Small production company with a studio space

Marketing agencies, mid-sized businesses, tourism bodies, government agencies, broadcasters and online platforms that commission content.

Project fees quoted from a budget covering crew, equipment, post-production and your margin, plus studio hire to other creatives when you are not shooting.

• Producing and budgeting
• Directing or cinematography
• Managing freelancers and crew
• Pitching and winning commissions

• A commercial lease is a long commitment, check zoning, soundproofing and the terms before signing
• Public liability, equipment and professional indemnity insurance
• Workers compensation insurance once you employ staff, rules vary by state
• Check whether freelancers are genuinely contractors or employees
• Copyright, music licensing and signed releases for cast and locations
• Late-paying clients can strain cash flow, use deposits and staged payments
• Check GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the premises, equipment and crew arrangements. A commercial lease is a long commitment, so check zoning, soundproofing and the terms before signing.

Check public liability, equipment and professional indemnity insurance, plus workers compensation once you employ staff, as rules vary by state. Also check whether freelancers are genuinely contractors or employees, music licensing and releases, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the commissions you win and the size of your crew. The estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week. Deposits and staged payments can help with late-paying clients.