How much does video production cost?

What does video cost?

More and more, companies, non-profits, and schools are turning to video to add flare to their website, advertise, or concisely state their message. Video works in ways pictures and text cannot to draw in new clients, donors, or students and is easily viewable and shared from desktops to laptops and mobile devices. The question then becomes how much will video cost your business? The beauty of video is that every project is unique and likewise every budget varies. Therefore, the cost of your video is derived through carefully measuring the volume of pre production, production, and post production needed to create your vision.

Pre Production

Pre Production entails all the preparation leading up to the shooting and editing of your video and is the most important step in video production. It’s at this stage that we ask you to tell us what you want to say in your video. A producer can then take your message and help you find the best possible way to show it through video and even prepare a script to help illustrate the structure and look of the final product. In the pre production stage, costs are derived from how much preparation is required before the shoot day. Most corporate projects consist of interviews, B roll, and voice over narration and can easily be handled by a producer, cinematographer, and a lighting specialist. Additional crew might be necessary on complex television, music video, or product videos with complex lighting setups or scheduling. If your project requires actors or unique locations, there might be a cost for finding the talent and locations. Using several locations often forces your project to span multiple shooting days. The producer will work with you to schedule your shoot days, determine the size of the crew, and focus your message so that the end result is effective and high quality without breaking the bank.

Production

Production is the process of shooting your video. When the crew arrives on set, there are 3 steps: Lighting, rehearsal, and shooting. Lighting is very important to the professional look of your video and can range from very simple interview setups to complex scenes. The producer will build the appropriate amount of lighting time into your schedule. Rehearsal time is only necessary for scripted commercials, music videos, or scenes and not only involves practicing the delivery of lines, but also the placement and movement of the actors or performers within the scene. After the location is lit and the actors rehearsed, the cameras can roll. Productions costs are based on the amount of lighting, props, and camera equipment needed to complete your project. Most corporate videos require simple lighting, no props, and one or two cameras, but more complex projects such as short films, skits, and music videos likely need additional equipment to maintain a professional quality. Yet again, the producer will work closely with your company to suggest the proper amount of equipment and time to shoot your video.

Post Production

After the video is filmed, the editing, or Post Production process begins. This is where the footage is trimmed, color corrected, polished with graphics, voice over, and music and delivered to you in the format of your choice. The producer and the editor of your project will discuss the editing style and structure of your video in the Pre Production stage so that the video is shot with the end result in mind. When interviews and testimonials are part of your video, the footage will have to be transcribed and sent to the producer. The producer will then adjust the script written in Pre Production to include the transcribed interviews and send it to you for your approval. After, the editor will use the new script to edit the footage. During the editing process, the status and versions of your video will be sent to you for your review and input or you can sit with the editor and see the footage for yourself. The cost of Post Production is based on how many days it will take to finish your video. The addition of professional voice over narration, intensive graphics, and mass reproduction of DVD or Blu-ray disks also affect the cost of your video. The total cost of Post Production is determined in the Pre Production process by the producer.

Building the Budget

When the producer builds the customized budget for your video, all elements from Pre Production, Production, and Post Production will be considered and listed line by line for your review. With a budget presented in such a detailed form, it’s easy to add and subtract line items before agreeing on a final cost that your company is comfortable with. Our goal is value: To provide the highest level of quality, professional video at the best possible cost and we will work with you to provide a product that you will be proud of.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your company through video production, give us a call at 781-229-5900.

Video Production for Mobile Devices

Video Production for Mobile Devices

Much like Internet video, the viewership of video on mobile devices has skyrocketed in recent times.  Naturally, younger people make up the majority of that viewership.  According to Nielsen, from Q3 of last year, “The majority of 25-34 and 18-24 year olds now own smartphones (64% and 53% respectively),” and that has undoubtedly increased through the end of 2011 and up until now in the spring of 2012.  The same goes for the number of users who have viewed videos on mobile devices; five million feature phone viewers and 26 million smartphone viewers in Q3 of 2011. [1]

As of February 2012, almost half (49.7%) of U.S. mobile subscribers now own smartphones. According to Nielsen, this marks an increase of 38 percent over last year.[2]  This is great news for those producing video for mobile viewing, as it is much easier and more common to watch videos via a smartphone compared to with a regular feature phone.  Compounding that, “Display ads (video or banner) on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones are trusted by one-third of global respondents, which is slightly higher than the reported consumer trust level of text ads on mobile phones (29%). While the reported consumer trust level in mobile phone advertising is still low, it increased 61 percent since 2007 and 21 percent since 2009.”[3]

So, basically, not only is the number of people viewing video content on mobile devices increasing rapidly, but they also trust that content more now than ever before.  Those numbers and trust levels are only going to continue to rise in the coming months and years.  Clearly, it is in every company’s best interest to try to stay ahead of (or at least try to keep up) with the curve when it comes to the mobile consumer.

Also, check out this cool infographic by Nielsen about digital consumers:

http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/infographic-the-most-valuable-digital-consumers/

Click here if you’re interested in some more technical information about the future of video online and on mobile devices.

 

Boston Video Production Competitors

Boston Video Production Competitors (First page on Google for the search term: “boston video production”)

There are plenty of video production companies out there that can fill your need for whatever type of video you want to create.  Whether you are a business looking to promote your product or service, a non-profit trying to raise funds or raise awareness, or a company aiming to make an informative and engaging training video, there are many production companies from which you could potentially choose.  But how do you find what you’re looking for?  Of course, a simple Google search is the weapon of choice for anyone trying to find out more information, shop around for the best value, or just see some samples of what other corporate clients have produced.

We want you to shop around.  That’s a good thing.  We have been able to make some great videos for awesome clients who found us because they shopped around.  The best thing you can do is research, discover types or aspects of videos that you like or don’t like, and really think about what type of production company best suits your needs and your mission.

That being said, of course we want you to choose McElroy Films.  Any company would be lying if they told you that they think you should look elsewhere.  But we are an honest, down-to-earth group of people that truly care about our clients.  We understand that most people are quite Internet savvy and can do pretty extensive research on their own.  Sure, there will always be someone out there that can make your video for a cheaper price, but the key to everything is value.  What are you really getting for your money?  And that doesn’t just mean the final polished product.  Don’t get me wrong, the final product is what matters most in the eyes of a client, but one must also consider the process, the customer service and the ease (and promptness) of communication between you and the production company.

In your process, if you’ve decided on another company and even if you think they’re perfect for you, please still give us a call (781-229-5900) or come visit our office in Burlington and chat with us about your search and what lead you to your decision!

So without further ado, here are the top hits for “Boston Video Production” on Google.  We’ve saved you a step.  You can thank us later!

VidBoston (promoted)

VidBoston’s website says that they specialize in corporate video, broadcast TV and commercial production.  They describe themselves as “a group of highly motivated and talented communications specialists dedicated to the art of creating programs that educate, inspire, and inform.”  They proudly display some actual client testimonials on their site as well.  Their site says they have been in business since 1991.

They are located in Auburndale, MA and can be reached at (617) 559-0216

http://www.vidboston.com/index.html

 

Larry Mondi Productions (promoted)

Founded in 1993 by Larry Mondi himself, Larry Mondi Productions produces projects including “educational programs, documentaries, marketing videos, training videos, corporate presentations, direct-sale DVDs, and webcasts.”  They also post client reviews/testimonials on each page of their website, and say that they will “tailor an approach to your project that accommodates your budget.”  They also have a quick video on their homepage showcasing some of their work.

http://www.larrymondiproductions.com/index.html

 

DigiNovations  (promoted)

DigiNovations’ tag line is “Innovative. Video. Solutions.” And they don’t disappoint.  The video on their homepage shows some very impressive footage.  They were founded by producer Michael Kolowich 25 years ago.  They have a ton of experience and confidence in their product, and plenty of accolades to back it up.  In their own words, “DigiNovations has created thousands of films for corporations, universities, schools and non-profits across the country. We have garnered scores of awards and affirmations along the way.”

They are located in Acton, MA and can be reached at (978) 429-8692.

http://www.diginovations.com/

 

Rewatchable

According to their website, “Rewatchable produces high quality, effective, affordable corporate video for websites, social media, and email marketing.”  They have plenty of sample videos right on their homepage; not just a short demo reel, they have actual finished products they have made for clients.  They also list prices for various types of videos they produce, but it seems only a couple services have pricing flexibility.  They do, however, offer a 15-day 100% money back guarantee for their standard corporate profile videos.  Custom videos are not eligible for this guarantee.

Also, they are “pleased to be among the first Boston-area production companies to have our editors certified in Apple’s Final Cut Pro X.”

They are located in Beverly, MA and can be reached at (978) 666-4068

http://www.rewatchable.com/

 

Boston Video Productions (Sound and Vision Media)

(Also http://www.soundandvisionmedia.com/ ) Their site states that “Sound and Vision Media has been a leader in video production Boston, for over thirty five years.”  They specialize in HD video production, national and local broadcast productions, and 35mm film production, as well as corporate video, web design and film/tape to DVD transfers.  According to their site, they have been recognized nationally for TV commercial production and Boston radio ads, and they have received 5 Davey Awards.

They are located in Revere, MA and can be reached at (781) 284-9707.

http://bostonvideoproductions.com/

 

Vaudeville Pictures

Founded by Peter A. Cancilla more than 15 years ago, Vaudeville Pictures “has helped organizations better communicate their messages and achieve their goals via creative, quality video productions. Vaudeville Pictures provides full-service video production, from conception to delivery.”  They offer a variety of services, including corporate video, non-profit/fundraising, TV/broadcast, training videos, music videos, life event coverage and even animation and stop motion.

They are located in Boston, MA and can be reached at (617) 640-1619.

http://www.vaudevillepictures.net/index.html

 

Gifford Productions

According to their site, “Gifford Productions, formerly Aurora Video Productions, began in 1992 and is owned and operated by Bob Gifford.”  Their philosophy is to “solve communications problems and offer numerous tools,” and their services include “concept development, scriptwriting, AV recording services, editing, motion graphics, Blu-ray DVDs, web encoding and Flash applications.”  They have a link to a solid demo reel on their homepage, as well as a services overview video.

They are located in Newton, MA and can be reached at (617) 796-7744.

http://www.giffordproductions.com/index.html

 

Boston Digital Editing

Boston Digital Editing’s website says that “Boston Digital Productions and Boston Digital Editing bring together award-winning talent and experience in corporate and commercial video production and editing.” They have been “creating state-of-the-art television and business communications in Boston for over 20 years.”  They provide just about every service under the sun when it comes to production and editing, and have great sample reel videos right on their homepage, as well as several client testimonials.

They are located in Boston, MA and can be reached at (617) 338-7777.

http://www.bostondigitalediting.tv/index.html

 

TR Productions

Their site states that “Since 1947, TR Productions has been one of New England’s leading business communications and production companies, specializing in the production of video presentations, interactive CDs, webcasts, web presentations, business meetings, collateral and web design, and multimedia screen shows.”  TR Productions is “Motivational, high impact, custom business communications…”

They are located in Charlestown, MA and can be reached at (617) 241-5500.

http://www.trprod.com/

 

Lunchpail Productions

Lunch Pail Productions’ tag line is “Building Answers with Images.”  Their website states that “we distinguish ourselves from other shops by offering an experienced and energetic creative team with the ability to move seamlessly between the worlds of broadcast television, advertising and business communications.”  They have some great director demo reels as well as company reels.  Probably the snazziest of all the sites in my opinion!

They are located in Boston, MA and can be reached at (617) 464-2300.

http://www.lunchpailprod.com/new_dev/lunch.html

 

Skillman Video Group

According to their site, “Skillman Video Group (SVG) is a full service video production and internet marketing firm. Our award winning video producers are known for creating compelling and informative content that captivates viewers and delivers a strong call to action. Our web specialists have years of experience in internet and and e-mail marketing. Our goal is simple….to leverage the power of video and the power of the internet to get our clients results.”  Their portfolio includes videos of a wide range, including live events, documentaries, training videos, legal video, products, and many more.  They have a very large page dedicated solely to client testimonials.  They were founded in 2004.

They are based out of Somerville, MA and can be contacted at 1-800-784-0140.

http://www.skillmanvideogroup.com/wordpress/

 

 

McElroy Films is Proud to Release 2012 Demo Reel

As we reflect on the last 12 months, 2011 brought many exciting changes to our Boston-based video production company. When McElroy Films outgrew it’s office, increased staff, won 3 more Davey Awards, and expanded services all within a calendar year, it’s safe to call 2011 a success, but that success is something we’ve come to expect in our office.

 

Yet again, we were awarded three more Davey Awards for non-profit videos produced for Fenway Health, the South Shore Habitat for Humanity, and the New England Pediatric Center. The latest awards came in addition to the Telly Award given in early 2011 for yet another Fenway Health video.

 

The winning ways extended into our wedding division as McElroy Weddings won the highly coveted Bride’s Choice Award from the Wedding Wire and the Best of 2012 from The Knot. Both awards are based solely on positive client reviews and are only awarded to the top 5% of the many hundreds of thousands of members on each website.

 

2011 saw dozens of exciting new videos produced for new and established clients.

 

Acclaimed singer, Brian Evans, originally of Haverhill, MA, enlisted us to promote his hit single At Fenway in a 30-second spot featuring Hall-of-Famer Jim Rice. The spot not only fueled the song’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but also aired during the Super Bowl in several regions across the United States.

We also produced a hip-hop music video for local artist, G-Star, which accrued hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube in mere weeks.

At about the same time, McElroy Films delved into the New Hampshire Republican primary, becoming former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s personal videographers at a time when the race was still hotly contested. Videographers Ben and Brittney found themselves traveling to every corner of the Granite State, following Newt as he campaigned from senior centers to college campuses. After the New Hampshire primary, McElroy Films produced web spots and commercials for the South Carolina primary.

 

New videos for non-profit Fenway Health were featured at two of the largest gala events for the LGBT community in the country in both 2011 and early 2012: The Men’s Event and the Women’s Diner Party. Another non-profit giant, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), had a video produced for their premiere fundraising event as well as videos detailing the CCFA’s major fundraising programs such as the Take Steps and Team Challenge campaigns. All the videos went a long way in detailing the missions of Fenway Health and the CCFA for potential donors.

 

The past year also included training videos for Triple-S and the Boston Fire Department as well as educational videos for Fenn School, Holy Name High School, and the Pakachoag Music School.

 

With all the success and a host of new projects on the horizon, McElroy Films seems ripe for even greater success in 2012 and beyond. We would like to thank our clients for trusting us with their video, web hosting, and distribution needs, as, without them, our success wouldn’t be possible.

Fenway Health Men’s Event 2012 (Video)

McElroy Films was called upon Fenway Health this year to produce a short video for the Men’s Event this March. Special guests included: Congressman Barney Frank, Kate Clinton, Booty Vortex, KISS 108’s Gay Jim and the more than 1,300 gay and bisexual men, transgender people, friends, supporters and volunteers. Fenway Health raised over $600,000 in cash, pledges and in-kind support for Fenway Health.
Read about the whole event here: http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FCHC_h2h_help_mensevent

Photo by: Marilyn Humphries

Anti Bullying Video – SMASH

Bullying among school-age children is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about issues in the country. Even Justin Bieber was a victim of bullying. The rapid growth of social networking (and the technologies and devices that facilitate it) has opened up even more opportunities and ways for bullying to occur.

That’s why the students at Holy Name Catholic High School in Worcester, MA have decided to take a proactive approach. Several years ago, Holy Name students created a group called SMASH, which stands for “Stop Madness and Severe Hating.” They aim to stop bullying and increase awareness of the effects it has on children and teens.

SMASH puts on an assembly every year that includes skits focusing on the various types of bullying. There are also live student testimonies recounting their experiences and lots of information on how fellow students can help combat bullying.

We had the opportunity to attend the assembly this past winter and talk with some of the members of SMASH. We filmed this anti-bullying video for them to help spread their message. There is also a longer version for a DVD that they offer to any other schools that want it. This is a much faster and more effective way for SMASH to get its message out, rather than traveling to each school to make their presentation.

Read the full article by Joni Koogler of The Banner.

Award-winning Boston Video Production

Boston Based Production Company McElroy Films LLC is pround to announce it has won three Silver Davey Awards in the category Charitable/Non-Profit for the 7th Annual International Davey Awards for 2011. This award is on behalf of the International Academy of the Visual Arts and the Davey Awards. The 2011 Davey Awards feature an incredible pool of over 4,000 entries from the best small firms in the world.

As a company McElroy Films is very honored to be apart of this selection. Additional winning titles include: Maskar Design, The Dow Chemical Company, Wired Safety, Zemoga, A&E Television Networks, Sony Pictures, The Coca-Cola Company and many more.

Our winning entries are the following:

Fenway Health HIV Trial Vaccine Testimonials – Provider of medical care and mental health services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Click here for more information.

New England Pediatric Care – New England Pediatric Care is a skilled nursing facility in No. Billerica, MA for children who need post-hospitalization care, or complex care for medically fragile children. Click here for more information.

South Shore Habitat for Hummanity – Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, SSHH is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to building homes in partnership with family partners. Click here for more information.

Boston Fire Department Training Video – Boston, MA

This summer we had the unprecedented opportunity to work with the Prestigious Boston Fire Department. We shot in multiple locations in and around Boston at various fire houses. Including Cambridge, Jamaica Plain and Dorchester. We interviewed many Fire Fighters, Chiefs and the Commissioner.

The final video is divided into chapters featuring testimonials, instructional tutorials and a simulation. The video below is only the simulation. For time time constraints and viewer attention spans. This chapter was a little more visual stimulating. The simulation was shot on Moon Island with 5 cameras. including one helmet cam and an infrared camera provided by the BFD.

South Shore Habitat for Humanity Testimonial Rajani Mitchell

South Shore Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Ben and Bonnie at McElroy Films for the past two years. They have been incredibly creative and a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. Ben and Bonnie both have the ability to take our vision and make it into reality. They have created a very high end quality video that truly exemplified our mission. The video has been on the front page of our website and makes a tremendous impact. McElroy Films has gone above and beyond just filming. They’re staff has participated in our events because they wanted to, not because they had to with a vested interest in the community. I highly recommend McElroy Films work and I certainly look forward to working with them for a third time.

Rajani Mitchell, Development Manager, South Shore Habitat for Humanity

Click here to watch the video

McAlister Drive “Drowning” Music Video

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