We started by making music videos back in 2005 and have made at least one per year since then. It’s still our favourite medium to express ourselves in. So here’s an extensive production cost outline for three different tiers of music video productions in South Africa, customized to our operations, pricing dynamics, and local industry context.
Epitome Studios offer high-end music video productions tailored to diverse creative visions and budgets. Below is a detailed breakdown of three common budget tiers:
Tier 1: Indie Level Production
Budget (R40 000 – R75 000)
Best suited for: Independent artists, new labels, minimalist aesthetics, or performance-focused videos.
🎥 Pre-Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Creative Concept |
One creative session + treatment |
R2 000 – R5 000 |
|
Location Scouting |
1–2 simple locations |
R1 000 – R3 000 |
|
Cast Coordination |
Basic model/talent coordination |
R2 000 – R5 000 |
|
Scheduling & Permits |
Simple coordination |
R1 000 – R2 500 |
🎬 Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Director |
1-day shoot |
R5 000 – R7 000 |
|
DP / Camera Op |
DSLR or mirrorless setup |
R5 000 – R7 000 |
|
Camera Gear |
Sony A7SIII / tripod, gimbal |
R2 500 – R4 500 |
|
Lighting |
1–2 LED panels / daylight gear |
R2 500 – R4 500 |
|
Sound Playback + Monitor |
For sync performance |
R1 500 – R2 500 |
|
Crew (1–2 pax) |
Assistant / runner / gaffer |
R2 500 – R3 500 |
|
Location Fees |
Free / public / friend’s space |
R0 – R5 000 |
|
Wardrobe / Props |
Artist supplied or minimal styling |
R1 500 – R4 500 |
|
Transport & Catering |
Basic transport, meals |
R1 000 – R2 500 |
🎞 Post-Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Editing |
2–5 days’ edit |
R4 000 – R6 000 |
|
Colour Grade |
Basic colour correction |
R2 500 – R3 500 |
|
Motion Graphics |
Titles / basic effects |
R4 000 – R6 000 |
|
Revisions |
Up to 2 rounds |
Included |
Total Range: R40 000 – R75 000
Timeline: ⏱ 2–4 weeks turnaround
Tier 2: Broadcast-Ready Production
Budget (R75 000 – R150 000)
Best suited for: Signed artists, labels, or clients needing narrative-driven or cinematic production quality.
🎥 Pre-Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Concept Development |
Storyboard + advanced treatment |
R3 000 – R7 000 |
|
Art Direction |
Moodboards, look development |
R3 000 – R5 000 |
|
Casting |
Professional casting or extras |
R3 000 – R9 000 |
|
Location Scouting & Permits |
Unique or paid locations |
R3 000 – R10 000 |
🎬 Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Director |
Full creative oversight |
R6 000 – R12 000 |
|
DP |
Experienced DP with gear |
R5 000 – R10 000 |
|
Camera Package |
RED Komodo / FX6 / Sony A7SIII |
R5 000 – R12 000 |
|
Lighting Kit |
Pro LED, diffusers, rigging |
R3 000 – R7 000 |
|
Grip |
Sliders, jibs, stabilizers |
R2 000 – R6 000 |
|
Crew (4–6 pax) |
Gaffer, AC, Art Assistants |
R6 000 – R12 000 |
|
Art Dept. / Styling |
Props, makeup, wardrobe |
R4 000 – R10 000 |
|
Location Hire |
Studio / commercial venues |
R5 000 – R10 000 |
|
Transport & Logistics |
Vans, gear transport |
R3 000 – R6 000 |
|
Catering |
For full crew day |
R1 500 – R3 000 |
🎞 Post-Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Offline Edit |
Advanced cut with story or VFX prep |
R6 000 – R10 000 |
|
Colour Grade |
DaVinci Resolve or equivalent |
R3 000 – R6 000 |
|
VFX / Motion Design |
Advanced transitions / compositing |
R3 000 – R6 000 |
|
Sound Mix / Mastering |
If required |
R2 000 – R3 000 |
|
Revisions |
2–3 rounds |
Included |
Total Range: R75 000 – R150 000
Timeline: ⏱ 4–8 weeks turnaround
Tier 3: High-End / Premium Production
Budget (R150 000- R300 000+)
Best suited for: Top-tier artists, agencies, label-level campaigns, or music videos with international-quality aspirations.
🎥 Pre-Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Full Creative Development |
Storyboards, moodboards, references |
R10 000 – R15 000 |
|
Art Director + Producer |
Dedicated art and logistics team |
R8 000 – R15 000 |
|
Advanced Casting |
Models, actors, dancers |
R5 000 – R15 000 |
|
Location Permits & Studio Rentals |
Premium sets or studios |
R10 000 – R25 000 |
|
Tech Recces / Shotlist Planning |
Pre-light, recce, tests |
R5 000 – R10 000 |
🎬 Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Director |
High-end creative / reputation talent |
R12 000 – R20 000 |
|
Cinematographer + ACs |
Pro DP and assistants |
R10 000 – R20 000 |
|
Camera Gear |
RED / ARRI / FPV drone |
R10 000 – R50 000 |
|
Lighting / Grip |
Full rig, crane, dolly, etc. |
R8 000 – R20 000 |
|
Art Department |
Set builds, SFX, styling |
R10 000 – R30 000 |
|
Talent Fees |
Professional dancers, actors |
R5 000 – R15 000 |
|
Crew (8–12 pax) |
Full crew incl. continuity, BTS |
R10 000 – R25 000 |
|
BTS / Stills Unit |
Professional behind-the-scenes |
R3 000 – R6 000 |
|
Catering & Logistics |
Full crew catering |
R3 000 – R7 000 |
|
Insurance |
Equipment & public liability |
R3 000 – R6 000 |
🎞 Post-Production
|
Item |
Description |
Cost |
|
Offline + Online Edit |
Advanced story or VFX cut |
R10 000 – R20 000 |
|
Colour Grade |
Professional studio grade |
R6 000 – R15 000 |
|
VFX / CGI / Compositing |
Advanced effects or 3D |
R5 000 – R25 000 |
|
Motion Graphics |
Title animation, branding |
R4 000 – R10 000 |
|
Sound Design |
Custom sound mix and sync |
R2 000 – R5 000 |
|
Revisions |
Unlimited rounds (within reason) |
Included |
Total Range: R150 000 – R300 000+
Timeline: ⏱ 4–12 weeks turnaround (depending on complexity)
Optional Add-ons (All Tiers)
|
Service |
Typical Cost |
|
BTS Video Production |
R5 000 – R15 000 |
|
Social Media Cuts (Reels, TikTok) |
R2 500 – R5 000 |
|
Deliverables for TV/Online (various formats) |
R2 000 – R5 000 |
|
EPK / Press Kit Photos |
R3 000 – R7 500 |
|
Live Visuals / VJ loops |
R3 000 – R10 000 |
Final Notes
- Please send us a link to your music before we start your project.
- Payment Terms: 50% upfront to secure booking, 50% on final delivery
- Custom Packages Available: Each production is quoted according to scope, logistics, and timeline.
- Client Collaboration: Artists are involved in creative decisions unless otherwise delegated.
We look forward to start working on your next music video.
