Video production for local businesses
Film and edit short promo, social and website videos for small businesses in your area.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A one-person service that plans, shoots and edits short videos such as business promos, social media clips, product videos and customer testimonials. You work project by project, usually with a mirrorless camera, a microphone, basic lighting and editing software.
Your first three steps
- Shoot two or three sample videos for friends, family or a local business at low or no cost to build a portfolio
- Set up a simple website or social page showing your best work and clear package prices
- Contact ten local businesses with a short, specific offer, such as one 60-second promo video
Who pays
Local shops, restaurants, tradespeople, real estate agents, clinics and other small businesses that want video for their website and social media.
How it makes money
Fixed price per project or a monthly package of videos. Extras such as subtitles, extra edits or licensed music can be priced separately.
Skills that help
- Filming and framing a good shot
- Video editing and basic sound
- Talking with clients about what they need
- Meeting deadlines
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for your equipment
- Written contracts that cover ownership, number of edit rounds and payment terms
- Licences for music, fonts and stock footage you use in client videos
- Whether you need a Business Number and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
- Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: video production for local businesses
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 business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the camera, microphone, basic lighting and editing software you choose. A mirrorless camera setup is a common starting point.
How much can a freelance video producer earn from local businesses?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many projects you take on and what you charge. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours of work a week.
What should I check before starting a video production business in Canada?
Things to check: commercial general liability insurance and equipment cover, written contracts covering ownership, edit rounds and payment terms, licences for music, fonts and stock footage, Business Number and GST/HST registration, and any home-based business licence from your municipality.
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Photo: kuraulifilms on Pixabay