Start by entering your project name and client name at the top. Then work through each of the 7 category tabs to toggle on the line items relevant to your project. Adjust rates and quantities to match your local market. The sidebar shows a running total with category breakdowns, and you can add profit margin, rush fees, discounts, and sales tax. When you're done, view the summary or generate a professional proposal.
Pre-Production includes scriptwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, casting, shot list creation, creative direction, and project management. This phase typically accounts for 10-15% of total budget.
Crew & Talent covers the people who make the production happen: directors, directors of photography, camera operators, sound recordists, gaffers, grips, drone operators, hair/makeup artists, production assistants, on-camera talent, and extras.
Equipment & Gear includes camera body rental, lens kits, lighting, audio equipment, tripods, gimbals, sliders, drones, monitors, teleprompters, green screens, generators, and storage media.
Production Days covers the expenses of actual shooting: studio rental, location fees, permits, catering, wardrobe, props, and production insurance.
Travel & Logistics accounts for airfare, hotel, rental cars, gas, mileage, parking, tolls, rideshare, gear shipping, per diem, and travel day rates for crew.
Post-Production is where raw footage becomes the final product: video editing, color grading, sound design, motion graphics, VFX, animation, music licensing, voiceover, subtitles, stock footage, and revision rounds.
Deliverables are the final assets: hero video, social media cuts in various lengths and formats, vertical and square reformats, teasers, thumbnails, GIFs, behind-the-scenes content, exports, archiving, and hard drive delivery.
How much does a 1-minute video cost to produce? Depending on quality and complexity, a 1-minute video can cost anywhere from $1,000 for a simple talking-head to $10,000+ for a polished commercial with crew, locations, and motion graphics.
How much should I charge for video production? Calculate your actual costs using this estimator, then add a profit margin of 15-30%. Make sure to account for all your time including pre-production planning and post-production, not just the shoot day.
What is the average day rate for a video crew? Day rates vary by market: camera operators typically charge $500-$1,200/day, directors $1,000-$3,000/day, and sound recordists $400-$800/day. Major metro areas command higher rates.
What's included in a video production proposal? A professional proposal should include a project overview, scope of work, detailed cost breakdown by category, deliverables list, payment schedule, terms and conditions, and signature blocks.
Terms of Service · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer
© 2026 BidKit. All estimates are for informational purposes only. See full disclaimer.