Ask ten video companies what a video costs and you will hear “it depends” ten times. That is true, but it is not very helpful when you are trying to set a budget. This guide explains what actually drives the price of video production in Kansas, what you should expect to get at different levels of investment, and how to get the most out of whatever budget you have.
What drives the cost of a video
Almost every quote comes down to the same handful of factors:
- Time on location. A half-day shoot at one location costs far less than two days across three towns. Travel time counts too, which is one reason working with a central Kansas crew can save money compared with flying a team in from Kansas City or Denver.
- Crew size. A single shooter can handle a lot of projects. Interviews with multiple cameras, lighting setups, audio, and drone footage often need two or three people.
- Pre-production. Scriptwriting, storyboards, location scouting, and scheduling interviews are real work. Skipping them usually costs more in the edit.
- Editing and revisions. Editing often takes as long as filming, or longer. Motion graphics, color grading, licensed music, and multiple cut-downs for social media all add time.
- Deliverables. One two-minute video is a different job than a two-minute video plus a 30-second ad, three vertical social clips, and a library of raw footage.
Common types of video and how they compare
Social clips and short promos
Short vertical videos for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Shorts are the most affordable place to start. They work best when filmed in batches, so one shoot day produces a month or more of content.
Brand films and “about us” videos
A brand film tells the story of who you are and why you do the work. These usually involve interviews, b-roll across your locations, and a carefully planned edit, so they sit in the middle-to-upper range of most budgets. Because they live on your homepage and in sales conversations for years, they tend to deliver the best long-term value.
Recruiting videos
Kansas employers are competing hard for workers. A recruiting video that shows real employees, real facilities and real culture can shorten hiring cycles. Pricing is similar to a brand film, and the same shoot can often produce both.
Church livestreams and event coverage
Livestreaming is usually priced as equipment setup plus ongoing support, while event coverage depends on how many hours you need filmed and how quickly you need the highlight video back.
Drone footage
Aerial video adds production value for manufacturers, ag operations, real estate, construction and tourism. Commercial drone work in the U.S. requires an FAA Part 107 certified pilot, so make sure whoever you hire is licensed and insured.
How to stretch your video budget
- Plan for multiple uses. Ask for a long version, a short version and social cut-downs from the same footage.
- Batch your shoots. One well-planned day is cheaper than three scattered half-days.
- Gather your people ahead of time. Schedule interviews back to back and have locations ready.
- Hire locally when you can. A crew based in central Kansas spends less of your budget on travel to Hutchinson, Salina, McPherson, Great Bend or Wichita.
- Think in years, not weeks. A well-made brand video can stay on your website for three to five years.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What exactly is included in the quote, and how many rounds of revisions?
- Who owns the final video and the raw footage?
- Is music licensed for ads and social media, not just your website?
- Will you get vertical and horizontal versions?
- Is your drone pilot Part 107 certified and insured?
Frequently asked questions
How much does a professional video cost in Kansas?
It depends on shoot time, crew size, editing and how many versions you need. A short social video can cost far less than a multi-day brand film. The best way to budget is to describe what you need the video to do and ask for a few options at different scopes.
Is it cheaper to hire a local video company?
Often, yes. A crew based in central Kansas spends less time and money traveling to Wichita, Hutchinson, Salina and smaller towns, so more of your budget goes into the video itself.
How long does a video project take?
Most projects take two to six weeks from planning to final delivery, depending on scheduling, the number of locations and the revision process.
Ready to plan your video?
Observant Media produces brand films, promo videos, recruiting videos and drone footage across central and western Kansas. See our video production services or request a free audit to talk through your project.