Montreal Video Production Cost 2023 [With Pricing]
The video production industry is diverse and encompasses a wide range of niches. When it comes to creating a video for your company or business, it can be challenging to understand the costs associated with different services. In this post, we'll examine the various elements that go into producing a video, and provide examples of pricing for video production in Montreal.
To begin, let's dive into the prices you can expect for different video production services. Here are some general examples to give you an idea, and then we'll delve into more specific costs later on in the post.
Video Production Rates in 2023 (CAD)
Event coverage:
Simple event coverage: $1,400 - $3,000
Bigger event coverage: $4,500 - $7,000+
Advertising:
Advertisement for the web: $7,000 - $40,000+
Advertisement for TV: $20,000 - $100,000+
Promotional:
Promotional video: $1,800 - $3,500
Video tour of a facility: $1,500 - $3,500
Product videos:
Simple product video: $3,000 - $7,000+
Elaborate product video with actors: $12,000 - $25,000+
Corporate:
Corporate announcement: $3,500 - $5,000+
Video testimonial: $3,500 - $6,500+
Company overview video: $6,500 - $11,500+
Services:
Videographer for a day: $500 - $1,200
Video editor for a day: $400 - $1,400
Crowdfunding:
Kickstarter video: $6,000 - $12,000+
Keep in mind that the prices above are rough estimates and the actual cost will vary depending on the specific requirements of the project, the size of the production team, and other factors. However, this should give you an idea of the range of prices you can expect to pay for different types of video production services in Montreal in 2023
The list below includes a comprehensive breakdown of the various costs that can be associated with video production. It's important to note that not all of these costs will necessarily apply to your specific project, but it's useful to consider all of them when budgeting for and planning your video.
Pre-Production and Project Management
Pre-production encompasses all the tasks that take place before filming starts, this stage usually starts with scheduling crew and locations, scriptwriting, storyboarding and casting. In this stage, the creative and logistical aspects of the project are defined and solidified, which lays the foundation for the smooth execution of the filming process.
Producer
A producer is responsible for overseeing the various aspects of a production, including managing the budget, scheduling, and coordinating the work of other members of the production team such as the director, camera crew, and actors. They also manage the relationships between the various stakeholders involved to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.
Producer day rate: $550 to $1,200
When would you need a producer?
Video producers can be hired for larger-scale projects such as commercials or ads, or they can be on staff at a video production company to handle all of the company's projects. Generally, smaller-scale projects do not require a producer, as the videographer or team can take on multiple roles, including that of the producer.
Script Writing
A script is a written document that outlines the dialogue, actions, and visual elements of a production. It is the blueprint for the final product, including the story, characters, dialogue, and overall structure. It includes the information that will be spoken by the actors, the general shots, the angle, and more. A well-written script is crucial for creating an effective and compelling video.
Scriptwriter day rate: $600 - $1,400
When would you need scriptwriting?
Scriptwriting is used for projects that have a predefined narrative or story, such as ads, films, music videos, or tv shows. The script serves as the foundation for the rest of the production and is essential for producing all types of content. .
Storyboarding
A storyboard is a visual representation of a video's structure, showing how the different shots and scenes will be laid out. It can be a series of illustrations, sketches, or images that show how the shots in a video will be composed, what the characters will be doing, and how the action will flow. It also helps to communicate the concepts and ideas of the video to the production team and clients and to identify potential issues and make changes before the actual filming starts.
Storyboard artist day rate: $500 - $1,000
When would you need a storyboard?
Storyboards are often used in conjunction with scripts to further visualize and solidify the final result before pressing record. They are commonly used in advertisements, commercials, music videos, crowdfunding videos, and story-based or narrative videos.
Video Production Crew
A video production crew is made up of various members, including camera operators, directors, sound technicians, and make-up artists, among others. Each member plays a crucial role in bringing the production to life and working together to create a high-quality final product. You can find out more about the roles and costs of each crew member below.
Director
During pre-production, the director works with the producer and other members of the production team to develop a shooting schedule, cast actors, scout locations and determine the visual style of the film. On the production days, they lead the film shoot, calling the shots, giving direction to the actors. They are responsible for keeping an eye on the big picture, and making sure that the footage being captured aligns with the theme and goals of the project, as well as the script.
Director day rate: $800 CAD to $2,600
When would you need a director?
A director could be beneficial on all levels of projects but are most useful on larger scale projects such as advertisements, commercials, or narrative videos like films or TV shows.
Camera Operator
A camera operator is the person who operates the camera and records footage for film, television, and other video productions. They set up equipment, control framing and composition, and make sure the footage matches the overall vision of the project.
Camera operator day rate: $500 - $1,200
When would you need a camera operator?
A camera operator is required for projects that involve capturing video footage. This could include television shows, films, live broadcasts, and more.
Videographer
A videographer is similar to a camera operator but oftentimes with more general knowledge of the entire production process. They can be skilled in not just operating the camera but also setting up lighting and recording sound.
Videographer day rate: $500 - $1,200
When would you need a videographer?
Videographers are often utilized in smaller-scale projects, such as event coverage, interviews, and corporate videos, where a smaller crew is sufficient.
Director of Photography
A Director of Photography (DP) is responsible for crafting the visual style and aesthetic of a film, television show, or video production. This includes selecting the appropriate cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment, collaborating with lighting and camera crews to achieve the desired visual effects, and ultimately ensuring that the production looks visually stunning and polished. In short, they are responsible for bringing the director's vision to life through the lens.
Director of photography day rate: $800 CAD to $2,500
When would you need a director of photography?
A Director of Photography (DP) is typically needed for any visual production, such as films, television shows, commercials, music videos, and other video projects. Some smaller or independent projects might not have a specific DP but the director or the camera operator might take on this role as well.
Lighting Crew
A lighting person or gaffer on a film, television or video production is responsible for creating and controlling the lighting for the scene. This includes setting up, adjusting and maintaining lighting equipment throughout the production. They work with the director and director of photography (DP) to create the desired mood and atmosphere for each scene.
Gaffer day rate: $500 - $1,350
When would you need a lighting crew?
A lighting crew is typically needed for most video productions, whether it's a single individual or a team of people handling this aspect. On smaller productions, it's common for the videographer to handle the lighting or for there to be no lighting at all. However, it's generally recommended to include lighting in the production as it greatly improves the overall quality of the video.
Sound Technician
A sound technician is responsible for capturing and enhancing audio during various video productions. This includes setting up and operating microphones and other audio equipment, as well as editing and mixing the audio to ensure it meets the desired quality standards.
Sound technician day rate: $500 - $1,200
When would you need a sound technician?
Sound technicians are required for all video productions that involve capturing dialogue, speech, or other sounds on location. In some smaller productions, the videographer may handle the sound recording themselves, but for more complex audio capturing it is recommended to hire a dedicated sound technician.
Production Assistants
A production assistant (PA) assists various departments and crew members on set or during production. They perform a wide range of tasks, including scheduling, coordinating, and organizing logistics. PAs may also be responsible for running errands, setting up equipment, and keeping the set organized and running smoothly.
Production assistant day rate: $150 - $350
When would you need a production assistant?
Production assistants are valuable assets for any size of video production. They can perform a wide range of tasks including administrative work, setting up equipment, running errands, and assisting other crew members. All productions could benefit from their assistance and it is recommended to have them on board if the budget allows it.
Make-Up Artist and Hair Stylist
A make-up and hair artist is responsible for creating and maintaining the appearance of actors in film and TV productions. This includes applying makeup, styling hair, and maintaining it throughout the production process.
Make-up artist and hair stylist day rate: $500 - $800
When would you need a make-up artist and hair stylist?
A make-up artist and hair stylist are often required for productions featuring on-screen actors, hosts, or interview subjects, where maintaining a consistent appearance is important.
Number of Days Filming
The duration of filming is a key factor in the overall cost of video production. Most industry professionals charge a day rate or half-day rate, which ultimately affects the cost for the end client. For example, if the production is two days on set, then anyone subcontracted by the video production company will likely be paid on a daily basis. This includes crew members, location rentals, and equipment rentals. The more days of filming, the higher the overall cost.
Typically, each additional day of filming can be 10-30% less expensive than the first day. This is because certain expenses incurred by the video production company, such as crew, equipment, and location rentals, may be discounted after the first day.
Video Length
The final length of a video can have an impact on the pricing for the end client. Longer videos tend to require more filming days, which increases the overall cost. In addition, editing and post-production costs may be higher for longer videos as there is more footage to review and potentially cut.
Travel
When applicable, travel costs must be taken into account in any production. This includes mileage for the crew, hotels, and other expenses. If the production is located near the service area of the video production company, there are usually no travel fees. However, if the production is taking place outside of the company's service zone, travel expenses will be incurred. These costs vary depending on the specific project and the agreement with the video production company.
Video Equipment
Video equipment is a significant expense in any video production. It includes cameras, lenses, lighting, and sound equipment. Some video production companies own their equipment, while others prefer to rent equipment as productions can vary greatly, requiring different equipment each time. Therefore, it's important to take into account the costs related to video production equipment when budgeting for a project.
Cinema Camera kit
A cinema camera, such as those from ARRI, Black Magic, or RED, is commonly used in the film, television, and commercial industry for high-quality, professional-grade footage. These cameras are typically more expensive than consumer cameras, and their lenses and accessories can also be costly. However, the investment in a cinema camera will yield the highest quality image possible.
Price per day: $1,000 - $2,800
When would you need a cinema camera kit?
High-end cameras, such as cinema cameras, are ideal for professional projects such as commercials, advertisements, television shows, and movies. They provide the highest level of image quality and allow for the most polished, polished final product.
Corporate Camera Kit
Corporate video production often utilizes cameras such as the Sony a7siii, Sony FX3, or Canon C300. These cameras have a compact and versatile design, making them suitable for fast setup in various locations and environments. They provide excellent image quality at an affordable cost, making them a popular choice for corporate video production.
Price per day: $350 - $700
When would you need a corporate camera kit?
A corporate camera kit is versatile and can be utilized in any business setting.
Sound Equipment
Sound equipment is an essential component for capturing high-quality audio, consisting of microphones, audio recorders, and all necessary accessories for recording in various settings and locations.
Price per day: $250 - $1,000
When would you need sound equipment?
Sound equipment is required for all video productions that involve capturing dialogue, speech, or other sounds on location.
Lighting Equipment
Lighting equipment includes an array of lights and accessories for illuminating scenes, people, and objects.
Price per day: $250 - $1,000
When would you need rental equipment?
Proper lighting is crucial for any video production, especially those taking place in controlled environments. It can enhance the visual appeal and add depth to the overall production. Therefore, investing in high-quality lighting equipment is highly recommended for all video productions.
Talent
The cost of a video production can be greatly impacted by the talent involved. Actors and actresses are usually a significant expense and should be budgeted for accordingly. Talent can be sourced through an agency, which can simplify the process of finding the right actors/actresses, but these agencies also come with their own costs.
Price:
Actor/actress for the day: $500 - $2,000+
Voice actor/actress: $500 - $1,000 per 3 - 5 minutes of narration
When would you need talent?
Actors and actresses are not only used in films and TV shows, but also as confident and presentable hosts in videos showcasing products and services. Voice actors and actresses are also widely used, and are an important aspect in various types of videos, such as corporate video production, documentaries, product videos and more. They add credibility and personality to the message being conveyed.
Location
Locations are an integral part of video production, they can either be rental locations, similar to Airbnb, but specifically for video shoots, or they can be more complex, such as filming at a city's main square for example. In these cases, the video production company will need to obtain permission from the property owner, as well as possibly getting permission from the city, blocking off streets, hiring traffic police, obtaining insurance, and managing a multitude of other logistics. It's important to consider the location's accessibility, cost, and feasibility for the production.
Studio rental day rate: $600 - $2,000
When would you need a location?
When a suitable location for the shoot is not available, the video production company will find a location that fits within your budget and the vision of the shoot.
Music License
Music licenses are a way to legally use an artist or company's music in your video by paying a fee. This can include purchasing a single-use license for a track from a website like Audiojungle for a small fee or hiring a composer to create a custom track that seamlessly complements your footage.
Music license cost: $5 - $100
Custom song by a composer: $500 - $4,000
When would you need a music license?
In virtually all video production, obtaining a music license is a necessary step.
Post-Production
Post-production is the final step in the video production process, and it includes video editing, adding animations, visual effects, or any stock footage.
Video Editing
Video editing is the process of taking raw footage and turning it into a final video by cutting, rearranging and adjusting elements like color and sound. The editing process can be done using a variety of software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. The editor's goal is to tell a story, create a mood, or convey a message by carefully selecting and arranging the footage.
Video editor day rate: $400 to $1,400
When would you need video editing?
Video editing is an essential component of video production and it's difficult to envision a production without it. The only exception is live-streaming, where the video is not edited.
Animation or Motion Graphics
In video production, animation and motion graphics are used to enhance visual storytelling by adding dynamic, eye-catching elements such as character animations, infographics, and special effects. These techniques can be used to convey information, create a sense of movement, and add visual interest to a video.
Animator/motion graphics artist day rate: $600 to $1,500
When would you need animations or motion graphics?
Animations or motion graphics are particularly effective for video intros, to breakdown complex topics and emphasizing important elements throughout the video
Visual Effects (VFX)
VFX stands for visual effects, and it refers to the process of adding special effects to videos and films to enhance the overall visual experience. This can include things like computer-generated imagery (CGI), animation, compositing, and more. It is a technique used to make the impossible possible, from creating fantastic worlds to depicting superpowers, VFX can be used to bring a whole new dimension to a production.
VFX artist day rate: $600 to $1,500
When would you need visual effects?
VFX can be used in many different scenarios in video production, but some common examples include: blending different elements such as live-action footage and animation together, and creating virtual environments or locations that would be too expensive or impossible to film in real life.
Stock Footage
Stock footage refers to pre-existing video footage that can be licensed and used in various productions such as films, TV shows, commercials, and corporate videos. This footage can include anything from nature scenes and cityscapes, to people and animals, to special effects and visual effects. It can be a cost-effective solution to add visual interest and variety to projects, without the need to go through the process of filming new footage.
Stock footage cost per clip: $40 to $700
When would you need a stock footage?
Stock footage can be used when additional footage is required in a production but it’s too difficult or impossible to film, or when a production budget is limited.
How to maximize your investment in video
When it comes to video production, there are some important things to consider to help achieve your end goals and get an even better return on your investment. One way to maximize your investment is to focus on multi-purpose filming. This means finding opportunities to create more than one video during your production, which can save you both time and money down the road. Another way to maximize your investment is to consider both short and long-form videos. A 30-60 second edit of a longer video is a great asset to have for social media purposes and can also be used as a teaser for your main video. Additionally, by showcasing key snippets from interviews and testimonial videos, you can create stand-alone videos to post on your social media accounts. Another tip is to always think ahead and plan for upcoming events or milestones in your business. Finally, make sure to include subtitles or closed captions on your videos to ensure your message comes across to all viewers, regardless of whether they have audio enabled.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of video production in Montreal can vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the project. Simple promotional videos may cost a few hundred dollars, while more complex commercial shoots can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. To effectively plan your budget and choose a production company that fits your needs, it's important to understand the various factors that influence video production costs. If you have any questions or would like a quote for your project, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email or leave a comment below.