Video production in Melbourne can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a simple interview video through to tens of thousands for a larger campaign or multi-day production.
The difference usually comes down to the amount of planning, filming, crew, equipment, editing and post-production required. A short internal video filmed in one location has very different requirements from a brand film, training series or livestreamed event.
This guide explains the main factors that influence video production costs in 2026, what typical budget ranges can look like, and how to think about value when comparing quotes.
These examples are based on the types of business video projects commonly produced for Melbourne organisations, including corporate, training, event, animation and live streaming work.
Why Video Production Costs Vary So Much
Every video project is different. The final cost depends on the purpose of the video, how complex the production is, and how much work is needed before, during and after filming.
- Concept and planning: Some videos need scripting, storyboarding, interviews, message development or a detailed production plan before filming begins.
- Length and format: A short social media clip will usually cost less than a detailed training module, case study or company overview video.
- Filming requirements: The number of shoot days, locations, crew members, cameras, lighting setups and audio requirements all affect cost.
- Talent and locations: Filming staff in your own office is usually less expensive than hiring actors, presenters, studios or external venues.
- Editing and post-production: Editing, colour grading, music, captions, motion graphics, animation and sound mixing all add time to the project.
- Number of deliverables: A single finished video is different from a package that includes cutdowns, social clips, vertical edits and internal versions.
- Deadlines: Tight turnaround times may require extra editing time, additional crew or faster approval processes.
For example, a single-camera interview filmed at your office might only require a small crew and a straightforward edit. The same interview filmed across multiple locations, with extra B-roll, drone footage, animated graphics and several edited versions, will naturally cost more.
Typical Video Production Price Ranges in Melbourne for 2026
The figures below are general guides only. They are designed to help with early planning, rather than replace a proper quote. The final cost will depend on the brief, filming requirements, post-production time and number of finished videos required.
| Type of Video | Typical Budget Range (AUD) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Talking Head Video | $2,000 to $4,000 | Simple interviews, internal updates |
| Corporate Overview Video | $4,000 to $8,000 | Company introductions, website videos |
| Case Study or Testimonial Video | $3,000 to $6,000 | Client stories, customer proof, sales support |
| Training or Educational Video | $5,000 to $10,000 | Staff onboarding, compliance, workplace training |
| Animated Explainer Video | $4,000 to $9,000 | Product explanations, internal communications |
| Live Streaming Event | $3,000 to $7,000 | Conferences, webinars, launches, internal broadcasts |
| Multi-Day Shoot or TV Commercial | $10,000+ | Larger campaigns, major announcements, high-profile marketing |
These ranges can move up or down depending on how the project is planned. A one-day shoot that produces several interview clips may offer better value than organising separate filming days for each video.
What You Are Paying For
Pre-Production
Pre-production is the planning stage. It can include briefing, scripting, interview questions, shot lists, schedules, location planning, call sheets and approval checkpoints.
This stage is sometimes underestimated, but it can have a major effect on the final result. Good planning helps reduce wasted filming time, unclear messaging, missed shots and unexpected costs during editing.
Production
Production is the filming stage. Depending on the project, this may involve a camera operator, producer, director, audio technician, lighting crew, makeup artist, teleprompter operator or livestream technician.
The cost also reflects the equipment needed for the job. A simple interview setup may only need one camera, lights and audio equipment. A larger event or campaign may need multiple cameras, extra lighting, wireless audio, live switching, backup recording and more crew.
Post-Production
Post-production is where the footage is shaped into the finished video. This can include editing, music selection, sound mixing, colour grading, titles, captions, animation, graphics and review rounds.
The amount of post-production time depends heavily on the project. A simple interview edit may be straightforward. A training video with slides, graphics, cutaways and several stakeholder review rounds may take much longer.
Why the Lowest Quote Is Not Always the Cheapest Option
It can be tempting to choose the lowest quote, especially when budgets are tight. Sometimes a low quote is appropriate for a simple job. The risk is when the quote does not include enough planning, crew time, editing time or project management to complete the work properly.
- Important details may not be clarified before filming.
- The crew may not have enough time to capture the footage needed.
- Audio, lighting or framing issues may reduce the quality of the final video.
- Revision costs may appear later because they were not included up front.
- The finished video may need extra editing, reshooting or replacement.
A cheaper video can become expensive if it misses the brief, takes too long to fix or fails to achieve the purpose it was created for. When comparing quotes, it is worth looking closely at what is included, what is excluded and how the process will be managed.
How to Compare Video Production Quotes
Two quotes can look similar on price while including very different levels of service. Before comparing the total cost, check what each production company has included in the proposal.
- Planning: Does the quote include briefing, scripting, interview preparation or production management?
- Crew: How many people will be on the shoot, and what roles will they perform?
- Filming time: Is the quote based on a half day, full day, multiple days or a specific number of hours?
- Equipment: Are cameras, lighting, audio, teleprompter, livestreaming gear or other tools included?
- Editing: How many finished videos are included, and how many review rounds are allowed?
- Usage: Are music licensing, talent usage, captions or different export formats included?
- Project management: Who is responsible for scheduling, communication and keeping the project moving?
A clear quote should make it easy to understand what you are paying for. It should also make clear where additional costs may apply, such as extra filming time, extra edits, travel, specialised equipment or additional versions.
How to Get Better Value From Your Budget
Good value does not always mean spending less. It usually means making sure the money is spent on the parts of the project that will make the biggest difference.
- Clarify the purpose first. A video designed to train staff will usually need a different structure from a video designed to generate enquiries.
- Prepare your message before filming. Clear messaging reduces wasted shoot time and helps the editor build a stronger story.
- Film multiple assets at once. Interviews, testimonials, social clips and website videos can often be captured during the same shoot.
- Keep locations practical. Extra locations add travel, setup time and scheduling complexity.
- Plan for reuse. Footage can often be reused across website pages, social posts, presentations and future campaigns.
- Be realistic about approvals. Multiple stakeholder review rounds can increase editing time if they are not managed carefully.
One of the simplest ways to improve value is to think beyond a single finished video. For example, an interview shoot might produce one main video, several short clips for LinkedIn, a website banner edit and internal communication material from the same footage.
When It Makes Sense to Spend More
Some projects justify a higher level of production because the video will be seen by important audiences or used for a long period of time. Examples include brand videos, recruitment campaigns, major customer case studies, training programs and product launch content.
A video used once for a small internal update may not need the same budget as a video that sits on your homepage for several years. A training video used by hundreds of staff may justify more planning than a short social media update.
The question is not only what the video costs. It is also what the video needs to do, how long it will be used, who will see it and what happens if it does not work properly.
Questions to Ask Before Requesting a Quote
You do not need a complete brief before speaking with a production company. However, having answers to a few practical questions can make the quoting process faster and more accurate.
- What is the main purpose of the video?
- Who needs to watch it?
- Where will the video be used?
- How long does the finished video need to be?
- How many finished versions do you need?
- Who needs to be filmed?
- Where will filming take place?
- Are there examples of videos you like?
- When does the video need to be completed?
- Who will approve the final edit?
These questions help define the project before production begins. They also help prevent vague quotes that are difficult to compare properly.
If You Need a Quote
If you are planning a video project in 2026, a short conversation can help clarify what level of budget is realistic for your goals, timeline and production requirements.
You can visit the Dream Engine contact page or call (03) 8678 0316 if you would like to discuss a project.
Ryan’s note: The biggest driver of cost is usually clarity. When both sides understand what the video needs to achieve, production becomes simpler, faster and easier to quote accurately.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
