How much does a charity video cost?

Sophie Cooke
May 12, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Mar 11

How Much Does a Video Cost?

One of the most common questions we get from charities is: "How much does a video cost?"The answer depends on several factors—production quality, length, number of locations, and complexity of the edit.

But the real question should be:"What do we want this video to achieve, and how can we maximise our return on investment?"

At 2S Films, we don’t just create videos—we craft content that drives action. Whether it’s:

An awareness campaign like our RSPCA Assured TV ad
A social-first film series for Movember
A major donor video for St. Giles Trust that helped raise £3M

We tailor production to your objectives while keeping budgets realistic.

Fixed Costs & How to Reduce Them

Key Fixed Costs:

Film Crew – Hiring professionals ensures a polished, engaging video. Rates for DOPs, producers, directors, and animators follow APA guidelines. Check APA rates here
Pre-Production – Essential for defining your audience, messaging, and creative direction. Careful planning ensures maximum impact while keeping costs low.

How to Reduce Fixed Costs:

A large crew doesn’t always mean better results. Our Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Appeal was filmed with just two crew members yet exceeded fundraising targets by 27%.
Plan ahead! For the RSPCA Assured ‘Eat Less, Eat Better’ campaign, we pre-planned multiple social edits alongside the TV ad, repurposing footage to extend impact without extra filming costs.

Variable Costs & How to Manage Them

Key Factors That Affect Cost:

Video Length – More footage and editing time increases costs. Having a clear plan helps streamline production.
Number of Locations – Travel and logistics can add expenses. We often film multiple stories in one location to save money.
Visual Complexity – High-end cinematic production costs more, but documentary-style films can feel more authentic and be more budget-friendly.
Actors/Voiceover Artists – Using real contributors instead of actors can reduce costs and make content feel more genuine.

How to Reduce Variable Costs:

For St. Giles Trust, we filmed three case studies in one day, saving on production costs while keeping the storytelling strong.
Our User Voice WhatsApp campaign used remote filming and real contributors, cutting costs while boosting engagement.

Maximising Impact Through Distribution

A great video is only as effective as its distribution. We ensure your content reaches the right audience, on the right platforms, with the right message.

Our Strategic Approach:

TV & Digital Advertising – Nationwide TV ads or targeted digital campaigns to reach the right audience.
Social Media Edits – Platform-specific versions to maximise engagement.
Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising – Placing content in high-traffic areas (e.g., Piccadilly Circus, train stations, city centres).

Proven Success:Our St. Giles Trust film, which won the United Nations Big Syn Film Festival, was showcased on Piccadilly Circus’s giant screens, amplifying its impact beyond digital platforms.