"How much does a video cost?" is the first question almost every founder asks us. The honest answer is that it depends, which is annoying to hear. So here's what it depends on, so you can estimate before the first call and compare quotes properly. We don't publish fixed prices. Every project gets a custom quote, because two "launch videos" can be very different jobs.
What moves the price
- Shoot time. A two-hour founder shoot and a full day of filming are different projects.
- Crew. One operator, or a camera operator plus sound plus a producer.
- Cameras. One angle, two angles, or a 4 to 5 camera podcast setup.
- Location. Our studio, your office, a rented space, or several places in one day. Travel and permits add up outside San Francisco.
- The edit. A straight cut of a talk takes less time than an edit with animations, product visuals and music.
- Deliverables. One horizontal video, or a full set of vertical versions, captions, thumbnails and clips.
- Turnaround. Rush delivery costs more because it moves other work.
- Revisions. Two rounds are usually included. More rounds take more time.
What that looks like for common projects
Founder launch video. About two hours of shoot time, one or two cameras, a one-minute edit and versions for X, LinkedIn and your site. The biggest variables are the location and whether you need animations. See how we filmed Akuity's launch video in about two hours. Video podcast. Priced per session or as a series. The variables are where you record, how many cameras, and whether you want clips. Our options go from a studio session with one edited episode to premium production with 4 to 5 cameras and up to 15 vertical clips. There's a separate guide on video podcast costs. Event coverage. Priced by hours on site, crew size and what you need afterward: a recap, clips, photos or full sessions. We work with a two-hour minimum. Ongoing content. Monthly shoot days with a planned number of videos and clips, quoted per month.
How to get an accurate quote quickly
Send us:
- What the video is for and where it will be posted
- Two or three examples you like
- The date or deadline
- Where you'd like to film
- Who will be on camera
With that, we can usually come back with a clear quote after one short call.
Where to save without hurting the result
- Film several things in one session. A launch video, a few short clips and headshots can often share one setup.
- Prepare talking points in advance, so the shoot takes less time.
- Plan vertical versions from the start instead of recutting later.
See the pricing page for what each service includes, or ask for a quote.
Francisk Hanchar
Founder, FogLine Visuals
Francisk Hanchar is the founder of FogLine Visuals, a video production company in San Francisco. He produces video podcasts, launch videos and event coverage for startups, and hosts The Bay Signal.
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