Video Post-Production Cost Calculator
Calculate complete video post-production finishing pipelines uniting offline rough cut editing, DaVinci Resolve color grading, audio mix sweetening, revision rounds, and master deliverables.
Footage & Final Runtime
Finishing Days & Day Rates
Post-Production Finishing Pipeline Formula
Total Post Cost = (Offline Edit Days × Rate) + (Color Days × Rate) + (Sound Mix Days × Rate) + (Revisions × Rate) + Mastering/Archival- Shooting Ratio: Derived as (Raw Footage Hours × 60) / Final Finished Minutes (e.g., 10 hrs raw for a 5 min video = 120:1 ratio).
- Editorial Labor: Assembly, rough cut, fine cut, and client review checkpoints.
- Finishing: Conform to RAW, DaVinci Resolve color timing, dialogue denoise/EQ, Foley, music mixing, and ProRes 4444 XQ master export.
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
What is a typical shooting ratio in video production?
Corporate and interview productions typically have a shooting ratio between 10:1 and 25:1. Narrative films and commercials average 30:1 to 60:1, while unscripted documentaries and multi-camera live events often exceed 100:1 to 200:1.
Why are color grading and sound mixing billed separately from video editing?
Offline editing focuses on story pacing, selection, and scene structure. Color grading requires specialized calibrated HDR grading monitors, color science control surfaces, and colorist expertise, while sound design requires soundproof acoustic mixing stages and specialized audio restoration tools.
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Sound Design Cost Calculator
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