When clients say, “That’s too expensive” or “I know someone who can do it for less,” it’s often because they don’t fully understand the scope of what they’re asking for. Let’s break this down.
If a professional production costs between $2,500 and $4,000, but someone else quotes $700 to $800, the difference isn’t just in price—it’s in quality, expertise, and deliverables. Here’s what that looks like.
What Goes Into a Professional Quote
When a production house gives you a higher quote, it’s not because they’re inflating prices; it’s because they’ve considered everything needed to do the job right and deliver results that make an impact. This includes:
- Pre-Planning: Understanding your goals, crafting the right story, and planning the production to reflect your brand’s image.
- Equipment: Professional-grade cameras, lights, microphones, and stabilizers—not just a DSLR on a tripod.
- Crew: A team of skilled professionals—camera operators, sound technicians, and directors—who work together to ensure every detail is covered.
- Logistics: Accounting for potential challenges, such as lighting for tricky environments, cleaning or staging the location, and even securing necessary permits.
- Post-Production: Editing, color grading, adding graphics, and ensuring the final product aligns with your vision.
A professional quote also accounts for things you might not think of—like backup plans if something goes wrong, ensuring the right permissions for shooting, and refining the footage to meet your business goals.
What a Lower Quote Might Mean
A $700 quote is often someone with a camera and little else. There’s nothing wrong with that if all you need is the basics. But it’s important to know what you’re paying for:
- Likely, they haven’t factored in pre-production planning or contingencies for unexpected issues.
- Equipment may be limited to a basic DSLR and a single microphone, which could impact the quality of your final product.
- There may not be a team to handle multiple roles—leaving one person trying to juggle everything.
If your goal is a polished video that reflects your brand professionally and delivers results, cutting costs here might result in a product that doesn’t meet expectations.
Why the Difference Matters
When you hire a professional production company, you’re not just paying for a video. You’re investing in a team that’s thinking beyond just showing up with a camera. They’re anticipating your needs, handling challenges, and making sure the end result truly represents your business.
On the other hand, the person charging less is often thinking only of their own limitations. If something unexpected arises—a noisy environment, bad lighting, or a need for additional footage—they may not have the tools or expertise to adjust.
The Right Fit for Your Needs
At the end of the day, it comes down to understanding what you need and what you’re asking for. If all you want is a quick and simple shoot, a lower quote might work. But if you’re expecting a video that makes an impact, builds your brand, and stands out, professional production is worth the investment.
When a production house quotes a higher price, it’s because they’re committed to delivering results that truly stand out. We’ve been in this industry long enough to know that cutting corners might save money upfront, but in the end, it can cost you far more—especially when the outcome falls short of what you need. This isn’t just theory; it’s something we’ve seen time and time again.
Get Ready For Personalized Video with Cinemetrix
Above all, this video trend helps improve efficiency through direct marketing channels of emails and websites. With our expertise, Cinemetrix provides high-quality Toronto video services that effectively capture customer-centric stories for brands to tell.
Looking to pivot on personalized videos? Don’t hesitate to leave us a note and get contacted by one of our experts.