When it comes to training your teams, videos have fast become the modern-day gold standard. The visual and interactive nature of video content presents a dynamic learning experience that can greatly improve information retention and overall training effectiveness, leading to a more skilled and satisfied workforce.

But creating training videos is not as simple as picking up a camera and pressing ‘record’; it’s a well-orchestrated process with many moving financial parts. In this comprehensive look, we break down the costs involved in professional training video production and how to budget wisely for a return on investment that goes well beyond the balance sheet.

Pre-Production Costs

Before you even think about shouts of “action,” your focus should be on planning and setting the stage. This initial phase sets the tone for your entire production and, if neglected, can lead to costly filming re-dos and script rewrites.

Scripting and Storyboarding

The first outlay is for your scriptwriters and storyboard artists. Writing a script that meets specific training goals and engages the audience is more of an art than a science. Skimp on this, and you risk a lacklustre video that needs expensive post-production patch-ups.

Cost: Estimates range from £150 to £500 per finished minute of video, depending on the complexity and detail of the script and storyboard.

Note: It’s crucial to bet big on clear objectives and iterative script reviews to save on costly last-minute changes.

Production Expenses

The actual filming stage is where production costs can escalate rapidly, especially if your shoot involves multiple locations, actors, and complex scenes.

Hiring the Crew

Professional videographers and directors are non-negotiable. Their expertise in lighting, framing, and pacing can elevate your training video from amateur hour to blockbuster learning.

Cost: You’re looking at £500 to £2000 per day for a videographer and potentially thousands more for specialist roles such as a director of photography.

Actors and Locations

Good actors can breathe life into your training messages. Depending on the depth of your content, you could be hiring one or an entire ensemble.

Cost: Actor fees range widely; for a professional, expect to pay between £250 and £2000 a day. Location fees are equally variable, starting from about £250 a day for a standard no-frills environment.

Tip: Opt for in-studio shooting or open-source locations to save on location costs.

Equipment and Technology

While the smartphone in your pocket can capture a decent clip, professional training videos demand professional-grade equipment that delivers high-quality visuals and sound.

The Gear

Cameras, lighting, microphones, and other accessories are the tools that turn your training agenda into visual reality.

Cost: For high-end production, camera and lighting equipment rental can be upwards of £500 a day. Investing in this equipment can set you back several thousand pounds per item.

Advice: If videos are a core part of your long-term training strategy, investing in good equipment can pay dividends over continuous rental fees.

Post-Production

This is where the magic happens – and typically, where budgets can start to spiral out of control if not monitored closely.

Editing and Special Effects

Professional video editing and the inclusion of special effects, can transform raw footage into a polished piece of learning art.

Cost: Simple editing, including cutting, can cost between £200 and £600 per finished minute of video. Add animations and visual effects, and that could triple.

Best Practice: Set clear benchmarks for your video’s required complexity and stick to them to avoid cost overruns.

Sound and Music

Crisp, clear audio can make or break your training video. Music, when used judiciously, can enhance the learning experience but should always be legally sourced – a cost many forget to factor in.

Cost: Quality sound design and mixing can add another £200 to £600 per finished minute, and licensing popular music can hit you with several hundred pounds per track.

Remember: Royalty-free music and sound libraries are a cost-effective alternative to big-name tracks.

Distribution Costs

With the final cut in hand, your next consideration is how you’ll deliver your content to your learners.

Hosting Platforms

Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or dedicated LMS (Learning Management Systems) have different cost structures and audience experiences.

Cost: Ranges from free for basic services, to several thousand pounds per year for fully managed, enterprise-grade solutions.

Key Point: Choose your platform based on security, scalability, and user experience rather than solely on the price.

Ongoing Costs and Updates

The video may be finished, but your investment isn’t. Training content should be dynamic and regularly updated, to reflect the latest processes and best practices.

Budgeting for Updates: Allocate a set annual budget to review and revise videos, with costs generally being lower than the initial production.

Prioritise: Consider which videos are critical to core objectives, and ensure they are updated first.

Measuring ROI

Training videos can have intangible returns through improved performance, retention, and engagement. The challenge is to measure these benefits and demonstrate a clear ROI.

Evaluation Metrics

Develop surveys or assessments tied to the video content to gauge direct learning outcomes.

Cost: Creating and implementing these tools may incur nominal charges for survey software or assessment platforms.

Analytics

Leverage viewing data from your video platform to discern trends and adjustments that could improve the effectiveness of your training materials.

Reminder: While analytics cost little more than time and attention, they are invaluable for refining your training strategy.

Is the Video Worth the Investment?

The true cost of a training video extends beyond pounds and pence – it’s a blend of time, creativity, and strategic vision. With a clear understanding of where your money goes and a deliberate approach to each stage of the process, training videos can be a sound investment in your organisation’s growth and training capability.

Book Your Strategy Call for Expert Guidance

To ensure your training video initiative hits the mark without breaking the bank, book a free 30-minute strategy call with the video production experts at Super Motion. We’ll help you unpack the entire process, from concept to delivery, to create impactful training content that serves the needs of your employees and your bottom line. Call today and discover how Super Motion could be your partner in powerful, purposeful video training.