Video production for local businesses
Film and edit promo videos, testimonials and social clips for small businesses in your area.
- $2k-8k
- 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
You plan, shoot and edit short videos for local businesses, such as promo films, customer testimonials, product clips and social media content. You edit from home and travel to clients' locations to film.
Your first three steps
- Make 2 or 3 sample videos, even for friends or a local business at a discount, to build a portfolio
- Set up simple package pricing and a basic website or portfolio page
- Contact 20 local businesses with a short pitch and a link to your best sample
Who pays
Local shops, restaurants, real estate agents, contractors, gyms, clinics and other small businesses that want video for their website and social media.
How it makes money
Fixed price per project or per video package, with extra charges for additional edits, licensed music or rush delivery. Monthly content packages can bring repeat income.
Skills that help
- Filming and basic lighting and sound
- Video editing software
- Talking with clients and planning a shoot
- Meeting deadlines
Watch out for
- General liability insurance and possibly equipment coverage, check what clients ask for
- Written contracts covering usage rights, revisions and payment terms
- Licensing for music, stock footage and fonts used in client videos
- Signed releases from people who appear on camera
- Check your city or county for a business license and any home occupation rules or HOA limits
- Drone filming has FAA rules, check them before offering it
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: video production for local businesses
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 business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your camera, lighting and audio gear, editing software and computer. If you already own some equipment, your costs may land toward the lower end.
How much can a video production business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you win, project size and your prices. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and software, equipment and travel costs come out of them.
What should I check before offering video production?
Check insurance, since clients may ask for general liability or equipment cover, and use written contracts on usage rights and payment. Also check music and stock footage licensing, signed releases, local business license rules and FAA rules for drones.
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Photo: kuraulifilms on Pixabay