Video producers send a quote after a discovery call, before booking crew, gear, or dates. Clients often get several bids and compare total price, number of shoot days, crew size, and what deliverables are included. A clear quote that breaks the work into phases helps you stand out from vague bids.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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A 90-second hero video and four social cutdowns are very different workloads. Listing each deliverable prevents requests for extra edits at no cost.
Defines how many days and people you have budgeted. If the client adds a location or a second day, it is clearly a change from the quote.
State whether scripting, storyboards, location scouting, casting, and meetings are in the price and how many hours are covered.
Specify how many rounds are included, who gives consolidated feedback, and what happens after the limit. This is where most budget overruns happen.
Logos, scripts, product samples, location access, permits, and on-camera talent affect your schedule and cost if they arrive late or not at all.
Say where, how long, and in what media the video can be used. Broader usage like paid ads or broadcast may cost more.
Clarify whether music, stock footage, travel, permits, talent, insurance certificates, and catering are included, estimated, or billed at cost.
Gear and crew availability change, so give the quote a valid-through date and note that delivery depends on timely feedback and footage access.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Producer / project management | per hour | $75-150 |
| Videographer / camera operator (with basic kit) | per day | $600-1,800 |
| Video editing | per hour | $50-125 |
| Motion graphics and titles | per hour | $65-150 |
| Camera, lighting, and audio package | per day | $250-800 |
| Drone operator (Part 107 licensed) | per half day | $400-900 |
| Corporate promo or brand video (1-2 minutes) | flat fee | $3,000-15,000 |
| Social media video package (4 short edits) | per month | $1,500-5,000 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
List pre-production, production, and post-production separately with a subtotal for each. Clients see where the money goes, and you can adjust a phase to meet a lower budget without cutting quality across the board.
Present a basic version, a standard version, and a fuller version with extra shoot time, motion graphics, or more cutdowns. Clients often choose the middle option and it opens a budget conversation.
If you do not know interview count, location, or script status, say so and include a contingency or range, such as an estimate of $6,000-7,500 until script approval. Convert to a fixed price when the details are set.
Editing usually takes longer than clients expect: reviewing footage, assembling, color, audio, graphics, and revisions. As a rough guide, a polished minute of interview-based video often takes several hours of editing, and more with motion graphics.
Give a fixed quote when the script, locations, and deliverables are defined. If major details are open, give a range and say what will fix the price, such as approval of the script or number of interview subjects. A range with clear conditions is better than a low number you cannot hold.
A simple quote is usually free. If the client asks for a detailed creative treatment, storyboards, or sample edits, many producers charge a development fee, often credited toward the project if the client books.
Fifteen to thirty days is typical. Crew availability, equipment rental prices, and your own schedule change, so put an expiration date on the quote and say that the shoot date is held only after the deposit is paid.
Offer to reduce scope instead of reducing your rates. Options include fewer shoot days, a smaller crew, shorter running time, fewer cutdowns, stock footage in place of original shots, or fewer revision rounds.
Use the Video Producer invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Video Producer invoice template