“How much does a video cost and what am I getting for my budget?”


It’s a fair question and one we hear often. After all, if you’re not part of the video world day-to-day, it’s easy to assume a video quote is just for a day of filming and a bit of editing. You might even wonder why it’s not something that could be pulled together quickly and cheaply.

And in an age where social media lets you post content instantly, it’s tempting to compare professional video production to the speed and ease of phone-shot clips and assume both come from the same process.

But professional video is a very different beast. It’s carefully crafted content designed to last longer, reflect your brand, and deliver real results. And when done properly, there’s a lot that goes into it – before, during, and after the shoot.

So, let’s break it down clearly and transparently. This is what makes up what a professional video costs:

PRE-PRODUCTION

Professional videos don’t start with the camera – they start weeks (sometimes months) before. This stage is crucial. Why? Because the smoother the plan, the smoother the shoot, and the better the final product.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT & CREATIVE PLANNING

We start by working with you to understand the purpose of your video:

  • Who’s it for?
  • What message are we getting across?
  • What tone fits your brand?

This means creative brainstorming, reference gathering, and deciding whether we need animation, interviews, staged scenarios, voiceovers, or something else entirely.

SCRIPTWRITING

Scripts aren’t just for TV dramas. Whether it’s an explainer video, a promo, or a training piece, scripting ensures the content is sharp, focused, and audience-friendly. It might take multiple drafts and client feedback rounds before everyone’s happy.

STORYBOARDING & SHOT LISTS

This is where we start translating words into visuals. Storyboards help you (and us) visualise each key moment and keep everything cohesive. It also helps us flag any tricky setups ahead of time, making sure nothing’s missed on the day.

Location Scouting & Recce Days

A good location can make or break a shoot. We spend time:

  • Identifying suitable locations (indoor/outdoor, accessibility, light & sound conditions)
  • Securing permissions and permits
  • Visiting them in advance (recce) to plan the best angles and troubleshoot potential issues (like noise, access, power supplies, weather conditions).

TALENT SOURCING & CASTING

Need professional actors, presenters, voiceover artists, or interviewees? We handle:

  • Casting calls or shortlisting
  • Contracts and usage rights
  • Scheduling availability and rehearsals if required.

CALL SHEETS & SCHEDULING

We meticulously map out each shoot day down to:

  • Arrival times
  • Crew and cast roles
  • Kit lists
  • Locations
  • Health & safety info
  • Contingency plans

This avoids wasted time and keeps the day running efficiently.

PRODUCTION

This is the bit everyone sees – the filming itself. But even here, it’s easy to underestimate what’s involved and why it adds up.

CREW COSTS

Depending on the complexity of the project, a standard crew could include:

  • Director/Creative Lead: Keeps the vision and message on point.
  • Director of Photography (DOP): Responsible for making everything visually stunning.
  • Camera Operators: Often more than one if multi-angle or complex shots are needed.
  • Sound Recordist: Ensures crisp, clean audio (and avoids re-recording disasters later).
  • Lighting Assistants/Gaffers: Proper lighting transforms a shot from amateur to professional.
  • Runners/Assistants: Keeping things moving, managing kit, looking after contributors.

Each crew member brings years of expertise, often with specialist skills and training.

KIT & EQUIPMENT

We don’t travel light. Cameras, lenses, lighting rigs, sound gear, stabilisers, drones, gimbals, sliders, monitors — all carefully chosen depending on the shoot requirements. The cost covers:

  • Kit hire or maintenance
  • Insurance (because no one wants a broken lens)
  • Transporting and setting up

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

If your shoot spans multiple locations or days, we factor in:

  • Crew travel (mileage, transport hire, parking)
  • Accommodation and subsistence if overnight stays are needed

This ensures our team is rested, prepped, and ready to deliver the best.

POST-PRODUCTION

Here’s where a lot of the unseen effort happens. Many people underestimate how much time and skill post-production takes but it’s often the longest stage.

LoGGING & ORGANISING FOOTAGE

After filming, all footage needs sorting. We’ll review hours of material, label and categorise everything, and ensure backups are safely stored. This alone can take a day or more.

EDITING & ASSEMBLY

A professional editor carefully constructs the story — selecting the best shots, cutting out unnecessary bits, adjusting pace, and making sure everything flows.

Depending on the complexity, one video might require:

  • Multiple drafts
  • Input from several team members
  • Different versions for different platforms (social media, website, presentations)

COLOUR GRADING

Colour grading gives your video that polished, cinematic finish. It:

Ensures shots match (especially when lighting conditions varied)

Enhances mood, brand colours, or aesthetics

SOUND DESIGN & MIXING

It’s not just about recording sound — it’s about making it perfect. We adjust audio levels, remove background noise, add music, voiceovers, or sound effects where needed, and ensure everything is broadcast standard.

GRAPHICS & SUBTITLES

Branded animations, lower-thirds, callouts, captions — every graphic element needs creating, syncing, and rendering.

FEEDBACK & AMENDS

You’ll naturally want tweaks — whether that’s timing, text changes, or alternate versions. We allow time for structured feedback rounds to get it right.

“Can’t I Just Film Something Myself?”

Absolutely, you can. And to be honest, for day-to-day, reactive content, we often recommend it. Your phone’s got a decent camera, social media platforms thrive on quick, off-the-cuff clips, and it’s a great way to keep your audience engaged.

But when it comes to the bigger stuff, the content you want to represent your brand long-term, launch a product, or sit pride of place on your website – you want more than a handheld phone shot.

That’s where professional video steps in. It’s planned, strategic, and crafted to make a lasting impression, not disappear in 24 hours.

“But I Know Someone Who’ll Do It for £500…”

We hear this one too. And honestly, if someone’s offering you the full works – planning, filming, editing for £500? That’s fine. But it’s not what we offer.

We’re not in the business of turning out something rushed or half-baked. You’re investing in our experience, our planning, and the time it takes to get things right. We know how to deliver a video that works hard for your business, reflects your brand properly, and stands the test of time.

Value Beyond the Budget

We understand a professional video might seem like a big upfront expense. But we’ve talked before about how to maximise a shoot day and get more for your money. A well-planned shoot can give you not just one video, but a library of content: social snippets, behind-the-scenes clips, interviews, and more.

Your investment isn’t just for today. It’s something you can repurpose and reuse, keeping your brand front and centre long after the cameras stop rolling.

Why Turps Film?

We’re highly recommended not just because we produce polished videos, but because we make the process smooth, transparent, and efficient. Our clients return because they know they’re in safe hands from the planning stages right through to delivery.

We don’t cut corners. We focus on delivering the best, every time.

At the end of the day, professional video isn’t cheap but it’s not overpriced. Every pound in your quote reflects hours of prep, skilled crew, specialist kit, and careful post-production.

So, next time you see a video budget, you’ll know exactly what’s behind it and why it’s worth every bit!

Ready to chat about your next video project? Drop us a line.

how much does a video cost? video production quote
how much does a video cost? video production quote
how much does a video cost? video production quote