How Video Producers Budget for Profit Margins

Many creative businesses, such as corporate video production companies, usually struggle to break even. This can be changed when one realizes the incredible importance of smart budgeting. This skill sets you apart from a charitable institution, knowing all the costs involved in the process.

Here are some tips and tricks on budgeting for profit margin.

Estimating

It all starts with a rough estimate. You do the estimation after your first contact with a potential client. This figure is not to be disclosed to your client but to your team only. Also known as the first pass budget, it must give you a realistic view of the scope of the project. Show your estimates to your team or colleagues and ask for their opinions.

Costing

Your budget must account for all related costs for the project. It must include all hard costs and contractor rates. Don’t forget to factor in a profit margin for each (this will be discussed below). This is the figure that you will tell your client.

Charging

Charging your service’s worth is not as simple as stating your hourly rate. It is always important to consider all hard costs involved. Do not forget to factor in other relevant costs such as costume rentals, music fees, travel, contractor rates, as well as the rates for you and your team. Again, a good budget should include profit margins.

Often computed as a percentage, a profit margin is an additional amount placed on top of an expense included in the project. This is done to make sure the production company gains a profit. Profit margins play a big role in the growth of your agency; thus, it makes perfect sense to be smart about it.

Following-up

At this point, you have already finished the project and have listed down the actual costs against your early estimates. Check which items came in over or under your budget. After analysing, communicate the data with your team so you can improve your budgeting skills for your next production.

Companies specializing in video production in Hong Kong know how important smart budgeting is. It allows them to grow their business while providing great value to the customers they serve.