Cost vs. Quality: Finding the Right Balance in Video Production

Let's talk about something we all face when it comes to making videos - balancing quality with budget. Everyone wants amazing videos, whether it's for social media, a digital commercial, or training their team. But here's the thing: professional videos can get pretty expensive, and not every business has deep pockets. So you google “video production cost” to get a ballpark, and the range is wild.

I’ve seen video projects that cost anywhere from a couple grand to a couple hundred grand. That’s what makes trying to nail down a video budget so difficult. So let's break down the basics of production fees and figure out when and where those premium prices are really worth it.

Why Quality Matters

In business, quality video isn't just a “nice-to-have” anymore. It's essential. Think about this: roughly 91% of people say they watch videos to learn about products or services, and 89% admit videos influence what they buy.

As a marketer, those numbers might as well be gold. You don’t see that type of value almost anywhere else.

And here's something I've learned the hard way: trying to cut corners to save money often backfires. Take audio quality, for example. It's one of the biggest complaints I hear about budget or DIY videos. People will stop watching if the sound is bad.

In reality, there are a million reasons people will swipe a video; so tackling the biggest culprits, like poor audio and sloppy editing, is definitely a worthy investment.

Key Factors Influencing Video Production Cost

Now that we’ve discussed why quality matters, let me walk you through what actually drives video production cost at each phase of production.

Pre-Production

Doing this part really well will save you a lot of money later.

Let me repeat that. Doing this part really well will save you a lot of money later. (And doing this part really poorly is going to cost you in edits, reshoots, and revisions - trust me on this.)

Getting a solid creative brief and storyboard upfront makes everything smoother and helps avoid expensive do-overs later. Nailing a script is going to guide the rest of your production. Messaging is truly the secret sauce to solid video.

This is usually the place where people want to cut corners. But bringing in experts at this stage will likely save you a ton of money down the road.

Production (Live Video)

Here's where costs can really vary depending on what you need.

If you’re doing a live video shoot, you’ll need to figure out equipment, crew size, location, etc. - it all adds up.

Here’s a quick live video breakdown:

• $$$ | A shoot in-studio (think produced commercial with sets and actors) is going to cost you the most. The result is a polish you probably won’t find elsewhere, but it’s definitely an investment.

• $$ | Shooting on-site, (like in your office), can reduce the cost greatly from a studio production. Less permits, less rentals, less hiring. You’ll still get a pro look, and your clients or employees become the stars of the shoot.

• $ | The most budget friendly option for a live shoot is remote recording. Equipment is sent, interviews are done remotely (no on-site crew fees), and then in post-production, your video is professionally edited (which is the part that distinguishes your video from a selfie on your phone to a high-quality business video)

Things to consider that you might not be calculating into your live video production cost? Travel costs and daily expenses. Things like flights, hotels, meals, and equipment transportation. Always ask about these potential extras before getting started & make sure they are clearly outlined in your proposal.

Production (Animated Video)

If you’re making an animated video, the production phase is where highly skilled animators make your storyboard come to life. Cost here is heavily based on the style of animation you get.

Let’s run through some animation styles and cost:

• $$$ | 3D animation takes extra tools, extra time, and extra expertise. The visuals generally blow 2D out of the water and add a ton of ability to showcasing products or features, but it does come at a premium.

• $$ | Custom 2D animation takes serious design skills and usually assets created from scratch. This is the sweet spot for a great explainer video or compelling brand video.

• $ | Motion graphics & Stock videos are generally the most economical form of animation. They usually include stock images, UI video, or designed graphics blended together into a storyline. These are great on the budget, but don’t always have the shelflife of a premium animation.

Extra expense at this stage? Make sure you have worked out things like voiceovers, music fees, and translations if you need them.

In any case, partnering with a pro video production company is going to get you the best return on your investment. You get access to their network, creatives, and resources, PLUS get guidance from years and years of experience.

Post-Production

Here's where the magic really happens. Post-production is where your video truly comes together. From editing, adding graphics, sound design, and color grading, to edits and revision based on your feedback, this phase is what gives your video that pro-polish.

If you aren’t careful, you can add a lot of unplanned expenses to your video production cost in post. Here are the top ones to look out for:

• Culprit 1: Revision rounds. When you review the video and decide you want multiple rounds of changes or last-minute tweaks, those extra editing hours start adding up fast.

The best remedy? Solid planning in pre-production & getting everyone signed off and on board from the start. It will save you time, money, and a nagging headache.

• Culprit 2: Unplanned overhead fees. Many production teams charge separate fees at separate phases of production. You might have initial fees, and then a new set of fees in post-production.

My advice? Have an upfront conversation about it to avoid surprises.

☝️This is why I love Levitate. You get to work with pros who have experience, know strategy, and produce amazing videos - but it’s just you and us. No middlemen. No agency overhead fees.

• Culprit 3: Owning your assets. If you filmed full days, and your video is 90 seconds, there is likely a treasure trove of usable footage you could use elsewhere in your company or marketing. Most companies will not give that to you unless you’re making new videos with it, or you’re willing to pay lots of money to own the footage. (We don’t do that. You paid for it, you own it - that’s just how we roll)

Video Production Cost in 2025

We can’t speak for every video production company, but in general, here's what you can expect to pay for a 60 second professionally produced video in 2025:

Lean Production

• Project Cost: Generally ranges from around $4,000 - $9,000. You can certainly get quality pro-video at this range, it just puts some limits on available services and style options.

High Quality Pro-Production

• Project Cost: $12,000-$22,000 This is where most pro production quotes land.

High-End Curated Production

• Project Cost: Starting at $25,000, potentially exceeding $100,000. These premium projects typically include full production teams, top-notch equipment, custom animations, special effects, professional talent, and multiple filming locations.

Note * I realize there are some budget gaps up there. There are windows that could go up or down, depending on who you’re working with or what you’re working on.

How to Choose the Right Production Partner

Finding the right production partner is crucial. Here's what I recommend looking for:

• Check their portfolio and experience in your industry
• Make sure their pricing aligns with your budget (and ask for transparency!)
• Look for great communicators who welcome feedback
• Verify they use current technology and equipment
• Look for a team that gets your brand and brings fresh ideas to the table
• Find a team that adapts to your needs, not the other way around

Frequently Asked Questions

​What’s the biggest hidden cost people overlook when budgeting for video production?

Travel and accommodation expenses often catch clients off guard, especially for live shoots. Flights, hotels, per diems, and even shipping gear can sneak into your final invoice if not clarified upfront. Always ask for a fully itemized proposal.

Is animation always cheaper than live action?

Not necessarily. While motion graphics or stock-based animations are often budget-friendly, custom 2D or 3D animations can rival or exceed the cost of a live shoot due to the skill, tools, and time involved. Style and complexity drive the price.

How can I get more value out of my video investment?

Plan to repurpose. A solid production partner will help you think beyond one deliverable: cutdowns for social, stills from footage, or multiple versions for different audiences. And don’t forget, owning your raw footage can open future opportunities.

What’s the risk of going too low-budget?

Cutting corners, especially on sound, planning, or editing, can result in a video that reflects poorly on your brand. The real cost isn’t just in production, it’s in lost audience trust or missed conversions. A cheap video that no one watches isn’t a bargain.

Get High-Quality Videos at the Best Price

Ready to dive into pro video production? At Levitate Media - we're experts at creating amazing videos with super transparent pricing and options. Whether you need a polished corporate video or eye-catching promotional content, our team delivers maximum value at competitive rates. We’d love to chat about how we can turn your ideas into video assets that drive results for your company.

Reach out and let's discuss the possibilities!