How much music video cost?

It can cost from to $300 for DIY option, $5,000-$10,000 low budget music video productions or up to a $100-200K on a high end. A different set of the film crew, a different type of cameras, number of talents and locations dramatically effects music video production costs. Especially inHouston, where you have to secure a filming permit for each location you want to have in your video, such as Downtown views, iconic building, even regular street.  

So it will be very helpful if you will see how much music video cost based on the type of the expenses below. Securing some of the options from that list by yourself can really help you to save money and produce the quality music video.

List of expenses for the music video:

1      Script creation. You should have a clear idea of what should happen in your video. Creative services like script writing can cost from $300 to several thousand of dollars if you are involving award-winning scriptwriter. You can draft out your vision and attach some video references to illustrate your idea, usually, that is enough for filmmakers to understand what direction to move.

2     Talent fees. Professional talents cost from $300 to $800 per day with additional 20% as a talent agency fees. Background people are more affordable but still, requires at least $50 to $100 per day compensation. Most of the agencies will make you sing the contract which requires certain food and gas compensation as well. So if you're planning some concert or party scenes for your music video, do the math, maybe you have enough friends of fans that will be happy to take part in filming.

3      Location fees/ Filming permits.  Think about the locations can be used with no additional costs - your family or friends house, public parks, and recreations, friendly facilities etc. Paying the filming permits for each location for your music video production in Houston can be deadly for your overall budget.

4      Film crew fees. Music filmmakers will give you the crew cost estimations based on your idea. There is no formula set in stone but the minimum head count for a production day is around 4 people. Director of Photography, Cameraman or Camera Assistant (sometimes DP also can be a cameraman), Gaffer, Producer, and PA. Then you might need makeup and hairstyle person. If your video requires operating special heavy gear like dollies, big sliders or cranes - technical operators should be considered. As well as the drone operators which require having a special permit, basically, a pilot license of some kind.

5      Cameras. The range of the cameras that can be used is so wide so there is no sense to mention all the brands. Some cameras like Canon 80D, Sony A7and RED are most common in music video production and are easy to find.

6      Props and rentals. Think about props and possible rentals (cars, boats, bikes etc.) That also should be covered, don't think that film crew will use their own vehicles to perform the task. So consider rental expenses as well as insurance coverage.

7      Other expenses such as travel, parking, food etc. Let's say you finally found a beautiful location and all set for the full day of production, then count the number of people involved, film crew, talents, yourself.  All those people have to commute to the spot somehow and have at least a lunch and water supply for an efficient working day.

8      Post production. And last but not the least  - music video editing. It is when the magic happens, scattered pieces become a solid product. The cost of the post production in Los Angeles can be almost equal to production expenses due to the complicity of the creative process. Video editor should find a unique style that will highlight your video and make it lasts throughout all the video. Multiple visual and sound effects used in that type of the video, syncing the music and the life action footage, making the tiny emphasis and working on the details is what make the music video a masterpiece.

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So our best advice is to be ready to specify your budget limitations.  Generally saying,  it isn't a good idea to make filmmakers guess what level of the production you are aiming for. But with a certain level of openness in communication filmmakers will be able to compile the best package that will stay within your budget limits but still able to provide you with quality music video.