What drives the price of a corporate video in Panama?
Budgets2 min read
What drives a production budget: shoot days, crew, equipment, locations and post-production. And how to ask for a precise quote.
By Andrés López, producer and director
“How much does it cost?” is the first question almost every brand asks me, and the honest answer is that it depends. But it depends on concrete things that can be explained, and once you understand them you can ask for a much more precise quote.
What moves the price most
Shoot days
Every shoot day means paying the whole crew, the equipment and the location. A piece that can be solved in one day costs very differently from one that needs three. That is why the first thing I ask is what has to appear on screen and in how many places.
The crew
A simple interview can be done with a small crew. A commercial with actors, art direction and several cameras needs more people, and each role is billed per day.
Equipment
Cameras, lenses, lights, audio, drones or cranes. You don't always need the most expensive gear: you need what the story needs.
Locations and logistics
Permits, transport, crew meals and sometimes studios. These are costs many quotes hide, and I prefer to show them from the start.
Post-production
Editing, color grading, sound design, music and animation. A piece with many versions for social media takes more editing hours than a single long piece.
A good budget isn't the cheapest one: it's the one that doesn't surprise you halfway through the production.
How to ask for a precise quote
- Tell me what the video is for and where it will be seen.
- Share references of pieces you like.
- Tell me your dates and, if you have one, a rough budget.
With that I can come back with a clear proposal.