How much does video production cost?

"Whether you’re an actor needing a reel that looks like a Netflix original, or a pro building your personal brand on TikTok, the first question is always: 'What’s this going to cost?'

The truth is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. High-quality production doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but it does depend on the vibe, the gear, and the complexity. You might spend $5k on a series of high-end TikToks, or $20k on a cinematic commercial-style reel. Both are great investments, but they require totally different setups.

Our best advice? Start with a budget. It’s like looking for a new home, if you tell your realtor your price range, they can find you the best 'house' for your money. Knowing your number helps us figure out how to give you the highest production value possible without overstretching."

The Big Three: What Actually Drives Your Video Quote?

If you’re an actor looking to stand out in the Vancouver film industry or a professional building a personal brand in BC, you’ve probably realized that "one price fits all" doesn't exist in production. Here’s the breakdown of what shifts the needle on your investment:

1. The Clock (Urgency & Time on Set)

Time is the biggest variable in the Vancouver production scene. If you need a "Day in the Life" TikTok-style shoot, we can often move fast. But if you’re an actor needing a cinematic demo reel with custom scripts and specific locations around the Lower Mainland, that takes weeks of prep.

  • Urgency: Pulling a shoot together on 24-hour notice is a scramble that usually costs a premium.

  • Set Time: Don’t let a "30-second" runtime fool you! A high-end 30-second spot often takes longer to shoot than a 2-minute interview because every frame has to be perfect. More locations (moving from Gastown to Kitsilano, for example) and wardrobe changes mean more hours on the clock.

2. The "Vibe" (Type of Video)

Different styles require different tools in the shed. We tailor our services to the specific needs of Vancouver-based professionals and creatives:

  • The Personal Brand Story ($4K – $8K): This is your digital calling card. It’s high-polish, involves multiple setups, and is designed to make you look like a leader in your space.

  • The "Talking Head" or Testimonial ($2K – $4K): These are the bread and butter of your social content. They’re simpler, usually featuring you speaking to the camera or a client praising your work. Adding "pro" touches like a teleprompter, a makeup artist, or a green screen will nudge the price up, but keep the final result looking elite.

3. The Crew & Gear

Behind every great shot is a team. For most of our Vancouver, BC video projects, you aren’t just getting a "camera guy" you’re getting a Producer, a Cinematographer, and a Camera Assistant. Production companies typically charge by the day or half-day. While a quick social clip might only be a few hundred dollars in editing, a complex project with a full crew, pro lighting, and high-end sound will run into the thousands. You’re paying for the collective expertise and the gear that makes your footage look like it belongs on a professional set.

How We Break It Down

We keep it transparent. Our standard rates cover the "Big Three" of the video production process: Pre-Production (the plan), Filming (the magic), and Post-Production (the polish).

Keep in mind that rates can shift based on the level of experience and the specific requirements of your shoot, but our goal is always to maximize your budget so you come out looking like a star.

Pur video production rate at Tasca Studios. 

  • $350/hr (2-hour minimum)

  • $1,500 - Half-Day Rate (4-5 hours)

  • $3,000 - Full-Day Rate (8-10 hours)

Additional factors that influence how much do production companies charge 

  1. Actors

  2. Drone/aerial footage 

  3. Extensive script development

  4. A popular filming location

  5. Popular songs

  6. Custom Music

  7. Mulitple days of shooting

  8. 3D Animation 

  9. Special Effects

  10. Stock Footage

  11. Sound Design

  12. Studio Rental

  13. Make-up artist

  14. Greenscreen

When Should You Invest in Video Production?

The real question isn’t about the price—it’s about whether you see video as an expense or an investment.

If you’re an actor in the Vancouver film scene, is this reel going to help you land that series regular role? If you’re a professional, is this TikTok or brand video going to bring in your next high-value client? Think about the impact this video will have on your career or business over the next two years.

In the digital world, video is the ultimate growth hack. Here’s why the investment pays off:

  • Revenue Growth: Businesses using video see a 49% faster increase in revenue than those who don't.

  • Conversion Power: Viewers are up to 85% more likely to buy or book after watching a brand video.

  • The "Human" Factor: 86% of people want to see the faces behind the brands they support. In a city like Vancouver, where personal connections are everything, showing who you are is a competitive advantage.

Pro-Tip: A beautiful video is useless if nobody sees it. Don’t just make it for the sake of "having a video." Think about where it will live—your website, YouTube, or your Instagram feed. We highly recommend Video SEO for local Vancouver businesses to help you show up in organic searches and get that traffic moving!

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

Look, high-end Vancouver video production can be pricey, but you can keep the budget lean if you’re smart about the process. Here are our top tips to save some "dough":

1. Kill it in Pre-Production

The more work you do before we hit "record," the less you spend. Come to us with a clear script, a rough draft, or even just a solid mood board. When we don't have to guess what you want, we can get you from script to screen much faster (and cheaper).

2. Location, Location, Location

Studio rentals in the Lower Mainland aren't cheap. If you’re a professional building a brand, consider shooting at your own office or a stylish home space. Not only does this save on rental fees, but you won't have to worry about "overtime" fees if the shoot runs a little long.

3. Streamline Your Revisions

This is the silent budget killer. Every time a project goes back to the editor, it costs time and storage.

  • One Voice: Have one person give all the feedback rather than a "committee" of friends.

  • Be Fast: Try to gather your notes and get them back to us quickly. The longer a project stays "open," the more resources it takes to manage.

What to Look for When Hiring a Video Team

Choosing a production partner is a big deal—especially when it’s your face and your brand on the line. In a creative hub like Vancouver, you have plenty of options, but here is how to spot the keepers:

1. Do They Have a Solid Reputation?

Online reviews are your best friend. A quick Google search should tell you if they’re a dream to work with or a total headache. Check their social media, too—how do they interact with their community? If you’re an actor, ask around the Vancouver film scene; word travels fast, and a good reputation is everything.

2. Is the "Vibe" Right?

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this team, often in high-pressure situations. If you don't feel comfortable or "seen" by them, it’s going to show up on camera. You want a team that feels like an extension of your own brand—people who get your vision and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

3. Can They Help You Actually Use the Video?

A great video is only half the battle. Can they help you market it? Do they understand Vancouver’s local SEO landscape or how to optimize a reel for casting directors? If they just hand over a file and wish you luck, you're missing out on half the value.

4. Do They Have a Clear Process?

Experience shows in the workflow. A pro team should have a clear, step-by-step process from the first "hello" to the final edit. If they just take your deposit and disappear into a "magical den of creativity" without checking in, that’s a red flag. You want a team that communicates, uses questionnaires to get the details right, and keeps you in the loop. Lack of communication is how brands get misrepresented (and how budgets get blown).

How We Can Help

Hopefully we provided you with a better understanding of how much production companies charge. While price ranges are never set in stone, we can provide an average cost and ballpark figure, so you know what to expect. If you're interested in getting a real budget estimate for your video project, then fill out this form here.

LiLiTa is an award-winning video production company based in Vancouver BC, and we strive to be a value-first and professional video production company! If you’re considering outsourcing your video production needs, give us a call to discuss your free video marketing strategy.