Commissioned video production company
Make promo videos, short documentaries and branded content for local businesses and organizations that hire you.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
17,366 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.8% in a year
NAICS 512110 “Motion picture and video production”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small production company that shoots, edits and delivers video for paying clients: promo films, testimonial videos, event recaps, short documentaries and social content. You work from home, shoot on location and edit on your own computer.
Your first three steps
- Put together a 2 to 3 minute showreel, making a few free or discounted spec videos for local businesses if you have no client work yet
- Set up a simple website and price list with 2 or 3 clear packages, then register your business name and get an EIN
- Contact 20 local businesses, nonprofits and agencies with a short pitch and your showreel
Who pays
Local businesses, nonprofits, real estate firms, schools, churches, and agencies that need video but have no in-house team.
How it makes money
Fixed project fees or day rates, often with extra charges for editing revisions, licensed music, extra shoot days and faster delivery. Some clients sign up for a monthly package of videos.
Skills that help
- Camera work and lighting
- Video editing and sound
- Pitching and quoting projects
- Reliable deadlines and client communication
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and check whether equipment cover is worth adding, as clients and venues often ask for proof of insurance
- Written contracts covering who owns the footage, usage rights and the number of revisions
- Music, stock footage and fonts need the right licenses, and people who appear on camera should sign releases
- Check city or county rules on filming permits for public locations and on home occupation permits
- Drone filming may need FAA certification, so check the current requirements before offering it
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: commissioned video production company
Researched with live web search for United States: 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?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your camera, lighting, sound and editing equipment and software. These are estimates, so consider what kit you really need for your first clients.
How much revenue can a home-based video business make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many projects you win and what you charge. These are estimates only and will vary with the type of video work you offer.
What rules should I check before taking video clients?
Check general liability insurance and whether equipment cover is worth adding, plus written contracts covering footage ownership and usage rights. Also check music and stock licenses, releases for people on camera, local filming and home occupation permits, and FAA requirements for drones.
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Photo: StockSnap on Pixabay