Music Video Production Pricing and Costs

Music video pricing and costs and how to budget for it

Producing a music video requires the unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit, business savvy, technical skill, artistic vision, and love of music. Another requirement is money to invest, but the amount can vary greatly. A huge budget with no expense spared does not guarantee a great music video, and a low-budget video shot with limited resources does not equate to a bad production either.

When researching music video production pricing and costs to set a budget, keep the following considerations in mind:

1. Remember that making music videos is all about the music; don't get caught up in special effects and the latest technology.

2. Harness the power of the Internet by online promotion and save more money for music video production costs.

3. Keep in mind the hidden costs of time; time equals money and music video production requires much time.

 

Buy a camera for recording music video productions

The best camera for music video producers to use is a DV or digital video. The picture quality is much higher than shooting with other cameras, and the digital format is much easier for editing later on.
Try: Purchasing a DV camera will range between $400 and $1,200 from stores like Hi-Tech Enterprises, while renting a DV camera will cost between $50 and $700 per day from places like Video Equipment Rentals.

Find lighting equipment for making music videos

Lighting equipment is needed for any music video production done at indoor locations. The minimum basic music video production equipment for lighting that is needed is cyclorama lights; large lights that illuminate large areas.
Try: Find lighting equipment for rent costing between $25 and $200 per light per day, depending on the size and quality of lights. Port Lighting Systems rents lighting equipment. Search for local lighting rental services at the website of Catalyst Exhibits.

Get sound equipment for live music video production

Most cameras come with built-in recorders, but they record in poor quality. Professional music video production sound quality will only come from professional microphone systems.
Try: Rent complete sound systems for between $500 and $4,000 per week, depending on the complexity of the sound system, from places like Hi-Tech Audio. Search through listings on Rental-Source.com to find local sound system rental companies.

Use editing software for music video production

Once the film is downloaded from a DV camera to a computer, editing the film is the next step in the process. Most new PCs with Windows XP come with Windows Movie Maker, which is an extremely basic editing software for novices. Adobe Production Premiere is a great editing software with excellent learning tools, and Final Cut Studio is for more advanced music video producers. Both are of top quality and used by the pros.
Try: Adobe Production Premiere will costs around $1,700 for a the newest version. Final Cut Studio can be purchased for around $1,300.

Hire music video production services

Contracting a project out to a music video production company is the most expensive way to go, but will ensure the final project is of the highest quality when working with experienced professionals. The prices of contracting out a music video production varies greatly depending on the experience of the company and the quality of their projects. Many companies will ask for your budget and try to work within those limitations. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000.
Try: Find a national list of production companies at The Film Connection, or listings local to the entertainment industry capital, L.A., at LA411.com.

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