Visual Effects (VFX) Cost Calculator
Calculate visual effects budgets categorized by shot complexity tiers from simple screen replacements and paint cleanups to wire removal, 2D rotoscoping, 3D CGI integration, and cloud render farm hours.
VFX Shots By Complexity Tier
Paint cleanup, screen replacements
Wire removal, rotoscoping, chroma
3D models, simulations, creature VFX
Supervision & Cloud Rendering
Visual Effects Tiered Shot Formula
Total VFX Budget = (Simple Shots × $250) + (Medium Shots × $750) + (Complex CGI Shots × $2,200) + Supervision + Render Farm + Revision Reserve- Simple Tier ($150–$350/shot): Screen replacements, boom mic paint-outs, blemish/logo cleanups, and stabilization.
- Medium Tier ($500–$1,200/shot): Wire removals, green screen chroma keying with detailed hair rotoscoping, and 2D set extensions.
- Complex Tier ($1,800–$5,000+/shot): Full 3D CGI model integration, photorealistic creatures, fluid/pyro particle dynamics, and matchmoving.
- Render Farm: Cloud node compute costs for multi-layer 3D lighting, ambient occlusion, and deep compositing passes.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Estimates are based on standard national averages and current prevailing construction materials and contractor rates.
- Actual trade bids may fluctuate according to local building code requirements, permit fees, and site topography.
- Always obtain multiple written bids from licensed, bonded, and insured contractors before commencing work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do complex 3D CGI shots cost so much more than 2D paint cleanup?
3D CGI shots require an entire specialized pipeline: 3D concept modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, camera matchmoving, realistic lighting simulation, rendering across multi-core server nodes, and multi-pass compositing in Nuke by senior digital artists.
What is the role of an on-set VFX Supervisor?
An on-set VFX Supervisor ensures that live-action shots are filmed correctly for digital post-production. They place tracking markers, measure camera lens focal lengths and sensor heights, capture 360-degree HDRI lighting probes, and capture grey/chrome sphere references.
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