How Much Does It Cost to Make a Music Video?
To answer that question with a question; how wild is your imagination? The degree of your creativity can either skyrocket your costs or cut it down. I’ll explain in a bit.
I’ve been making music videos and films for myself and others for a little over a decade now. The beauty of filmmaking is our ability to make “magic.”
Movie magic is a very accurate phrase describing the illusion of creating visual art. There can be so much manipulation and sleight of hands in the production process that seeing it all come together reigns the awe inspiring feeling of discovery. I like to call it magic.
So let’s get to it! How much do music videos cost? Depends on what the vision is, if any.
The first thing we need to know (on the practical end, not creative) is who is filming the video? Is it you? A friend? Are you hiring a professional cinematographer?
Second thing to know would be who is editing? Is the person filming also editing? How much editing would need to be done?
On the low end of these, the true starving artist thing to do is everything. All yourself.
This would cost $0 but possibly a lot more stress than one would like to endure. Hiring a cinematographer can cost anywhere from $50/hour to $1k an hour. Or it can be a flat rate of something like $250 to $1k for the day. All that depends on who you hire: if they have to travel to you, if they have a second shooter, etc.
Editing would also depend on your imagination. This is where you can have a lot of fun with it! The only limitation is on whoever is editing.
The rates for this part can be similar to the cinematography costs.
Or if your cinematographer/production company is filming and editing the cost here might be less for any deals they offer.
If you’ve gotten those important details figured out, you can now fill in these creative blanks.
Definite Factors to Confirm:
- Location(s) and Permits
- Actors/Models/Dancers (On Screen Talent)
- Props
- Outfits
- Food/Crafty On Set
Of course all these factors will have varying costs. This is also where we can get innovative and resourceful by using what we already have instead of buying/renting something new. Heavily utilizing creativity can cut costs especially when you can make/do something yourself.
Locations can be $0 to $1k an hour. Depending on what vibe you’re going for and if you have access to such vibes, you can get away with building a set in your garage or in grandma’s living room.
Websites like PeerSpace.com can be a really good way to find a studio/venue. Some restaurants and bars even list their space on sites like that too if you need a club/party scene.
Some places call for a permit for professional photos/videos so be sure to check out any rules/regulations for the space you want to shoot in.
On screen talent can vary depending on if you’re going to hire people or have your friends play the roles you need for free. Do what you think is best for you!
The standard minimum professional pay for talent is $250. That’s for 1–2 hours of their time and their presence in the project. Of course the more they bring to it the more they will probably charge.
Props and outfits can again be found right in your own attic or your friends aunt’s basement. How much you’re willing to search/spend is totally up to what the scene calls for. This expense can be from $0, but a lot of time/effort, to a couple hundred dollars.
You don’t have to do this part but providing food/crafty on set is always appreciated. Everyone’s gotta eat and if you can provide a meal or at least snacks to the production, the likelihood of one of your cast or crew members getting hangry is incredibly reduced.
This expense can be from $0 if you don’t plan to feed anyone on set to a couple hundred dollars depending on how many people and how fancy their taste is (and if you’re willing to accommodate to that).
I would say the ballpark estimate for a good high quality music video can be upwards of $1,000. This may seem a lot but for really good visuals that will represent you and your music, it can be worth it to invest in this part of your career as an artist.
Good luck!
Lola Menthol is a singer/songwriter/rapper from New York currently living in California. She has been making music and videos for over a decade and is utilizing her skills from experience to create music videos for other artists with her multimedia production company LUCKY 1s MEDIA . You can find all her music on your favorite streaming platform.
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