Machine Demo Video Pricing: What to Expect
By Set Fire Films — Industrial Storytelling Partner
If you’re considering a machine demo video for your manufacturing or automation company, one of the first questions on your mind is probably:
“What’s this going to cost?”
That’s a fair question — and the honest answer is that pricing varies based on complexity, length, and production quality.
This guide explains what influences machine demo video pricing and helps you budget with realistic expectations.
The short answer: typical price ranges
Most professional machine demo videos generally fall within these investment ranges:
Basic single-machine demo (1–2 minutes): $2,500 – $5,000
Standard demo with graphics: $5,000 – $10,000
Multi-machine or full process video: $10,000 – $15,000
Premium production with full crew: $15,000 – $25,000+
Your exact cost depends on several factors outlined below.
What affects machine demo video pricing?
1. Video length
Longer videos require more filming, more editing, and more post-production work. A 60-second demo will always cost less than a five-minute process walkthrough.
Pro tip: A tight 90-second demo usually performs better than a long video that loses attention.
2. Number of machines or processes
Filming one CNC machine is far simpler than documenting an entire automated line with conveyors, robots, and multiple stations.
Each additional machine adds:
More setup time
More camera angles
More editing complexity
3. Location and travel
If the production team must travel, your budget will include flights, lodging, and per diem.
For companies in Columbus, Ohio, working with a local partner like Set Fire Films eliminates most travel costs.
4. Crew size
A basic shoot may use one professional videographer. A higher-end production may include:
Director of photography
Camera operator
Lighting technician
Audio engineer
Production assistant
More crew usually means higher quality — and higher cost.
5. Pre-production planning
Some projects require more preparation, including:
Location scouting
Shot list development
Script writing
Storyboarding
Coordination with plant managers and safety teams
This planning improves efficiency and the final result.
6. Post-production complexity
Professional editing often includes:
Color grading
Motion graphics and on-screen labels
Sound design and music licensing
Voiceover recording
Multiple revision rounds
If you want internal-machine animations or technical overlays, expect a higher budget.
7. Deliverables
Many clients need more than one video. Common requests include:
Full-length website version
60-second trade show loop
30-second social cut
Vertical edit for LinkedIn
Each additional version requires more editing time.
What’s usually included in a professional package?
Pre-production
Discovery call
Shot list
Production schedule
Production
Full filming day
Professional cinema camera and lighting
On-site audio capture
Post-production
Professional editing
Color grading
Music licensing
2–3 revision rounds
Delivery in multiple formats
Red flags: when cheap video costs you more
You may find videographers offering machine demos for $500–$1,500. Be cautious. Often this means:
Consumer-grade cameras
Poor audio in noisy factories
Little understanding of manufacturing
Generic editing
No strategic sales thinking
A weak video can make a $2 million machine look like a $200,000 machine. That’s not a bargain — it’s a risk.
How to get the most value from your investment
1. Define your goal early
Are you trying to:
Shorten sales cycles?
Attract trade show leads?
Support distributors?
Clear goals = better video.
2. Plan for multiple uses
One shoot can create:
Website content
Sales materials
Social clips
Training videos
3. Prepare your facility
Clean machines, organized workspaces, and running equipment make for a smoother shoot.
4. Choose an industrial specialist
Generic videographers make generic videos. Industrial storytellers understand what engineers and buyers need to see.
What’s the ROI?
Ask yourself:
How many deals are lost because prospects can’t visualize your capability?
How much does your team spend on travel for demos?
How do you compare to competitors with strong video content?
If a $10,000 video helps close one additional $150,000 deal, that’s a 15x return.
Ready for a custom quote?
Every project is unique. The best way to get accurate pricing is a quick conversation about your equipment, goals, and timeline.
At Set Fire Films, we specialize in industrial video for manufacturers and automation companies. We’ll give you an honest estimate — no surprises.
👉 Get a Custom Quote