‘What does a corporate film cost?’ is one of the most common questions, and the answers online range from a few hundred to fifty thousand euros. Both can be true. This guide explains what makes up the price, what ranges are typical for the market, and how to recognise a fair quote.
In short
| Scope | Typical scope | Typical market range |
|---|---|---|
| Simple corporate film | 1 shooting day, your own staff in front of the camera, 1 to 2 minutes | €2,000 to €5,000 |
| Standard for SMEs | Concept, 1 to 2 shooting days, several locations, interviews, short versions | €5,000 to €15,000 |
| Elaborate production | several shooting days, crew, actors, animation | €15,000 to €50,000 |
As of November 2026. Figures based on experience in the German market, not a Lumen/21 price list. You will receive a fixed-price quote after the initial call.
What makes up the price
1. Concept and preparation
Goal, target audience, message, script and shooting schedule. This part is often underestimated, yet it decides whether the film works later on. A good provider asks the right questions before the camera rolls.
2. Shooting days
The biggest cost block. A shooting day covers setup, lighting, sound, filming and breakdown, usually eight to ten hours. The more locations, people and scenes, the more shooting days. Whether one person films or a crew with camera, sound and lighting makes a big difference to the price.
3. Editing and post-production
Selecting the best shots, rhythm, colour correction, sound mixing, music and titles. Per minute of finished film, there is often one to two days of editing work. Feedback rounds are part of it, but they should be limited and clearly described in the quote.
4. Extras
Drone footage, voice-over, animations, subtitles, additional short versions for social media or versions in other languages. Each extra is manageable on its own, but together they make up a noticeable share of the budget.
The calculator: roughly what will your film cost?
Select roughly what your film needs. The calculator shows the typical market range for a production of this scope.
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Includes concept, shoot, editing, colour and sound. Excludes actors, studio hire and licensed music.
The calculator is for guidance and is not a price quote. What your film actually costs depends on the concept.
Where you can save and where you should not
- You can save well on locations (one well-chosen location instead of five), on length (90 seconds often works better than four minutes) and by using your own staff instead of actors. That comes across as more credible anyway.
- You should not save on sound, lighting or the concept. Poor sound makes even beautiful footage look cheap, and a film without a clear message does not get watched to the end.
- Combine cleverly: From a single shooting day, you can get short versions for social media, a recruiting clip or photos for the website with little extra effort.
How to recognise a fair quote
- The number of shooting days and the crew size are stated.
- Feedback rounds in editing are clearly defined.
- Usage rights are described, at least for website, social media and presentations.
- Music is licensed and cleared for your purposes.
- You get the formats you need: landscape, portrait, short version.
- There is a fixed price instead of open-ended hourly billing.
FAQ
Why do quotes for corporate films differ so much?
Because the word ‘corporate film’ covers very different services: from one shooting day with one person to several shooting days with a crew, actors and animation. So do not compare quotes on price alone, but on shooting days, crew size, editing scope and usage rights.
Are usage rights included in the price?
For company films, usually yes, for your own website, social media and presentations. Paid advertising on television or in cinemas is often subject to separate arrangements. Ask about it specifically in the quote; at Lumen/21 it is always stated in writing.
How long does a production take?
From the initial call to the finished film, it usually takes four to eight weeks. Most of that is coordination and planning; the shoot itself often takes just one to two days.
Is a cheap film shot on a smartphone worthwhile?
For quick social media posts, certainly. A corporate film, however, is often the showpiece on your website for years. Here, good lighting, clean sound and a well-thought-out edit pay off.
