Start a small video production company
Make promo, training and event videos for local businesses, shooting on location and editing from home.
- C$4k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A one-person production company that plans, films and edits commissioned videos such as business promos, product videos, training clips, real estate tours and short brand films. You shoot at the client's location and edit at home.
Your first three steps
- Make two or three sample videos for free or at a low price for local businesses, and build a simple portfolio page
- Choose a niche (for example restaurants, trades or real estate) and write a clear price list for packages
- Contact 20 local businesses and agencies with your portfolio and offer a short discovery call
Who pays
Local businesses, agencies, non-profits, real estate teams, tourism operators and organizations that need regular video content.
How it makes money
Fixed price per project or day rate, plus extras like extra edits, captions, social media cut-downs and licensed music. Monthly content packages can bring steady income.
Skills that help
- Camera, lighting and sound basics
- Video editing
- Storytelling and client communication
- Quoting and managing deadlines
Watch out for
- Insurance for your equipment and commercial general liability, since some venues ask for proof
- Written contracts covering usage rights, revisions and who owns the footage
- Licensed music and signed releases for people who appear on camera
- If you fly a drone, check Transport Canada's rules and pilot certification requirements
- Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and whether you need a film permit to shoot in public spaces
- Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold; in Quebec, check French-language rules for client-facing content
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: small video production company
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a video production company in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the camera, lighting, sound and editing gear you choose. You shoot at the client's location and edit at home, so you don't need studio premises.
How much can a small video production business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you win, the types of video you offer and the hours you put in. Treat these as estimates, not guarantees.
What do I need to check before starting a video business in Canada?
Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether you need a film permit for public spaces. Also check insurance, written contracts, music licensing and releases, Transport Canada drone rules, and GST/HST registration.
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