Calculate estimated production costs based on pre-production, shooting, and post-production variables.
1. Pre-Production
2. Production (Shooting)
3. Post-Production
4. Additional Expenses & Fees
Cost Breakdown
Pre-Production Labor:$0.00
Production Labor (Crew):$0.00
Equipment & Gear:$0.00
Post-Production Labor:$0.00
Talent & Travel:$0.00
Agency Markup/Fees:$0.00
Total Estimated Cost:$0.00
function calculateVideoRate() {
// Get inputs
var preHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpPreHours').value) || 0;
var preRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpPreRate').value) || 0;
var shootDays = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpShootDays').value) || 0;
var crewSize = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpCrewSize').value) || 0;
var crewRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpCrewRate').value) || 0;
var equipCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpEquipCost').value) || 0;
var postHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpPostHours').value) || 0;
var postRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpPostRate').value) || 0;
var talentCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpTalentCost').value) || 0;
var travelCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpTravelCost').value) || 0;
var markupPercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vpMarkup').value) || 0;
// Calculations
var preProdTotal = preHours * preRate;
var prodLaborTotal = shootDays * crewSize * crewRate;
var postProdTotal = postHours * postRate;
var miscTotal = talentCost + travelCost;
// Subtotal excluding markup
var subtotal = preProdTotal + prodLaborTotal + equipCost + postProdTotal + miscTotal;
// Calculate Markup
var markupAmount = subtotal * (markupPercent / 100);
// Final Total
var grandTotal = subtotal + markupAmount;
// Formatting Function
function formatMoney(amount) {
return "$" + amount.toFixed(2).replace(/\d(?=(\d{3})+\.)/g, '$&,');
}
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resPreProd').innerText = formatMoney(preProdTotal);
document.getElementById('resProdLabor').innerText = formatMoney(prodLaborTotal);
document.getElementById('resEquip').innerText = formatMoney(equipCost);
document.getElementById('resPostProd').innerText = formatMoney(postProdTotal);
document.getElementById('resMisc').innerText = formatMoney(miscTotal);
document.getElementById('resMarkup').innerText = formatMoney(markupAmount);
document.getElementById('resTotal').innerText = formatMoney(grandTotal);
// Show result div
document.getElementById('vp-result').style.display = 'block';
}
function clearVideoCalc() {
document.getElementById('vpPreHours').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpPreRate').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpShootDays').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpCrewSize').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpCrewRate').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpEquipCost').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpPostHours').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpPostRate').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpTalentCost').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpTravelCost').value = ";
document.getElementById('vpMarkup').value = ";
document.getElementById('vp-result').style.display = 'none';
}
Understanding Video Production Rates
Budgeting for video production can be a complex task due to the sheer number of variables involved. Unlike fixed-product pricing, video production is a service-based industry where the cost is driven by time, expertise, and resources. Our Video Production Rate Calculator helps freelancers, agencies, and clients estimate the total cost of a project by breaking it down into the three standard phases: Pre-production, Production, and Post-production.
Phase 1: Pre-Production Costs
Pre-production is the foundation of a successful video. This phase includes concept development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, and casting. While it might seem like "just planning," this is often where the project's direction is cemented. Costs here are usually calculated by hourly or day rates for producers, writers, and directors.
Scriptwriting & Concept: Developing the narrative structure.
Logistics: Securing permits, insurance, and scheduling crew.
Casting: Finding the right on-screen talent.
Phase 2: Production Costs
The production phase is often the most expensive part of the process. This is when the cameras are rolling. Costs are driven by the number of shooting days, the size of the crew, and the quality of equipment required.
Crew Size: A simple interview might only need a videographer and a sound operator, while a commercial could require a director, DP, gaffer, grips, and makeup artists.
Day Rates: Most freelance crew members charge by the day (typically 10 hours) rather than by the hour.
Equipment: High-end cinema cameras, lighting kits, and audio gear often incur rental fees, even if owned by the videographer (to cover wear and tear).
Phase 3: Post-Production Costs
Post-production is where the magic happens. It involves editing footage, color grading, sound mixing, and adding visual effects or motion graphics. A common rule of thumb is that for every hour of shooting, several hours of editing are required.
Why Include a Markup?
If you are a production agency, adding a markup or margin is standard business practice. This percentage (often 10-30%) covers overhead costs (studio rent, software subscriptions, insurance), project management time, and profit. Even freelancers should consider a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
How to Use This Calculator
To get the most accurate estimate:
Be Realistic about Hours: Editing usually takes longer than expected. Allocating 10 hours for a complex 3-minute video might be an underestimation.
Don't Forget Expenses: Travel, meals for the crew (craft services), and parking fees add up quickly.
Check Market Rates: Crew rates vary significantly by location. A camera operator in New York City will cost more than one in a smaller rural town.