How Much Do Music Videos REALLY Cost | Challenging a Hollywood Producer 

Hey There, I was actually the DoP / Producer for the Crush Video. Its fun to imagine being able to pull off the video for $400, but I never like to ask cast or crew to work for free. If it's their livelihood you need to pay them. Here's how it actually breaks down. - LOCATION: while letting us shoot for virtually free it was owned by a larger corporation and required us to shoot overnight as well as requiring pretty substantial insurance coverage considering the size of the production. We had to pay for as well as the employee's wage to stay late and give us working access to the building. - EXTRAS: Since we had to shoot overnight we had to provide extras to fill the space, and while much of their shots were cut from the final video, they were still paid for their time. - LIGHTING: Lighting wise you pretty much hit the nail on the head; we were primarily rocking a 2k into beadboard to give her a soft fill and keep some highlight in the eyes, but other than that it was primarily lit naturally in the space. - CAMERA SUPPORT: 90% of the shots are on a doorway dolly. We wanted a more shopping cart feel as opposed to floating. CREW: 5 in total. (Director, DoP, 1st AD, 2 PAs) - No 1st AC, I both operated and pulled. - Director doubled as a Dolly Grip - No Art - No HMU | Artist provided wardrobe and did her own makeup - I produced - 2 Production assistants that would step in for grip on moving shots for lights - Craft /Catering / Post all spot on of about 300/400 - Edited in house Burget looked more akin to this: + Location Fees (Employee wages & Insurance) = $1000 + Crew / Editor = $2000 + Extras = $750 + Crafty / Catering = $200 + Hard Drives = $200 + Camera Rig (Modified Personal Setup)= $150 + Grip / Electric Rentals = $200 + Emergency Reserve = $500 ____________________________ =$5,000 All this said, I genuinely love seeing the video getting professional critiques though! Keep up the good work.

Damn.. I never knew I was a director, DP, editor, art director, production designer & wardrobe guy 😅

Something my dad always told me was that yes clients are paying for our skills but they are also paying for the YEARS of work we've put into perfecting our craft. Filmmaking has a huge learning curve and clients need to understand just how long it takes to be even somewhat adequate at music video production.

This is one very optimistic producer.

This is why I quit shooting videos. Everybody wants a free video

I’ll tell you right now, and I’m not entirely sure I want to say this; but I believe people who watch this video should be told what the budget actually for post production. Keep in mind; this is only pertaining to the editor budget. Lets take Shawn Mendes music videos for instance, and I can speak on this from actual experience of editing a few Shawn Mendes videos myself. Again, I’m only saying this because I feel the music video world really gives post production the short end of the stick a lot of the time. But the rate, again this is just for editing, on any video I cut for him, or any other artist, was at LEAST 3k a video. Favor jobs are priced at 1k-1.5k at the minimum.

Audio engineer here from Detroit (United Sound Systems Recording Studios). I must say that this is very eye opening for those looking to get into some form of media production. I've worked with mainstream networks, clothing companies, labels, etc that have used our studio as a location for their projects. One thing is for sure: Be nice to everyone on set, because you never know who's working for free and/or donating their time in the name of making a name for themselves. A lot of those time, I may have been the highest paid on set via the location fee for playing the "recording engineer role" in a few shots that might not even get used. On one of those projects, I literally have a three second cameo in a single episode of a Netflix series. I was paid my regular hourly rate multiplied by the 8-10 hour location shoot. With all of that being said, it made me respect the entire crew and their dedication to MAKING IT HAPPEN. I've gained a few friends over time and glad to report that they are so good at what they do, that they've moved on to bigger projects or have started their own successful companies. Sometimes, it takes $1M to produce five minutes of content. So, the next time you want to complain about the price of certain media, just remember: aside from the artist, it may have taken one hundred people to produce the movie, song, video, etc that became someone's all-time favorite that they cherish as a memory/moment in time.

Bro this was hands down one of the most helpful videos on charging and what not even if it was just a fun activity. PLEASE DO MORE OF THIS STUFF WITH PRICING AND WHAT NOT--I would say do something like this but on a more realistic level not trying to fit in a budget.

Amazing video! Just the info I needed to help me plan better while I transition from animated music videos to filming live action music videos!

from my experience it really just all depends on who you know and how excited they are to work on the project. i've worked on incredible videos that cost less than $500 that are shot with a RED or cinealta, steadicam, ronin, nice drones, etc. without paying for location - shooting guerilla style and everyone was down to just work for food because they were stoked on the song and the artist. they look like $20,000 videos but basically cost nothing. a lot of crew i know in LA spend long days at shoots for lame songs or commercials so when they get invited to be part of something dope they are down to do it as a passion project.

An Arri package for $400???!! I need to check this share grid out.

+Indy Mogul It would be awesome if you guys actually replicated some of these Music videos using the same budget you guys planned!

This actually puts a new perspective for me on how things cost. This is just for music videos. This is crazy how expensive things can get.

Really dope concept for a video, BUT these rates are super low. It's like they're pulling favors from everyone. The producer could at least explain that these aren't the going rates for most of the positions.

Seriously one of the most useful and one of my favorite videos ever on this channel and in the last YEAR! Thanks for the incredible information. Taught us not only how to work and put stuff together but also what a legit budget and crew should look like!

This was so enlightening!! Love the total transparency and honesty about what things actually cost, and what’s doable. You guys should do another one with Moses, but talk about the role of a Producer vs. a Director. Who reports to who? How often do they talk and who is in charge of doing what? I’d also be SUPER interested to see another one on scheduling a whole production, not just the shoot day!

One of my favorite videos. Thanks dude. Always coming in clutch.

The "Celebrity" in wallows is actually the one of the guys in the band.

This is a side of filmmaking that has always seemed mystical to me. So having a video like this that demystifies the process is greatly appreciated. I love what you guys have done with this channel.

I have learned so much in this video, just starting up in this industry and this video alone taught me a lot! Thank you so much, such a great video. Please do more videos like this with different members of the crew so that we can learn everyone's roles and responsibilities! The video has also taught me to find appropriate budget, because I have no idea what to charge artists

A so called freind of mine finished watching music videos of 20k budget and wants me to shot for free. Now they haiting on me because I said sorry dude this shows you not my freind. I have already done a 0 budget video for him before. Now I am labeled as a bad person who dosent want to help out and praying my work falls.

Calling in favors means giving them, too. I've shot some interesting videos for under $500, but I also edit my friends' videos, help them scout locations, set up, etc. It's doable, but you gotta be a team player.

probably one of the most informative, to the point videos on the subject. big thanks!

This is one of the most helpful production videos out there. I've never seen anyone else do a budget break down like this. I would love more of this sort of content. The filmmaking aspects you don't see often.

I enjoyed learning and hearing his perspective. It helped put things in greater perspective for me. Can you do more of these types of videos? Thank you for your help.

One of the best episodes to date. Keep it up guys

You two should do this as a regular segment on the show. As an aspiring filmmaker who tackles a lot of music videos on the way to chasing the dream it was super interesting to see how you guys break it all down.

This video was insanely insightful and then Isaac, the producer of the crush video commenting is amazing. Keep it up ;)

10:43 That's a $10 camping cot from walmart, not a real hospital gurney

What on earth? An Alexa Package for $400?

That was awesome. I know nothing about production, cameras, or really even money- but it's always amazing to see an expert put in work!

Such a good episode with some great advice. Comparing and working with 3 different budgets and associated costs gives video producers and directors a solid foundation to figure out how to make things happen. And - Moses is right... Feed the crew, respect the crew and they usually do their best to feel part of a team to make the project a success. Well done!

I have been hearing horror stories of how amazing creatives like directors get paid almost zero to do such amazing pieces of art that helps artists get millions of views (and sell festival tickets, downloads, and millions for labels). Directors and other music video professional need to unionize like the DGA to make sure everyone gets fairly compensated when working with artists signed to major labels.

"Dancing Dude" = priceless

Probably one of my favorite videos on RU-vid Ever. THANK YOU. Even down to the software sponsor plug!

This was an awesome video. Always love it when you bring professionals like this to give some insight.

You: Here is the amount of money to create the music video ($18, 987) Client: Oh but our budget is only $200 God dammit you do your own music video then 🤦‍♂

Amazing breakdown this was a dope episode.. it's crazy to think how big those budgets are and how quickly it can be spent... honestly the low budget style of music videos has become so standard that its spoiled alot of artist and labels into thinking they can give creators peanuts and expect $20k quality...

This is such an incredible showcase of what a producer does and also a great model of how to approach budgeting. Would love to see more Producing videos from you guys in the future! :)

Probably one of the most in-depth videos I've seen on this topic so far... nice moves ya'll

"This crew is gonna hate us!" :D Amazing, thanks)

This right here is gold knowledge 👌🏼

I'm interviewing for a record label as a producer, this was the EXACT exercise I was gonna do (look at music videos & try to break down their budgets), this video helped a LOT. Thanks so much

Bro I'm so glad you've come over to this channel!!! I love the content!

this was a very good breakdown .. people do not realize what it takes to get "quality media" on to even youtube

I realized from this video that the most important thing when you're making a music video is food.

Probably one of the best episodes yet. Need more of this in my life.

Thumbs up from me. Very very educational video, this guys really knows his stuff. Thank you IM, my favorite YTube channel

Really insightful! Please do more budget related content! Thanks :)

If possible. Could you reach out to the artist's labels to get the actual numbers? It would make the guessing game pretty cool.

This is awesome!!! Thanks Moses and Ted for sharing all this info. Very insightful. Can you guys do a breakdown of the full 60-70k budget video as well? It would be great to see what else gets added and what full rates/prices would be like. Going all out

This video was sick! Loved the way the sound edited and went all like he was passing out when the pricing came up.

Them: producer gets $.$$$, director gets $.$$$, cinematographer gets $.$$$, editor gets $$$, asistants get $$$, the scouts get $$$, the rest gets $$$ or $$. All adds up to $$.$$$. Me, a producer, director, cinematographer, editor, camera operator, audio guy, scout and my own assistant all in one: doesn't even get $$$ :/

As a professional Commercial Producer, I can tell that is one very optimistic producer.

Your videos are so useful!! Thank you for always sharing 🙏🏽🙏🏽

6:46 - dylan minnette of 13 reasons why, Goosebumps, etc. Dope Video! Quality Content!

great video! Can we get another? Maybe a fashion photoshoot budget video?

oh my god. I haven’t seen indie mogul in over 8 years! I thought the channel shut down and this is what I came back to?! crazy! lol

Honestly, this was a fun creative concept. From the comments, it's evident that this isn't realistic but it's a fun creative topic to discuss when forced. Coming from a city with very little production environment, learning a lot about constraints and the ins and outs of the game. Much appreciated for the content and fully aware now on what it takes to be a professional in this tier.

I love this so much, I didn’t want it to end. Please do more in the same style!

Dang, I didn't realize how much multitasking I've been doing lol

60-70k for that mendes vid is ridiculous and thats probably an understatement i wonder how much a video like sicko mode would cost

Oh my word! Mosses is so knowledgeable!!! Great video here Ted!

This was a good instruction video. The information was presented in a clear & understandable layout. Good mixes of shots and the visual & audio emphasis effects used for various statements keeps a viewer interested and can really help make what's being said more understandable & rememberable.

Interestingly, I realize that in USA prices are too low. Every time I talk with production houses in USA, they dont have big enough budget. Rest of the world, comparable prices - USA low wage. I am in Serbia, Europe (non EU) low standard country, and prices are: Art director 1500USD, Aleksa with crew and lenses 8000 USD, CC 1500USD, director 2000USD, animation 200USD per second, etc. I worked on commercials, movies around a world and never had any success with USA companies primary because a low offers (usually I think they are joking) but I see a pattern here. You guys need to form some kind of a workers Union because this prices are just ridiculous.

this is the best video I've seen on Producing here on youtube since the T2i came out.

Very interesting, I have never heard this broken down before. Learned quite a bit. I also saw the post Isaac White made on the cost of the Crush shoot. Glad he chimed in too. Thank you for posting.

Thanks for these type of videos. Inspiring and informative!

I love how Deakins pops up every time he mentions the DP... No way you can budget cut him

The next time someone offers me 100-250 for a music video I might slap them in the face. 😂

This is soooo helpful man. Its so nice to see the insight into all of this

Wow, this video was so fun to watch. Producing seems like a blast.

In the interest of spreading accurate knowledge on rates, in my experience as a DP I would have shot the first video for $850 (similar to Chainsmokers-Hope), the second for $1500 (Josie Dunn-oh la la dance video), and the third for $2500 (electric guest - play with me) minimum, and that’s per day. No DP who is as talented as the ones who shot these should be working for $400.

Really cool breakdown. Worth mentioning you didn't budget for the director, the talent, or yourselves (producers).

This has been such a good insight, I really appreciate this video.

Definitely a great video! Insight was impactful!

300 dollar budget. Isn’t that that boy from thirteen reasons why

You guys seem to have forgotten to factor in a stunt coordinator for the second video, as a fall is considered a stunt, and such a Stunt Coordinator is required

Such an engaging and insightful video! Thanks for posting it up

Awesome video. Im going to keep it on hand and send it to my potential clients that can't seem to figure out a budget. Much Love!! - Cheers

Bro you can't cheap out on the hard drives. That's like the MOST important piece of equipment. Last thing you want is the video files getting corrupted.

who else was disappointed when you realized they weren’t gonna remake the videos

Thank you for this Knowledge coming at the right time. Much love.

I LOVE this - thank you for sharing this i'm a geek for the creative process

Wow I would've never guessed how much work actually goes into music videos

dammn.... putting a picture of the man Roger Deakins describing a $500 music video camera dep .... tisk tisk

LOVE that Ted...yes....Ted. That super animated, creative Ted. Thanks man! You rock Brad 😀🕺🏻🎥🏖🇦🇺

Super Dope !! Thank you for this vid Tim!

'This crew's gonna hate us. We're going to have to feed them good. After lunch, we'll make to-go plates. That way when we wrap (the crew) will also get plates.' **claps**

Just to be clear, this is production cost and not how much the client was charged right?

very cool vid, thanks for sharing and looking deeper into that job!

I Love this informative video! keep making more of these topics.

But what about the pizza lunch? That will break the $500 budget lol 😂

Now you NEED to make these 3 videos on that budget and show us the results! NEED!!!

Hey, @IndyMogul great video I love this! This is super helpful and not many people explain this pre-pro process as well and thoroughly, Especially in an entertaining and fun way. Here’s an idea, It would be amazing if you could do a video about film financing! Like go through different types of budgets (for small Indy music videos, short films, small commercials) and see what it would take to finance, where to find financing, who to ask, not just crowdfunding asking mom and pop and a few people you know but seriously going out and using pitch decks, treatments, finding grants, talking to investors, executives, etc, and show where to start and what it really takes to acquire the money. Financing movies to me is the most mysterious part of filmmaking other than getting a return on your investment and how to secure distribution, I’d love to see a financing video like that and I would pay to see that content! Keep up the great work guys!

amaizing video and put a lot of things in perspective. thank you for this

This was one of the best episodes yet! So insightful for a Director/Producer myself. At the bigger level though, i'll find a rockstar producer lol #CinematicExcellence

Noob question: Do you need to buy new hard drives for every new project? Do they get sent to the editor? To the label? At my level (very very low budget) I bought good hard drives to keep my files from all the projects I work on...

Really enjoyed this one! Super awesome. Interesting as heck!

*I got excited when I heard Wallows! The guy from 13 reasons why. I love the song ”Are you bored yet”*