If you’re planning your marketing, training, or internal communication strategy for 2026, you already know that video content is essential. For nearly 30 years, Visual Culture has helped Melbourne organisations create meaningful, effective videos – producing more than 10,000 videos across corporate, healthcare, education, and not-for-profit sectors.

One question we hear more than any other is:

“How much does it cost to make a video?”

It’s a smart question — and an important one when budgeting your content for the year ahead. But the truth is that video production costs vary widely, and understanding those cost factors can help you plan more confidently.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• The real factors that influence video production cost

• Why it’s not as simple as “showing up with a camera”

• How pre-production, production and post-production shape your final budget

• What to expect when filming in Melbourne in 2026

• Why planning your content for the year — not just individual videos — can save money

• And most importantly…

Seven scenario-based cost summaries you can compare side by side

You’ll see clear examples of typical projects we produce at Visual Culture, complete with realistic price ranges:

1. Edit-only videos

2. Recruitment and meet-the-team packages

3. Learning and course content

4. Case study videos

5. Video podcast setups

6. Full event coverage

7. Event highlight reels

These examples reflect the real projects we deliver week-to-week, giving you a straightforward way to estimate your investment.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of what goes into a video, what drives cost, and what level of investment suits your goals for 2026.

Why Video Production Is Like Building a House

Asking “How much does a video cost?” is a bit like asking “How much does a house cost?”
It depends entirely on what you’re building.

A simple edit?
A polished brand video?
A full content library for the next 12 months?

Each one requires different skills, tools, time and planning.

After producing over 10,000 videos, one thing is very clear:

It’s never just “show up with a camera.”
There are many moving parts — each of them influences the final cost.

What Actually Goes Into Video Production?

(Spoiler: It’s more than most people realise.)

Video production has three major phases, and each one affects the total investment.

1️⃣ Pre-Production – The Blueprint

Just like building a house starts with architectural drawings, great videos start with great planning.

At Visual Culture, this includes:

• Understanding your goals and your audience

• Story development

• Scriptwriting or interview question design

• Shot lists and running sheets

• Location scouting

• Scheduling

• Talent coordination

• Branding considerations

• Logistics planning

Good pre-production makes filming smoother, editing faster, and the final story stronger.

2️⃣ Production – The Build

This is the filming phase — cameras, lights, mics, crew, talent, and locations.
But production costs vary significantly depending on:

• Crew size (solo operator vs multi-person crew)

• Number of filming locations

• Lighting setups

• Camera and lens selection

• Audio capture

• B-roll requirements

• Travel time across Melbourne

• Time on site

• Weather and environmental conditions

These variables determine how efficiently the shoot runs — and the overall quality of the final piece.

3️⃣ Post-Production – The Finishing Touches

Think of this as interior design and fit-out — it’s where the story really comes together.

This includes:

• Editing

• Motion graphics and animated text

• Colour grading

• Sound cleanup and mixing

• Music licensing

• Branding and templates

• Multiple versions (vertical, square, widescreen)

• Review rounds and refinements

It’s where your message comes to life — clear, professional and aligned to your brand.

Seven Common Video Scenarios With Cost Ranges (Melbourne, 2026)

Below are examples based on projects we regularly produce. While pricing always depends on scope, these ranges give you a very realistic guide.

1. Edit-Only Video (Client Supplies Footage)

Great for internal updates, social content or training when you already have footage.

Includes:

• Editing

• Basic graphics and titles

• Music track

• Colour and audio cleanup

• 1–2 review rounds

Investment: $600 – $3,000+
(depends on length, graphics, and number of deliverables)

2. Recruitment & Meet-the-Team Video Packages

We film 5–6 team members in one day, capturing interviews and overlay footage.

Deliverables often include:

• A hero recruitment video

• Individual staff stories

• B-roll of your people and workplace

Investment: $5,500 – $10,000
(Efficient because multiple videos are captured in one shoot)

3. Learning & Course Content (Training Videos)

Ideal for compliance, onboarding or e-learning modules.

What we can usually achieve:

• 1–2 hours of finished training content filmed in a day

• Full multi-camera setup

• Breakout modules

• Animated slides, text overlays, stock footage

Rule of thumb:

Recording takes roughly 3-4× the length of the final content.

Investment: $4,000 – $12,000+
(depends on animation and number of modules)

4. Case Study Videos (Documentary-Style)

These dig deeper with on-location interviews and meaningful storytelling.

Usually includes:

• In-depth interview

• B-roll around their environment

• Often 2–3 locations

• Optional supporting interviews

• Drone footage if needed

Timeframes:

• 1 case study = approximately half-day

• 2–3 case studies can be filmed in one day (depending on travel)

Investment: $3,000 – $10,000 per case study

5. Video Podcast Production

We bring a portable podcast studio to your workplace.

Includes:

• 3-camera setup

• Professional audio

• Lighting

• Branding and titles

• Short or long episodes

A half-day can capture several episodes — ideal for content batching.

Investment: $2,500 – $8,000
(depends on number of episodes and edit complexity)

6. Event Coverage – Full Presentations

Perfect for conferences, seminars and leadership events.

Includes:

• Full-day filming

• Two cameras

• Direct audio feed from venue sound desk

• Full-length edits of each presentation

• Slides integrated into the edit

Investment: $4,000 – $10,000+

7. Event Highlight Reels

Dynamic, energetic videos capturing the atmosphere, people and key moments.

Used for:

• Social media

• Event wrap-ups

• End-of-day screenings

• Promotional teasers

Investment: $2,500 – $8,000
(depends on speed of turnaround and required edits)

How to Budget for Video in 2026

Here’s how most Melbourne businesses plan their video spend:

Basic / Simple Content

$1,000 – $5,000
Internal communications, simple edits, lightweight filming.

Professional Corporate Videos

$5,000 – $20,000
Recruitment, brand stories, case studies, training modules.

High-End or Multi-Video Campaigns

$20,000 – $75,000+
Complex production, multi-day shoots, animation-heavy content.

Annual Content Partnerships

Increasingly popular — especially for organisations planning 6–12 months of consistent output.

Annual budget range: $30,000 – $250,000+
(depends on volume and content mix)

Final Thoughts: The Question Isn’t “How Much?” — It’s “What Are We Building?”

After producing more than 10,000 videos over nearly 30 years, we know this better than anyone:

A successful video isn’t determined by the price tag – but by how well it achieves its purpose.

Once you’re clear on:

• who the video is for

• what it needs to communicate

• where it will be used

• how polished it needs to be

• and how many versions you need

…the cost becomes clear very quickly.

And our team is here to guide you through every step — from concept to delivery.