How Much Does Video Production Cost in the UK? (Real Ranges + Examples)

Wondering what it costs to make a professional video? You’re not alone.

Video production pricing is notoriously vague, with quotes ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds. This lack of transparency makes budgeting difficult and leaves many wondering if they’re getting value for money.

In this guide, we’ll give you real cost ranges based on our experience producing videos across the UK.

We’ll explain what affects pricing, what you can expect at different budget levels, and how to make sure your investment delivers results.

Typical video production costs in the UK

Video production costs vary widely depending on your needs, but here are the typical ranges we see in the UK market:

What affects the cost of a video?

Understanding what drives cost helps you make informed decisions about where to invest your budget. Here are the key factors that determine video production pricing:

The production triangle: balancing quality, cost, and time

When considering video production costs, understanding the “production triangle” concept is essential. This internationally recognised model applies to video production and many other industries.

The triangle consists of three key factors:

Quality: The overall perceived value and effectiveness of your video
Cost: The budget available for the project
Time: How quickly the project can be completed

The fundamental rule of the production triangle is simple but unavoidable: you can only optimise for two of these factors in any project. The third must be “sacrificed” to some degree.

Let’s break down what this means in practical terms:

“If you want something good and fast, it will be expensive.”

When quality and quick turnaround are priorities, costs inevitably rise. You might need extra crew to capture footage within a compressed timeframe, scriptwriters working outside normal hours, or premium rates for last-minute location bookings.

“If you want something good and cheap, it’s going to take longer to get done.”

Quality on a tight budget requires more time. This might mean careful planning to minimise shooting days, sourcing cost-effective equipment without compromising quality, or spending time finding affordable locations. It’s possible, but it requires patience.

“If you want something fast and cheap, it’s not going to be good.”

When time and budget are both constrained, quality suffers. Planning gets rushed, corners get cut, and mistakes happen. There’s limited time for script refinement, actors can’t properly rehearse, and specialised equipment may be unavailable.

Understanding these trade-offs helps you make informed decisions about where to invest your budget. In our experience, prioritising quality often provides the best long-term value, even if it means adjusting the timeline or budget expectations.

What do you get at different budget levels?

Let’s look at what’s realistically possible at different price points:

Limited budget (under £5,000)

With a limited budget, focus on simplicity:

• Single location
• Minimal equipment setup
• 1-2 person crew
• Limited editing time
• Simple graphics (if any)

Best for: Social media content, simple updates, talking head videos

Limitations: Less polished look, basic sound quality, limited visual variety

Mid-range budget (£6,000-£12,000)

At this level, your video benefits from:

• More thorough planning
• Professional-grade equipment
• Skilled crew members
• Better lighting setups
• More comprehensive editing
• Basic motion graphics
• Licensed music

Best for: Brand videos, testimonials, recruitment, demonstrations

Limitations: Some constraints on filming time, crew size, or editing complexity

Premium budget (£12,000+)

With a higher budget, you can achieve:

• Comprehensive creative development
• Multiple filming days
• Full production crew
• Premium equipment
• Multiple locations
• Advanced lighting techniques
• Extensive post-production
• Custom graphics and animation
• Premium music licensing

Best for: TV commercials, major marketing campaigns, cinematic brand films

Why not just go with the cheapest quote?

It’s tempting to base your decision solely on price. But this approach often leads to wasted money and missed opportunities.

Here’s why: a £2,000 video that fails to engage your audience or drive action isn’t just ineffective, it’s actually more expensive than a £4,000 video that achieves your goals.

This is especially true when considering long-term value. A well-produced video can remain effective for years, continuing to work for your business long after the initial investment.

By contrast, a poor-quality video might need to be replaced quickly, effectively doubling your costs.

As the saying goes, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

At Film Division, we don’t treat video as just a deliverable. We treat it as a behavioural tool, something designed to change how your audience thinks or acts.

That’s why before discussing equipment or visuals, we always ask:

“What result do you need this video to deliver?”

The answer shapes everything from concept to execution. It ensures we’re not just making something that looks good, but something that works.

Our Rule of Three approach

To maximise your investment, we apply our Rule of Three: we always explore three distinct creative directions before proceeding.

This process forces us to:

1. Challenge our assumptions
2. Consider multiple perspectives
3. Test different approaches
4. Choose the most effective solution, not just the first idea

This isn’t about artistic indulgence, it’s about rigour and effectiveness. By exploring multiple options, we ensure the final direction will genuinely connect with your audience and drive the results you need.

Real examples

£4000–£6000: Charity Testimonial Video

This testimonial video from Big Give showcases the impact of small charities. It features a single location shoot with a minimal crew, focusing on authentic storytelling. Ideal for organisations aiming to build trust and convey their mission effectively.

£6000–£12,000: Sustainability Campaign Film

Three UK’s Sustainability Week video demonstrates a multi-day shoot with various locations and advanced post-production. It effectively communicates the company’s sustainability initiatives and engages a broad audience. Ideal for campaigns aiming to make a significant impact and convey complex messages.

£12,000+: Social Media Advertising

This ad cleverly addresses a common pain point for families, cramped hotel rooms, by highlighting the spaciousness of Airbnb accommodations. 

The animated video uses humour and relatable scenarios to connect with viewers. This mid-range production demonstrates how a well-executed concept can effectively communicate a brand’s value proposition.

What’s the process and what’s included?

When investing in video production, you want to know exactly what happens from start to finish. At Film Division, our process is designed to ensure your video delivers real results, not just pretty footage:

Problem Diagnosis

We start by understanding your business goals, audience needs, and current challenges. This conversation helps us identify what you actually need, not just what you think you want. By taking time to diagnose the real problem, we ensure the video addresses the right issues.

Concept Development

Based on our diagnosis, we explore multiple creative directions (our Rule of Three approach). This strategic exploration helps us find the concept that will genuinely connect with your audience and drive the results you need.

Production

With a solid concept in place, we handle filming with efficiency and care. Our team manages everything from locations and scheduling to equipment and talent, ensuring a smooth production experience.

Targeted Distribution

A great video deserves to be seen by the right people. We help you develop a strategy for sharing your video across appropriate channels to reach your specific audience.

Results Measurement

We track how your video performs against your business goals, whether that’s increased inquiries, better conversion rates, or stronger customer relationships.

Most projects move from initial conversation to final delivery within 3-4 weeks, with clear communication throughout the process.

Making the most of your video budget

Whatever your budget level, here are some tips to maximise the value of your video investment:

Focus on long-term effectiveness

Effective video marketing means creating content that continues to deliver value over time. It should earn attention, build trust, and drive action long after it’s published. A quality video can continue working for your business for years, meaning its cost-per-view or cost-per-conversion actually decreases over time.

As we like to say: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

Be clear about your goals

The more specific you are about what you want the video to achieve, the more effectively we can allocate resources. A clearly defined objective helps us make strategic decisions about where to invest your budget for maximum impact.

Consider video packages

If you need multiple videos, creating them together can reduce costs significantly. Filming several videos in a single day maximises your investment in crew, equipment, and location costs.

Plan thoroughly

Good pre-production reduces costly surprises during filming and editing. The time spent planning is almost always recouped through more efficient production and fewer revisions later.

Factor in distribution

Budget not just for production but also for getting your video seen by the right people. Even the most beautifully produced video won’t deliver results if your target audience never sees it.

Be realistic about trade-offs

Remember the production triangle: quality, cost, and time. Be clear about which two factors matter most for your specific project, and where you can be flexible.

Ready to discuss your video project?

Not sure what you need yet? We’ll talk through your goals and help you work out what kind of video makes sense for your specific situation, no pressure.

Book a free discovery call →

Film Division specialises in creating videos that drive real results for organisations that want to make a positive impact. We believe video it’s a tool for meaningful change.