Video production costs in Montreal [With prices!]

An editor in the Machiavel Studios Team.

Yes, but how much?

Ah, money, the lifeblood of video production. You want to know how much it costs to produce a quality video in Montreal? Well, my friend, it's a complex question with many variables. But I'll help you figure it out.

The cost of video production in Montreal depends on several key factors. These include the length of the video, the complexity of the production, the number of shooting days, the production equipment needed, the personnel costs (director, cameraman, lighting technician, etc.), the equipment costs, the travel costs, the post-production costs and the cost of music and sound effects. Each of these factors can significantly influence the final price and it is important to take them into account when planning the video production to avoid costly surprises.

  • The type of video 

There are a wide variety of video styles and formats, each with its own challenges and associated costs. For example, a simple product video will require less staff and production time than a complex music video.

  • The length of the video

The longer the video, the more costs will be associated with the personnel, equipment and other resources needed to produce it.

  • The number of shooting days

The more days of shooting, the higher the costs will be. This includes the cost of talent, equipment, studio rentals and travel. This is probably the best indicator of cost since most companies base their rates on a per day or half day basis.

  • The production team

The cost will depend on the number of people involved in the production, as well as their expertise and skill level.e not be caught off guard by the additional costs.

Who is this team?

In fact, video production involves several key roles, such as director, director of photography, assistant cameraman, art director, editor, and so on. Each of these roles has a different cost depending on their experience and reputation.

Understanding the different costs associated with each role is important to properly plan your video production, and to make the choices that best fit your budget. We'll take a closer look at the key roles that make up the production team, and the skills and responsibilities that go along with them, to help you plan your video production effectively and efficiently.

Photography set with Machiavel Studios

First, there is the director, who heads the production and is responsible for the artistic vision of the video. Then there is the director of photography, who is in charge of shooting and lighting. The camera operator is also a key position, shooting the footage needed for the production.

The editor is responsible for editing the footage to create a cohesive flow, while the graphic designer may add visual effects or animate elements for the video. Finally, the sound engineer can record, mix and edit the audio tracks to make the video sound as good as the images look.

Costs for each role

  • Director: Between $800 and $1500 per day

The director is in charge of directing the shoot and making creative decisions. He or she must also work closely with the other members of the team to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

  • Director of Photography: $500 - $5000/day

The Director of Photography (DP) is responsible for the visual creation of the video production. The DP works closely with the director to determine the best visual approach to tell the story. He or she is responsible for planning the lighting, choosing camera angles and setting up the shots. The DP is also responsible for the technical quality of the images, including definition, saturation and contrast.

  • Cameraman: Between $400 and $700 per day

The cameraman is in charge of filming the scenes. He must be able to capture quality images while respecting the director's directives.

  • Producer: $300 - $5000/day

The Producer is responsible for the overall management of the project, finances and production. The Producer works closely with the Director and other team members to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget.

  • Assistant cameraman: $200 - $3000/day

The Assistant Cameraman is responsible for providing technical assistance for the shoot, working closely with the Senior Cameraman. They may help move equipment, prepare props and filters, and charge batteries.

  • Art Director: $300 - $5000/day

The Art Director is responsible for the creative and visual design of the project. She works closely with the director to determine the style and visual direction of the project, and then coordinates efforts with set designers, costume designers and makeup artists to create a cohesive vision for the video.

  • Fitter: Between $400 and $1,000 per day

The editor is in charge of cutting and pasting footage to create the final video. They must be able to work with the director to determine the best pace and way to tell the story.

  • Lighting designer: Between $300 and $1000 per day

The lighting designer is in charge of creating lighting effects for video. They must be able to work closely with the director to determine the best way to enhance the images.

  • Sound engineer: Between $300 and $800 per day

The sound engineer is in charge of the recording and post-production of audio. They must be able to work with the director to determine the best sound for each scene.

  • Actor/Actress: Between $250 and $2,000 per day

The actor or actress is in charge of playing the main or secondary roles in the video. He or she must be able to follow the director's directions to create convincing performances.

With regard to actors, costs can vary greatly depending on their experience and reputation. If you hire actors affiliated with the Union of Artists (UDA), it is important to follow the UDA's pay scales and criteria to avoid penalties and delays. UDA-affiliated actors generally have more experience and may cost more, but they also bring credibility and expertise to your production.

You also have to consider broadcasting rights which are generally equivalent to 100% of the cost of the production for one year of use (That's 2x the cost to make it simple!). For some productions, it can be as little as 3 months though! Don't worry, a production company like ours should make it a point to manage this aspect for you.

Base costs

  • Equipment: Between $1,250 and $15,000 depending on the type of equipment and the length of the rental
  • Studio rental: Between $500 and $5,000 per day (By the way, our studios are offered to you free of charge when you do a corporate mandate with us!)
  • Travel and Accommodation: May vary depending on distance and comfort needs

It is important to note that these rates are an average and can vary considerably depending on the project and the specific needs of each company. It is therefore crucial to carefully plan your video production budget so that you are not caught off guard by additional costs.

That's where Machiavel Studios, the video marketing agency for black sheep, can help. We have a talented and experienced team that will guide you through the video production process from start to finish, offering creative solutions to produce a quality video at an affordable cost.

A light on Machiavel Studios Set.

Additional needs

During video production, there may be additional requirements such as visual effects (VFX), stock footage and other elements that may have an additional cost. VFX can include explosions, fires, smoke effects, smooth transitions and motion effects. If you need VFX for your video, it can add significantly to the cost of production.

In addition, the use of stock footage may also be necessary if you want to include pre-recorded images or video in your production. This can also cost more depending on the number of uses and the content you want to include.

Finally, other additional requirements may include the purchase of costumes, sets, makeup, music and sound. All of these can have an impact on the cost of producing your video. It is therefore important to take into account all of the additional elements you wish to include in your video to get a more accurate idea of the total cost. Here are some ideas of costs: 

  • Visual effects (VFX): Costs vary depending on the complexity of the effects required (explosions, fires, smoke, fluid transitions, movements).
  • Stock Footage: Variable costs depending on the number of uses and the content to be included.
  • Costumes: From $300 to several thousand depending on the quality and number of costumes required.
  • Decorations : From $500 to several thousand depending on the complexity and number of sets required.
  • Makeup: From $100 to several thousand depending on the number of people to be made up and the complexity of the makeup.
  • Music: Costs vary depending on the use of original or licensed music.
  • Sound: From $500 to several thousand depending on the complexity of the sound required and the use of professional equipment.
A happy client with Machiavel Studios

In conclusion

And that's where I can offer you a helping hand, my friend. Machiavel Studios We, the black sheep video marketing agency, can help you plan your video production from start to finish. We are an experienced and talented team ready to make your vision a reality. So don't hesitate to give us a shout to help you cross the video production desert successfully.

So don't hesitate, my friend. Take control of your video production and let Machiavel Studios help you produce a video that will turn heads and make you shine like a shiny black sheep.

Ultimately, producing a quality video in Montreal can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your business needs. But with the right advice and the right team by your side, you can be sure to receive a final product that will exceed your expectations and be profitable in the long run.

Warmly,

Nico the Black Sheep.

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Machiavel Studios is the video marketing agency for black sheep. Born from the union of our marketing expertise and video production experience, we work with entrepreneurs to help them break out of the herd and achieve their ambitions.

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