Budgeting for a commercial is tricky.

You’ve got a message to share, but before you press record, you’re stuck with that one looming question: “How much is this going to cost me?”

The truth is, the cost to film a commercial can start as low as $1,500 for a quick DIY-style video—and can cost over $1 million for a national campaign with high-end visuals, celebrity talent, and major airtime.

What drives that range?

It comes down to several key factors—like ad length, crew, location, talent, and high-quality production value.

Let’s break it down so you can plan better, spend smarter, and avoid those costly surprises.

What Impacts the Cost of Filming a Commercial?

If you want to know where the money goes, here’s what really affects the bottom line:

1. Production Quality (a.k.a. the biggest budget driver)

A high-quality production involves:

• Cinematic cameras and lighting
• Skilled directors, editors, and crew
• Motion graphics or animation
• Custom music or voiceover

If you’re aiming for a polished, professional feel—especially for TV or high-visibility online ads—expect to invest more. This is the line between a $5K video and a $50K+ one.

2. Length of the Commercial

The longer the ad, the more hours needed to film, edit, and revise. More time = more cost.

That’s why 15- and 30-second spots are popular. They’re concise, effective, and easier to manage (more on those below).

3. Talent and Crew

Who’s in front of and behind the camera matters.

Costs increase if you hire:

• Professional actors or voice talent
• Union talent (SAG/AFTRA)
• Directors and producers
• Hair, makeup, wardrobe stylists
• Set designers

Each person adds a layer of complexity—and a line item to your invoice.4. Location and Sets

Where you shoot matters just as much as what you shoot. Filming on-location often requires:

• Location fees
• Permits
• Travel and lodging
• Weather contingencies
• Insurance

Need custom sets? Props? A green screen stage? That’s another cost layer.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a TV Commercial?

TV commercials are premium content.

They’re not just about how it looks, but where it’s going—and how many people it’s reaching.

Typical TV commercial budget ranges:

• Basic local spot (small biz or cable): $3,000–$10,000
• Mid-range regional ad: $20,000–$50,000
• National broadcast campaign: $100,000–$1M+

Remember: airing the spot is another cost entirely. You’ll need a media budget to place it on broadcast or cable networks.

If you’re planning one, get clear on goals:

• Brand awareness?
• Product launch?
• Seasonal sale?

Each objective can impact your approach and budget structure.

How Much Does It Cost to Film a 30-Second Commercial?

The classic 30-second ad is still the gold standard. Why?

It’s long enough to deliver a solid message, but short enough to keep viewers watching.

Here’s what it typically costs:

• Entry-level: $2,500–$5,000
• Mid-tier broadcast-ready: $10,000–$50,000
• High-end production: $50,000+

What You’re Paying For:

• Scriptwriting and concept
• Filming days (crew, talent, gear, location)
• Post-production editing
• Music, voiceover, sound mixing
• Licensing (music, talent contracts)

The shorter format actually demands more focus—every second matters. That means tighter planning and cleaner execution.

How Much Does It Cost to Produce a 15-Second Ad?

Need to grab attention fast?

The 15-second ad can do the job—and save your wallet.

Estimated cost range: $1,500 to $20,000 (depends on quality, location, and complexity)

Why Short Ads Work:

• Ideal for YouTube, pre-roll, or social media
• Lower production and distribution costs
• Forces clear messaging
• High impact in a low-attention world

Short doesn’t mean low effort, though. Your team still needs to script, film, edit, and distribute—just with tighter constraints.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Video Ad for Online Use?

Digital ads offer more flexibility—and can be more affordable.

You don’t need to rent a helicopter or book a studio to make something impactful for YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Common price ranges:

• Simple social video: $1,000–$5,000
• Branded content: $5,000–$20,000+
• Multi-platform campaign: $25,000+

Key variables include:

• Whether it’s animated or live-action
• Number of videos in the series
• If you’re filming interviews, testimonials, or b-roll
• Whether it’s DIY-style or agency-produced

Digital ads are also great for A/B testing and retargeting, which means you can squeeze a lot of mileage from one well-made video.

Cost-Saving Tips (Without Sacrificing Quality)

Want a great commercial without burning through the budget? Here’s how to keep costs in check:

1. Plan Like a Pro

The more thought you put into your concept, schedule, and team in advance, the less chance you’ll run into expensive delays. Know what you want. Stick to the shot list. Lock in approvals early.

2. Use In-House Talent (Strategically)

Got a charismatic team member who knows the brand? Use them. This can eliminate talent fees and boost authenticity.

3. Shoot Smart

Limit your filming days and how much time is spent on complex scenes. Stick to one location if possible. Shoot multiple ads from one session (repackage content).

4. Keep the Concept Simple

Simple doesn’t mean boring—it means efficient. You don’t need drones, explosions, or celebrity cameos to get attention. You need clarity, great writing, and a clean visual.

Should You Hire an Agency?

Let’s be real.

You can do it yourself—or hand it off to a team that eats deadlines for breakfast and makes you look like a rockstar to your boss.

Partnering with companies that make your commercial can save more than just time—they save your sanity.

Especially when they know how to:

• Adapt to your budget
• Execute fast
• Deliver real creative that works

At the End of the Day

Filming a commercial doesn’t have to be a guessing game.

Know your goals. Understand where the money goes. And pick a creative partner that can stretch your budget—not break it.

MOCK, the agency has helped marketing directors take ideas from pitch to pixel—and deliver high-quality production without the fluff, layers, or stress.

We move at the speed of business. We hit your deadlines. And we make you (and your brand) look incredible.

Let’s take something off your plate—and make it awesome.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Commercial

Need a fast, creative, no-drama execution partner for your video project? Let’s chat. No pressure. No ego. Just smart, stylish work that gets results.

• Website: https://mocktheagency.com/
• Phone: 470-225-6814
• Email: hello@mocktheagency.com
• Address: 247 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318