Related: See our commercial & branded content work · Start a project with usIt's the first question almost every brand asks, and the most honest answer is: it depends — but not in a way that should frustrate you. Commercial budgets vary because commercials do wildly different jobs. Here's a straightforward look at what actually drives the cost, so you can plan with confidence instead of guessing.
What you're really paying for
A commercial's budget is mostly people and time: the crew, the gear, the days on set, and the post-production that turns footage into a finished film. A one-day shoot with a small crew and a clean edit sits at one end; a multi-day shoot with a large crew, talent, locations, and heavy post sits at the other. Neither is "right" — the question is what the spot needs to do.
The biggest cost drivers
Shoot days. Every day on set multiplies crew, gear, and location costs — so a tight, well-planned schedule is the single biggest lever on budget. Crew size and talent. A lean documentary-style crew costs a fraction of a full commercial unit with on-camera talent. Locations and build. Practical locations, permits, and set construction add up fast. Post-production. Editing, color, sound, motion graphics, and VFX (including AI-assisted work) can be a little or a lot depending on the finish.
How to get the most for your budget
Tell your production partner the budget range up front. A good team designs the treatment to fit — concentrating spend where it shows on screen and cutting where it doesn't. The worst outcome is a great idea scoped for triple the budget; the best is a team that makes your number look like more.
The bottom line
Rather than chase a single magic figure, start with the goal and the budget you have, and let an experienced partner shape the most ambitious version of the film that fits. That conversation is free — and it's the fastest way to a real number.
Have a project in mind? Tell us the goal and the ballpark, and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.