Small video production company with a studio

Medium-sized businesses, agencies, councils, education providers and brands that need polished campaign or training videos.

Project fees based on scope, usually quoted from a brief. Ongoing retainers for monthly content, and studio hire to other creators, add steadier income.

• Producing and managing projects
• Directing and camera work
• Quoting and invoicing
• Managing freelancers and staff

• Public liability, professional indemnity and equipment insurance
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, which varies by state
• Check whether you are engaging freelancers as contractors or employees
• Uneven income between projects, so keep cash for quiet months
• Council zoning and lease terms for studio premises

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the studio rental, equipment, software and how much of your team you hire at the start. Premises and kit are likely to be the biggest items.

Check public liability, professional indemnity and equipment insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff, which varies by state. Check whether freelancers are contractors or employees, and council zoning and lease terms for studio premises.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on project size, client mix and team capacity. Expect at least about 30 hours a week, and keep cash aside for quiet months between projects.