Related: Plan your project with us · See our work"How soon can we have it?" is the second question every brand asks after cost — and like cost, the honest answer depends on what you're making. But video production follows a predictable rhythm, and knowing it helps you plan launches, briefs, and expectations. Here's how the timeline actually breaks down.
The three phases
Every project moves through pre-production (concept, scripting, planning, casting, locations), production (the shoot itself), and post-production (editing, color, sound, graphics). The shoot is usually the shortest phase — the planning and the edit are where the time really lives.
Rough timelines by project type
A simple, single-day social or interview piece can go from kickoff to final in 2–3 weeks. A polished branded film or commercial with real pre-production and post typically runs 4–8 weeks. A larger campaign, a documentary, or anything with heavy VFX or multiple deliverables can run several months. These are ranges, not promises — but they're realistic starting points.
What speeds things up (and what slows them down)
The fastest projects have a clear brief, quick approvals, and a decision-maker who's available. The slowest ones stall in feedback rounds. If you have a hard launch date, tell your partner early — a good team plans backward from it and flags the real deadlines for each phase.
Plan backward from your launch
The biggest scheduling mistake is starting too late. If you know when the video needs to be live, count back through post and production and prep — and start the conversation before that window closes. Great work rarely needs to be rushed; it needs to be started on time.
Working toward a launch date? Tell us when you need it live and we'll map the schedule to hit it.