10 ways to reduce Video Production costs
August 24th, 2011 in Insight, Video Production Posted by cathy
1. Keep the number of filming locations to a minimum.
One of the biggest factors that affect the bottom line is the number of days shoot. The longer the shoot, the more expensive the video will be. To reduce costs, try and film in locations which are local to each other. Can your interviewees travel to one location? Camera crews don’t do half days so make sure you use the full day that you’re paying for.
2. Film at your own premises
If you can, film at your own premises. This will avoid costly studio or location fees, but be aware that filming requires quiet, space and can cause some disruption to a normal day’s work.
3. Re-use existing footage.
Your production company may be able to re-purpose footage from your archive.
4. Make sure your script does not limit your video’s shelf life.
Avoid giving dates or calling something ‘new’, as the resulting production will quickly become obsolete.
5. Record additional links for future product launches or conference events.
Your video director will advise whether they have time in their schedule to do this, but if you plan ahead, your MD’s interview can cover a variety of subjects – avoiding the need for additional filming.
6. If you need several versions of your video, get them done at the same time.
It is much more cost effective if the editor only needs to go back to the programme once, to create and encode all of the required versions at the same time.
7. If you are distributing on DVD, use the production company to design the packaging.
They already have all the assets to hand after producing your video graphics. Not only does this ensure consistency across the campaign, but it avoids you having to pay twice for creative design.
8. You don’t have to attend the edit.
You’ll find that most production companies have an online client approval area where you can log in and view the latest version of your programme, so you can save on fuel costs and your time.
9. Reduce replication costs
Consider putting more than one programme on to the same DVD or distributing your video via other channels such as streaming, 3G video for mobiles, iPods or USB sticks as well as the traditional DVD copies.
10. Distribute accompanying literature electronically.
Save on printing costs for accompanying reports or training notes by including them as printable pdf documents on your DVD/USB stick or as downloads on the internet.