Video Estimates and Quotes: What You Need to Know
In the world of video production–like in so many other industries–project estimates and quotes can vary greatly. Sometimes it can be truly baffling to look at two similar video projects and see one cost ten times more than the other. That is why video production companies should provide clear estimates and quotes for their clients. By providing clarity, video companies empower their customers to make better decisions for their projects.
Why Video Production Estimates and Quotes Vary So Much
The “magic” of video comes from hundreds of minor and major choices, such as:
- Hiring a professional actor vs. featuring an employee
- Including motion graphics vs. b-roll only
- Using stock footage vs. staging/filming custom footage
- Animating a story vs. filming it
- Using a teleprompter for precision vs. speaking off-the-cuff and piecing together in post
The list goes on. For example, a video script could be shot run-n-gun style, with little lighting and virtually no staging. Conversely, that same script, shot in a cinematic style, would take much more time–and a larger crew–to film. A “simple” choice about the look and feel could change pricing significantly.
Sometimes, all the pivotal choice questions can’t be answered at the onset of a project. This is where estimates can have a slight advantage over fixed quotes for the customer. While a quote may require the video production company to put the cost on the high side to leave room for a variety of scenarios, an estimate can flex a bit to fit the need– shrinking or stretching. However, there is a healthy place for both estimates and quotes, and we’ve worked with both. The real key is transparency.
Transparent Video Production Estimates and Quotes
We believe that estimating and quoting should be a transparent and expectation-setting process, so nobody feels taken advantage of, or left in the dark. Ultimately, healthy estimates and quotes serve to protect both sides of the relationship. Here’s our philosophy:
1. Estimates and quotes should always be fully transparent
An estimate or quote should never be a simple total cost number. You should see a list of items and expected cost, for a snapshot of why the final number lands where it does. This provides clarity and even an opportunity to reassess the value of different project aspects before work begins.
For example, should a “drone shot of the region” line item come from stock footage, or a fully-crewed shoot? The stock footage may be the best budget option, but capturing the unique footage may be the best choice for quality. Outlining these sorts of specifics empowers the client to make better decisions for their needs.
2. Clearly-defined estimates and quotes take out unwelcome surprises
This builds on full transparency (philosophy point #1).
When a project scope changes on an estimated project, specific elements are explainable, with no confusion as to why a cost changed. A clearly-defined estimate can also call attention to a variable project element, explaining ahead of time where the final cost could fluctuate significantly.
In the same vein, a clearly quoted project is protected from scope-creep or confusion about final deliverables. By establishing clear expectations, there are no awkward surprises.
3. Even clear estimates and quotes require communication throughout the project
With all the above, there is still a need for ongoing communication. At various checkpoints along the way, such as the script completion, storyboard, or rough cut edit, communication about the project status needs to happen, especially if a strategic choice changes along the way. Open, ongoing communication is critical.
The Goal
In the end, a B2B relationship with clear and ongoing communication is healthy and more sustainable. Time working together builds trust, efficiency, and relationship. For estimated projects, the client can drive the concept and budget simultaneously. In a quoted project, the client can trust the video team to deliver within that budget, and explain if and why a request falls outside of the initial plan. In the end, clients and production companies can have long-term relationships with good vibes both ways. That’s priceless.
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