Video production cost calculator.
Real California pricing for 2026. Pick your project shape and we'll show a tight price range — no email required, no pop-ups.
$10K – $37.5K
For California production in 2026. Real quotes depend on creative complexity, schedule, and gear.
How this calculator works
Every video price has the same components: pre-production, crew days, talent, locations, gear, edit, and overhead. The calculator estimates each and adds them up.
Pre-production is 20-40% of any quote. It covers concept, script, shot list, scout, casting, scheduling. Skipping it (or rushing it) is the most common reason projects go over budget.
Crew days are the biggest line item. A typical 6-person crew (director, DP, AC, gaffer, sound, PA) runs $4-8K/day. Cinema-grade work needs more — colorist, composer, motion designer.
Edit time is roughly 8-15 hours of post per finished minute. Color, sound design, motion graphics, music licensing all sit here. Most projects underbudget post.
Talent compounds quickly. Non-union actors cost $500-1,500/day. SAG-AFTRA starts at $695/day plus 16.8% pension+health, plus residuals if the work runs as a commercial. Recognizable faces: $5K+ start.
The calculator's ranges are accurate for California production work in 2026 across our typical engagement sizes. Real quotes vary based on creative complexity, schedule pressure, and your specific creative direction.
Founded 2018 · Central California