FIND ANSWERS TO VIDEO QUESTIONS

This is our most frequently asked question-how much does a video cost-and the answer varies based on several factors. At Episode 11 Productions, we believe that cost should never stand in the way of producing a video that meets your needs. However, like diamonds, videos come in many forms and price ranges. For instance, a simple five-second logo animation might start at $300, while a comprehensive 30-minute safety video may require an investment of around $25,000. To help you understand how these costs break down, here are some key considerations:

1. Shooting Days: The number of days spent filming impacts cost. A half-day shoot, including a camera, tripod, and camera operator, typically runs around $950. A full, advanced shoot with additional equipment—such as a crane, dolly, boom mic, lavalier mics, and a full lighting setup—comes in at approximately $3,200 per day.

2. Editing Hours: Editing generally requires about four hours ($120/hr) for each finished minute of footage. More complex edits, like green screen work or environmental enhancements (e.g., replacing winter scenery with greenery), may require additional time, especially if aerial footage or intricate effects are involved.

3. Number of Cameras: Additional cameras and crew members increase the cost. Generally, each extra camera and operator adds about $600. However, most projects can be completed effectively with one camera unless multiple angles are necessary for rare or complex shots.

4. Talent: Hiring voiceover artists, presenters, or extras can also affect the budget, though it’s often more affordable than expected. C-level Hollywood actors or A/B-level voice-over artists, for instance, can be secured for $150-$300 per project.

Example: For a three-minute video for a typical local company, with one day of shooting, a single camera, lighting, mics, a voice-over artist, and around 12 hours of editing, the cost is approximately $4,200.

5. Other Costs: Additional elements, like storyboarding, scriptwriting, location and talent scouting, craft services, makeup artists, studio rentals, translation services, and travel expenses, may also contribute to the final cost based on your project’s needs.

We’re here to tailor our services to fit your vision and budget, ensuring you get the most value without sacrificing quality.

A typical full-day shoot with Episode 11 Productions is generally completed within three weeks, from the initial shoot day to the delivery of the final video. This timeline allows us to dedicate time to every stage of post-production, ensuring high-quality results that align with the client’s vision. While we do our best to adhere to this three-week timeframe, a few factors—such as voice-over artist availability and the process of client reviews, changes, and approvals—can occasionally extend the delivery date, though this is uncommon.

For voice-over work, our core team of professional voice-over artists typically provides a fast turnaround, delivering recorded scripts within 48 hours. However, if a client selects a voice-over artist we haven’t worked with before, there may be a slight increase in delivery time depending on their availability. We coordinate closely with any external talent to keep things on track but appreciate flexibility if this choice affects the overall timeline.

Once we upload the first rough draft, we encourage clients to review and provide feedback within 24 hours. Timely feedback at this stage is crucial to staying on schedule, as it allows our team to make necessary adjustments promptly. Delays in providing approvals or changes can push back the delivery date of the final cut, as each revision phase affects the overall workflow. We value open communication and timely collaboration with our clients to ensure a smooth process and a final product that meets all expectations within the agreed timeframe.

The video production process typically includes several key stages, each designed to create a cohesive and polished final product. Here’s a breakdown from start to finish:

1. Pre-Production: This initial stage involves planning and preparation. We start by discussing your goals, audience, messaging, and any specific requirements you have for the video. From there, we work on concept development, scriptwriting, and storyboarding to outline the visual flow. Location scouting, talent casting, and scheduling also take place during this phase, ensuring all elements are ready for the shoot.

2. Production: During production, we bring the concept to life by capturing the video footage. Our team, equipped with cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and any other necessary gear, films the scenes outlined in the storyboard. This stage may include on-set direction, multiple camera setups, and sometimes drone footage or special effects. We coordinate all aspects of the shoot to capture high-quality visuals, ensuring that every shot aligns with the vision established in pre-production.

3. Post-Production: In post-production, the raw footage is transformed into a finished video. This includes video editing, color correction, audio mixing, and integrating any special effects, graphics, or animations. If your video requires voiceovers, we’ll record them and synchronize them with the footage. Music and sound effects are added to enhance the emotional impact, and any final edits are made to polish the video. We’ll provide a rough draft for your feedback and make any revisions needed to achieve the desired result.

4. Delivery: After finalizing the video, we render it in the required formats and deliver it to you. We also assist with uploading and distributing the video if needed, ensuring it’s optimized for your intended platforms, whether online, in presentations, or broadcast.

This end-to-end process ensures each element is thoughtfully planned, produced, and refined, resulting in a high-quality video that aligns with your brand and objectives.

Your level of involvement in the production process is flexible and tailored to your preferences. In the early stages, we encourage collaboration during pre-production to understand your goals, messaging, and vision for the video. This may involve providing input on the concept, script, and storyboard to ensure the video aligns with your brand and objectives. Your feedback helps set the foundation, so the video captures the message you want to convey.

Throughout production and post-production, we manage most of the work but keep you updated on progress. You’ll have opportunities to review drafts and provide feedback, especially once we have the initial rough cut ready in post-production. We value your input at these key points to make sure the final product meets your expectations. Whether you prefer hands-on involvement or a more hands-off approach, our team is here to guide the process and ensure the video reflects your vision.

Yes, you can make changes or edits during the production process, and we have a streamlined system in place to make this easy and efficient. We use Frame.io, a collaborative platform designed for video production review, where you can view drafts, leave comments, suggest edits, and discuss any changes with our team—all in real-time.

Frame.io allows you to interact directly with specific frames, so you can pinpoint exact moments in the video where adjustments are needed. This platform keeps the approval and revision process organized, ensuring that your feedback is clear and actionable. Using Frame.io enables us to efficiently incorporate your changes and keep the project on track, ensuring that the final video aligns perfectly with your vision and requirements.

We only work with professional voice-over artists to ensure high-quality audio that resonates with your audience. Our process begins by understanding the tone, style, and specific needs of your project, so we can recommend artists who best match your brand’s voice. We offer clients the option to choose their preferred voice talent by providing a selection of auditions from vetted professionals.

Each artist submits a sample reading of the script or a similar piece, allowing you to hear how their voice will fit with your project. If you have a particular artist in mind or need a specific style, we’re happy to accommodate, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with the voice that brings your message to life. This tailored approach guarantees that the final voice-over enhances your video’s impact and aligns perfectly with your brand’s personality.

Our production package includes a structured revision process to ensure the final product meets your expectations. After we deliver the first draft, you’ll have the opportunity to request two rounds of revisions. During these stages, you can provide feedback on edits, adjustments, or any changes needed to align the video with your vision.

Once the final cut is completed, we offer an additional revision round to make any last-minute adjustments, ensuring that every detail is polished and the video is exactly how you envisioned. This three-step revision process provides ample opportunity to fine-tune the video while keeping the project on track for timely delivery.

We understand the importance of maximizing your video’s reach across various platforms, so we offer flexible delivery options tailored to your specific needs. Upon completion, you can choose from a range of formats to ensure your video is optimized for each platform. For example, we can provide a version for YouTube, where high resolution and widescreen format are ideal, as well as another version formatted for Instagram, Facebook, or other social media channels that may require vertical or square dimensions.

Our goal is to make it easy for you to use your video in multiple places, engaging your audience wherever they are. Simply let us know where you plan to share the video, and we’ll deliver it in the appropriate formats to ensure it looks its best across all platforms. This flexibility allows you to make the most of your investment and maintain a consistent brand presence online.

Absolutely! We take great care to ensure that each video we create aligns with your brand’s style and messaging. By incorporating your corporate branding guidelines—including logos, color schemes, fonts, and tone of voice—we craft videos that feel authentically “you” and resonate with your target audience.

At the start of the project, we’ll discuss your branding requirements in detail and review any style guides or materials you provide. Whether it’s maintaining a professional tone, highlighting specific values, or using visual elements consistent with your brand, we seamlessly integrate these aspects to reinforce your identity and create a cohesive brand experience across all your video content.

Yes, we provide both creative scriptwriting and storyboarding services to bring your vision to life. Our team of experienced writers works closely with you to develop a compelling script that captures your message, engages your audience, and aligns perfectly with your brand’s tone and goals. We ensure every word serves a purpose, setting the foundation for an impactful video.

For storyboarding, we use FrameForge, a professional-grade software trusted in Hollywood feature films, which allows us to map out each scene in detail. With FrameForge, we can create precise visualizations of shots, camera angles, and movements, giving you a clear preview of how the video will unfold. This process provides a solid roadmap for production and helps ensure that everyone is aligned on the creative direction from the start. Our storyboarding and scriptwriting services give you confidence that your project is well-planned, visually cohesive, and creatively engaging.

The typical cost of a 3D animation project depends on various factors, including project complexity, duration, quality, and the level of detail required. Here’s a general breakdown of costs:

1. Simple 3D Animations

•Examples: Basic logos, simple character animations, or product spins.

•Cost: $1,000–$5,000

•Features: Minimal modeling, basic textures, simple lighting, and straightforward animation.

2. Moderate Complexity

•Examples: Explainer videos, product demonstrations, or technical animations.

•Cost: $5,000–$15,000

•Features: Moderate 3D modeling, more detailed textures, complex lighting setups, and smooth motion.

3. High-End 3D Animations

•Examples: Realistic product showcases, architectural visualizations, or advanced technical simulations.

•Cost: $15,000–$50,000 or more

•Features: Advanced modeling, realistic textures, high-resolution rendering, intricate animation, and visual effects.

4. Custom or Highly Complex Projects

•Examples: Large-scale commercials, animated films, or detailed simulations (e.g., medical or engineering visuals).

•Cost: $50,000–$500,000+

•Features: High-end photorealism, custom assets, multiple revisions, and extensive post-production.

Key Factors Affecting Costs

1.Project Length: Longer animations require more time and resources.

2.Complexity: Realistic textures, lighting, and physics simulations increase costs.

3.Revisions: Additional rounds of edits can raise the overall budget.

4.Studio Expertise: Top-tier studios charge more for their experience and quality.

5.Delivery Time: Tight deadlines can incur rush fees.

Pro Tip: To optimize costs, businesses can provide existing assets (like CAD files or brand guidelines) and clearly define project goals to minimize revision cycles and production delays.

If you have a specific project in mind, I can help you estimate a tailored budget!

Tips to Get Hired By a Video Production Company: A Totally Serious, Definitely Not Sarcastic FAQ

Q1: Do I need a resume?

Only if you want to look like a professional human being. Otherwise, feel free to submit a series of interpretive dance TikToks illustrating your job history.

Q2: What should I wear to the interview?

Anything from black-on-black-on-black to a hoodie that says “I know Final Cut.” Bonus points if you show up with a camera bag and a faint whiff of Red Bull and despair.

Q3: What experience do I need?

Ideally, 12 years of experience for an entry-level position. Also, be able to shoot, edit, direct, color grade, record audio, and somehow carry 17 C-stands up a flight of stairs in one trip.

Q4: Do I need a film degree?

Only if you enjoy student debt and want to impress your mom. Most employers are more impressed by a solid reel and the ability to troubleshoot a RED camera mid-wedding.

Q5: Will I get to work on cool projects?

Of course! Right after you finish editing 47 videos of a guy explaining how to install a ceiling fan. Twice. From two angles. With animated infographics.

Q6: How do I stand out?

Bring donuts. Also, show a killer reel, know how to light a scene without catching it on fire, and never—ever—say, “We’ll fix it in post” unless you are post.

Q7: What questions should I ask at the interview?
“Is your fridge stocked with LaCroix or just sadness?”
“Do you use Mac or Windows, and do you want to fight about it?”
“What’s your camera-to-coffee ratio here?”

Q8: Will I become famous?

Yes. Among small business owners, dentists, and industrial HVAC reps who think you’re Spielberg because you made their logo spin.

Q9: What’s the work/life balance like?

What is this “life” you speak of?

Q10: What if I make a mistake on set?

Don’t worry, everyone messes up—just make sure you’re holding the boom when someone else does, so it looks like it was their fault.

Q11: Any final tips?
Show up early.
Know how to wrap a cable like you’re not a criminal.
Learn everyone’s coffee order.
Say “copy that” even when you don’t understand.

How Do I Get Into Video Production Industry.

We have written an entire article on this: How To Get Into Video Production