. After all, a production team would likely charge much more for a corporation making a Super Bowl ad than for a small, local business making a customer testimonial. Beyond charging lower rates, production teams also consider other ways to lower production costs, such as by using less expensive cameras, minimizing production days, and incorporating stock footage.

FAQs: Making the Most of a Limited Budget

How does crew size affect cost?

Larger crews require your budget to account for extra wages, food, and occasionally transportation for every day of production. The exact numbers depend on the production teams and specific types of crew members you'll need. For instance, an outsourced drone specialist will typically have a higher day rate than a production assistant.

What are the best ways to allocate budget resources?

To allocate your video production budget, start by separating costs associated with pre-production, production, and post-production. While production will typically eat up the largest share of your budget, post-production can also cost more if you're relying on VFX and motion graphics.

As you allocate funds to specific departments and costs, reserve about 10% to 15% of your budget for contingency. This way, you'll be prepared for any potential setbacks.

How much should video production cost?

Video production pricing hinges on several factors, such as the number of production days, your camera needs, and music licensing. Basic video productions can cost a few thousand dollars or less, if you already have the right tools. However, large-scale video productions can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. Estimating your ROI and brand impact can help you figure out which price range best suits your budget.

How to budget a video production?

To create your video production budget, use your estimated ROI to determine a relative price range you'd be comfortable with. From here, allocate funds to pre-production, production, and post-production based on your video goals and needs. Consider all of the types of equipment, crew members, and post-production elements you'll need to avoid any surprises throughout the production process. Then, always leave part of your budget unused for contingency.

What parts of video production should you spend more on?

Production is typically the most expensive stage of production, often accounting for at least half of your budget. Most of this production budget goes towards your crew, camera, and equipment costs, which you can usually save money on by working with a professional video production team.

Invest in Video Content That Brings You ROI

While cheap video productions can save you money, your cost savings shouldn't be at the expense of your return on investment. Experienced professionals, such as experts at Charter & Co, can help you creatively bring your ideas to life without going over budget. Get in touch so we can develop a cost-effective production strategy together.