“What will this cost?” is usually the first question I get from marketing managers and business owners, and it’s a fair one. You need a number before you can get a budget approved. The honest answer is that it depends on a few clear factors. In this post I’ll walk through what drives the price of corporate video production in New Jersey, share some general market ranges, and help you figure out where your project is likely to land.
What corporate video typically costs in New Jersey
Pricing varies a lot from one production company to the next, so treat these as general market ranges, not quotes. Based on published pricing at some New Jersey studios:
- Half-day shoot with one edited video: about $2,200
- Full-day shoot: about $4,400
- Customer testimonial videos: starting from about $1,500
- Drone footage add-on: about $300
These numbers give you a realistic starting point. A simple single-location interview will sit near the low end. A multi-location brand film with several deliverables will sit higher. My own pricing for your project depends on the details we talk through together.
The factors that drive the price
Once you understand what you’re paying for, quotes from different studios become much easier to compare. These are the things that move the number the most.
1. Shoot time
Time on location is the biggest single factor. A half day is often enough for one or two interviews and some supporting footage at a single site. A full day gives room for multiple interviews, more locations, and more b-roll (the supporting shots that play over someone talking). If your list of “must-have” shots is long, plan for a full day.
2. Number of finished videos
One two-minute brand video is a different job from one brand video plus three testimonials plus six short social clips. Each finished piece takes editing time. The good news is that cutting several videos from the same shoot day is usually the most cost-effective way to buy video, because the crew, travel and setup are already paid for.
3. Pre-production and planning
Scripting, interview questions, shot lists, location scouting and scheduling all take time before anyone turns on a camera. A project where you already have a clear message and approved talking points needs less planning than one where we’re building the story from scratch.
4. Crew and equipment
Some projects only need one experienced shooter with good lighting and audio. Others need a second camera operator, a dedicated audio person, or a hair and makeup artist. More people on set means a higher day rate, but it can also mean a smoother day and a more polished result.
5. Locations and travel
Filming at your office in Middlesex County is simpler than filming across three sites in different parts of the state. Travel time, parking, permits and setup at each location all add up. I’m based in the East Brunswick area, so much of Central New Jersey is an easy trip.
6. Drone footage
Aerial shots are great for showing a campus, a property, a waterfront or an event at scale. At some studios a drone add-on runs about $300. I fly a DJI Mavic 4 Pro. Weather and local airspace rules can affect whether and when we can fly, so I always plan a backup.
7. Editing extras
Motion graphics, animated logos, licensed music, captions, color grading and multiple aspect ratios for different platforms each add time. Ask any studio which of these are included in a quote and which are extra.
8. Revisions and turnaround
Most quotes include a set number of revision rounds. Rush delivery or lots of extra rounds can raise the cost. Whoever you hire, ask about revision rounds and turnaround before you sign.
How to get more out of your budget
After more than 20 years of visual storytelling, here’s the practical advice I give every client who wants their budget to go further:
- Batch your content. Plan one shoot day that produces a main video, a few testimonials and short social cut-downs.
- Get your people ready. Line up interviewees in advance and share the questions with them so they feel comfortable on the day.
- Pick locations that work hard. One spot with good light and room for a camera beats three cramped ones.
- Know where the video will live. Your website, LinkedIn, Instagram and trade show screens all have different needs. Telling me up front avoids re-editing later.
- Decide who signs off. A single point of contact for feedback keeps revisions quick and on budget.
Questions to ask before you hire
When you compare quotes, these questions help you compare like with like:
- How many finished videos are included, and how long is each?
- How many hours of shooting does the quote cover?
- Are music licensing, captions and graphics included?
- How many rounds of revisions are included?
- What’s the turnaround time from shoot to final delivery?
- Can I see examples of similar work?
- Who owns the final files, and how are they delivered?
If you’re still deciding whether video is worth the investment at all, the “Why should your business use video to grow?” section on my homepage is a good place to start. You might also find it useful to see 7 types of videos that actually grow a business.
Let’s put a real number on your project
General ranges are useful, but the only way to know what your project will cost is to talk it through. Tell me what you’re trying to accomplish, where you’ll use the video, and your timeline, and I’ll put together a clear proposal with no surprises. Reach out through the contact form on my site and I’ll get back to you.
