Small business video production

Local businesses, real estate agents, councils, community groups, not-for-profits and marketing agencies who need video but have no in-house team.

Fixed project fees per video or package, plus monthly retainers for regular social content. Extras such as captions, licensed music and extra edits can be priced separately.

• Filming and editing video
• Telling a clear story to a brief
• Quoting, deadlines and client communication

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need equipment cover too
• Music, footage and font licensing: only use content you have rights to
• Drone filming has rules, check with CASA before flying for paid work
• Filming people: get written releases, and check requirements for filming children or in public venues
• Check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the camera, audio and lighting gear, editing software and insurance you choose. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many clients and projects you win.

Check CASA's rules before flying a drone for paid work, and get written releases when filming people, including checking requirements for children or public venues. Only use music, footage and fonts you have rights to, and consider public liability insurance.

Estimates suggest at least around 10 hours a week, depending on your project load. You'll need filming and editing skills, the ability to tell a clear story to a brief, and good quoting, deadline and client communication habits.