Cost Effective Video Production: 8 Ways to Maximize Budget on Video Production
At Swng Productions, we pride ourselves on being creative problem solvers, constantly seeking innovative ways to maximize budgets while achieving the highest production quality possible. Here are some of our favorite strategies.
- Invest Wisely in the Camera Department
- Choose a Dynamic Location
- Understand Your “Cost Per Shot”
- Involve Your Video Production Company Early In Creative Direction To Make Informed Decisions
- Optimize Video Runtimes
- Allow Adequate Pre-Production Time
- Cut On-Set Sound and Opt for Voice-Over
- Utilize Your In-House Capabilities
Invest Wisely in the Camera Department
Don’t be swayed by the allure of the most expensive camera. For online content, prioritize functionality over a cinema-grade camera.
While high-end cinema cameras may offer impressive visuals, they’re often unnecessary for online content, where functionality and efficiency take precedence. Focus on cameras that are well-suited for the platform you’re targeting, with the right balance of image quality, ease of use, and budget-friendliness. By prioritizing the specific needs of your project, you can ensure your content is visually compelling without overspending on equipment that won’t add significant value to the final product.
Choose a Dynamic Location
Choosing venues like Airbnbs or Peerspace locations with distinctive furniture and design elements can save both time and money, as they often require less set dressing and customization. By selecting spaces that already have character, you can add visual depth and variety to your shots without the added cost of creating a specific look from scratch. For example, our Art Department transformed one Airbnb into six different looks, showcasing the versatility of the space and giving us more bang for our buck. Always think creatively about how a single location can be utilized in multiple ways.
Understand Your “Cost Per Shot”
Your production company can help you define each shot’s required crew, equipment, and visual effects. Suppose one shot is a quarter of your budget because it requires fireworks. In that case, we recommend reallocating the fireworks budget to other departments that will make a larger impact, like lighting or props. This leads us to our next point…
Involve Your Video Production Company Early In Creative Direction To Make Informed Decisions
We see it all too frequently: someone has a creative idea that their team loves, but their budget doesn’t match the creative concept because they don’t understand the cost implications of accomplishing that idea. Your video production company has the experience to understand the costs.
Optimize Video Runtimes
Shorter videos tend to be more impactful. Know your audience and communicate to them clearly and succinctly. If you can get the point across in 30 seconds, making a 90-second video is unnecessary! By knowing your audience and understanding what they value, you can deliver a message that resonates quickly and leaves a lasting impact, without risking viewer fatigue or diluting the core message with unnecessary details.
Allow Adequate Pre-Production Time
Ample time for pre-production ranges from three to six weeks, depending on the creative concept. Expediting the process can compromise the project’s potential, impacting talent and location selection. It can also incur rush fees on selective services.
Cut On-Set Sound and Opt for Voice-Over
Filming audio on-set requires additional gear, crew, and more experienced talent to deliver lines. It can also impact the filming schedule if the location is not soundproof.
Recording voice-over for your video will eliminate any on-set complications, if you choose to pursue this creative decision.
Utilize Your In-House Capabilities
Filming on properties owned by you or your business eliminates rental fees. Also, consider using employees as on-screen talent or background talent.
Incorporating these strategies helps our team at Swng Productions to deliver high-quality productions while optimizing budgets consistently. Creativity thrives in constraints, and with thoughtful planning, every production can achieve remarkable results. Let’s collaborate to create something unforgettable!
