i.
Founder Stories
The why behind the company — told with real depth, not a promotional monologue. Founder films build trust with customers, investors, and recruits simultaneously.
Brand films, built to last.
Cinematic brand stories, founder films, and company culture videos for California brands. Strategy and production under one roof — built to define your brand for years, not quarters.
California-wide10+ yearsCinema-grade crewsStrategy + productionBooking 2026
Quick answer
What does a brand film cost in 2026?
Brand films typically cost $15,000 to $75,000 in 2026, depending on scope, shoot days, on-camera talent, and the number of cutdowns delivered. A single-day shoot with a 60–90 second hero film and three social cutdowns lands around $18,000–$30,000. Multi-location campaigns scale to $50,000+.
By the numbers
Brand films, in numbers.
- 8 yr+
- Average crew tenure on WERZ brand-film projects
- 16:9 / 9:16 / 1:1
- Multi-aspect deliverables, planned in pre-pro
- 2 rounds
- Revision rounds included in every engagement
Updated 4 min read
A brand film does not work because it looks expensive. It works because it has something to say. Before any camera rolls, WERZ figures out what the film is for, who needs to see it, and what they should feel and do after the last frame. That decision shapes every later one — script, location, talent, music, length, format.
When a brand film is treated as a single asset, it usually fails to earn its budget. We plan brand films as a system: a hero cut for the homepage, social cutdowns at 15s, 30s, and 60s, vertical 9:16 versions for Reels and TikTok, and stills lifted from the same shoot. One production day, a library of assets that ships into ads, sales, recruiting, email, and PR.
Film Types
Six ways a brand film gets built.
ii.
Company Culture Films
Authentic looks inside the organization that attract the right talent and show clients what it actually feels like to work with you.
iii.
Product & Launch Films
Hero videos for product launches, crowdfunding campaigns, or new market entries. Designed to convert viewers into early adopters and buyers.
iv.
Brand Manifesto
Cinematic statements of purpose — what you believe, who you serve, and why it matters. These live at the top of the funnel and define brand perception for years.
v.
Heritage & Legacy Films
Deep archival storytelling for established brands that want to honor their history while connecting it to where they're going.
vi.
Social & Campaign Cutdowns
Every brand film shoot produces social-ready cuts at 15s, 30s, and 60s — scoped and planned from day one, not treated as an afterthought.
Recent work
Two brand films from 2025 / 2026.
“WERZ was willing to go the extra mile. The whole process was done well — and it showed.”
Pier Luigi
CEO & Co-founder, Evolution Devices
Process
How a brand film gets made.
i.
Discovery & Strategy
We start with story before we start with cameras. What's the film for? Who needs to see it? What do we want them to feel and do after?
ii.
Script & Treatment
A written plan for every visual beat — narrative arc, interview questions, B-roll approach, and music direction. No surprises on shoot day.
iii.
Production
Full cinema-grade crew with RED or ARRI-equivalent cameras, professional lighting, and location or studio setup. We handle permits, casting, and logistics.
iv.
Post-Production
Color grade, original or licensed music, sound design, and motion graphics where needed. Final delivery in all required formats and aspect ratios.
What's included
Everything from story to screen.
Strategy & narrative
Discovery session, narrative arc, script and treatment, shot list, and interview framework — reviewed and approved before any camera rolls.
Production & crew
Full production crew with cinema-grade equipment, professional lighting, location scouting, permits, casting, and on-the-day direction.
Post & deliverables
Professional color grade, sound design, licensed music or original score options, social cutdowns at 15s/30s/60s, and vertical 9:16 versions for Reels and TikTok.
From the field
More brand film work.
FAQ
Common questions.
How much does a brand film cost?
Brand films typically range from $8,000 to $40,000+ depending on scope — number of shoot days, locations, talent, and post-production complexity. A single-location founder film with one shoot day is on the lower end. Multi-location, multi-crew productions with custom music and motion design are higher. We scope clearly before any work begins.
How long does brand film production take?
From kickoff to final delivery, expect 4–8 weeks. Discovery and scripting take 1–2 weeks, production is 1–2 days, and post-production is 2–4 weeks depending on revision rounds and complexity. Rush timelines are available.
Do you write the script or do we?
We handle scripting as part of the project. After the discovery session, we develop the narrative arc, interview framework, and shot plan — you review and approve before any camera rolls. We prefer to collaborate, not hand you a blank page.
Where do you shoot brand films?
On-location at your facility, on public or permitted locations, or in studio environments. We're based in Fresno and produce across California — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, and the Central Valley. We travel for the right project.
How is a brand film different from a commercial?
A commercial is typically 15–60 seconds built around a specific offer or action. A brand film is 2–6 minutes and is built around identity, values, and story. Brand films create emotional positioning; commercials create immediate response. Many projects use both.
How does WERZ price video, web, or marketing work?
Pricing is scope-based, not template-based. We define deliverables, audience, locations, crew, and revisions before quoting — so the budget reflects actual production needs rather than a pre-set tier.
Can WERZ work from a fixed budget?
Yes. A fixed budget works best when deliverables, locations, revision rounds, and timeline are clear before production starts. We will tell you what is achievable inside the budget rather than promise more than the scope supports.
Are there ongoing retainers, or only project work?
Both. Most marketing and web programs run as monthly retainers (strategy, content, optimization). Video and brand projects are typically scoped per engagement, with optional content retainers for ongoing assets.
How long does a typical engagement take?
Discovery and strategy run 1–2 weeks; production and build run 3–8 weeks depending on scope; launch and iteration kicks off after delivery. Marketing programs are ongoing with measurable milestones at month one, month three, and month six.
Can you accommodate a tight deadline?
Yes, when the scope and approval lanes are tight. Rush projects work best when the team can lock decisions quickly and accept fewer revision rounds. We will tell you upfront if a deadline is unrealistic for the scope.
Get started
Ready to build something that lasts?
Let's talk about your brand story, timeline, and what a film could unlock for you.
Start a brand filmHave one specific question? Email hello@werz.ai