$1,100–$80,000: What Dallas Artists Pay for Music Videos
Music videos in Dallas can range anywhere from around $1,100 to upwards of $80,000. However, that's AMW's internal budget brackets within our $1,000 to $150,000+ production packages. That isn't the average cost as published by anyone in Dallas. It simply depends on the needs of your video. A simple performance video with one location and a smaller crew will be on the lower end of the spectrum. Once you start adding multiple locations, talent fees, art department, specialty equipment and an extensive post-production package you will find yourself toward the higher end of that budget range.
Rates on public local listings help explain why the range is more important than one headline figure. Fifty50 Studios charges $450 for music videos that shoot in-session up to three hours (studio time not included) or $950 for videos filmed at a single location up to five hours. National music video planning tiers published by AMW range from $1,000 – $5,000 (DIY/indie) all the way to $50,000 – $150,000+ for major-label projects. Narrow your scope using the $1,100 – $80,000 range below, then request an itemized quote from Dallas professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas packages start at $450 if filming in-session or $950 for filming your band at one location, but those are just public starting prices. Studio time will cost extra, as will additional production expenses.
- Expect anywhere from $1,100 to $80,000 to be a scoped range for planning purposes and not the going rate average for Dallas. Crew fees, location, equipment rentals, talent, and post production add up to your quote.
- Locations: Dallas music-video locations average $107 per hour on a Peerspace listing. But most spaces run about a three-hour minimum. Make sure to confirm what's included with the rental before comparing rates.
- Filming in public locations: If your shoot will take place on City of Dallas property (streets, sidewalks, parks, public buildings) apply for a filming permit at least three full business days out. Complex projects may require five or more business days to process.
Table of Contents
- What a Music Video Costs in Dallas, by Planning Tier
- Where the Budget Goes
- Dallas Studio and Location Costs
- Permits, Insurance, and Location Permissions
- How to Spend a Limited Budget
- A Quote Checklist for Dallas Music Video Production
- Getting an Itemized Dallas Music Video Quote
- Sources
- FAQ
- Recommended
What a Music Video Costs in Dallas, by Planning Tier
An exact or all-encompassing published survey of what Dallas musicians pay for a music video does not exist. A practical way to plan a budget is to match the creative treatment plan to a production tier, then price out the real requirements. Based on AMW's current music-video cost planner, $1k – $5k covers DIY/indie work, $5k – $15k covers semi-pro productions, $15k – $50k covers pro productions, and $50k – $150k+ covers major-label work. The price ranges below bend that scale to fit an $1,100 to $80,000 planning window. They are not a Dallas-specific rate card guarantee.
| Planning tier | Budget range | Typical scope | What moves the number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean performance | $1,100–$5,000 | One performance concept, one location, limited company move, basic edit | Location access, equipment package, and whether the crew combines roles |
| Developed concept | $5,000–$15,000 | More coverage, intentional lighting, a small crew, and a fuller post-production plan | A second location, production design, artist support, and turnaround requirements |
| Professional production | $15,000–$50,000 | Dedicated department leads, more controlled production design, several setups, and planned finishing | Talent, permits, crew size, specialty camera or lighting, VFX, and shoot days |
| Large-format concept | $50,000–$80,000 | Multi-location or talent-heavy work with more coordination and substantial post-production | Custom builds, wardrobe, choreography, specialty gear, travel, effects, and contingency |
When created realistically, budget brackets help guide thinking. It's easy to make a lean video with a small crew and simple concept. Throw in multiple locations, cast, set changes, and rush delivery, and you change the production plan, not just the grand total. Above all, know your scope. Put it in writing.
Where the Budget Goes
Separating pre-production, production and post allows for easier identification of what's included. It also allows you to compare apples-to-apples when weighing two proposals without having to mentally re-arrange budget lines.
Pre-production
Cost of pre-production includes everything before the camera rolls. Concept development, treatment or shot list, location scouting and securing, casting, scheduling, permits, and any required production paperwork. Fund the amount of planning the idea needs. Shooting a night exterior vs. a studio performance does not require the same amount of prep.
Production
Costs of production include the people, equipment, locations, transportation, meals, and on-set requirements needed to capture the treatment. Crew size and shoot duration are typically the biggest drivers. But so are location changes, complexity of camera/lighting package, talent fees, art department, and more. Request that the producer name each of those for you. Don't accept a single-line-item production fee with no explanation.
Post-production
Costs of post-production includes editing, color correction/grading, audio post work, graphics, visual effects, revisions, exporting time, and each version needed for delivery. If your campaign requires vertical cuts for social media in addition to your 16:9 master, list those deliverables in your defined scope. Otherwise, you and the vendor may be pricing two different projects.
Dallas Studio and Location Costs
Hourly rate estimates from location sites are only a starting point – they're not your final location fee line. Peerspace estimates Dallas music-video locations average $107 per hour, and that most bookings request three hours of use. Giggster has an hourly average of $207 for Dallas music-video rentals, with its inventory listed from $30 to $2,750 per hour. Properties on these marketplaces vary by space, specs, and booking requirements, so neither quote can apply to your specific shoot.
Let's use a local venue's package as an example. Fifty50 Studios advertises a $950 location video package. That fee includes up to five hours of shooting time at a single location, plus an edited performance video of one song. Extra hours, locations, videos and production items like screens or lighting will be charged extra. If you don't need a location, that's $450 for their in-session package.
Get any of these details in writing before you confirm your booking:
- Hour minimums and your clock start time: Will set-up, sound check, meal breaks and take-down eat into your rental?
- Exactly what's included with the space: Power? House lights, grip items, chairs or tables? Heating/cooling? Parking? A manager on-site?
- Do's and don'ts for production: Crew/headcount limit? Noise ordinances? When you can access the space for load-in? Smoke or haze? If you're responsible for cleaning.
- Permission and logistics: Secure the owner's permission for your intended production activity, then determine who can grant access permission changes on the day of the shoot.
Permits, Insurance, and Location Permissions
Legal Note: This is a production tip, not a legal consultation. Permit, insurance, contracts and rights needs vary based on location, the specific activity, involved agencies and the intent of your production. Double-check the requirements with the property owner or governing agency, and seek the counsel of a qualified attorney if your project presents a rights or contract issue.
According to the City of Dallas, any filming or filming-related activity on City-owned public property, buildings, facilities, public spaces or tangible property requires a commercial-filming permit. Specific examples on its website include music videos, City-property B-roll, parking in a restricted curb/lane, street or lane closures, sidewalks that are blocked and use of City facilities. Commercial filming applicants should allow three full business days to process a simple project and five or more business days for more complex filming. The City's filming permit process can also determine final conditions and insurance requirements.
Private property has its own standards. A venue agreement, building manager, landlord, neighborhood association or other public agency may create additional requirements. The Texas Film Commission includes a note that city, county, state and federal offices often issue permits for filming on publicly owned roads, sidewalks, government buildings and parks.
Build your budget to include processing fees for permit administration, certificates of insurance, location fees or parking if they are part of your vision. Never assume that a location that looks "public" is available for commercial filming just because the general public can access it.
How to Spend a Limited Budget
A low budget should produce a smaller shoot plan, not a lengthy wishlist. Use these choices to ensure you cover the footage your edit will need.
- Pick one look. One good location and clearly defined performance will often create a tighter cut than a handful of frantic moves crammed together.
- Plan your shot list ahead of time. Every setup should have a corresponding lyric, performance moment, or edit decision listed next to it. This will make it painfully obvious where your company moved for no reason.
- Don't combine critical positions if your treatment needs clarity. One person can shoot multiple roles on a straightforward music video. If you have specialized lighting, camera moves, or intricate production design, you may need dedicated personnel.
- Plan for post-production in your budget. Make sure you have enough time and money set aside for editing, color, audio mixing, revisions, and all of the versions needed for mastering and delivery.
- Budget for unexpected expenses. AMW's calculator has a built in 10% contingency fee in its example budget and recommends keeping 10% to 15% for unforeseen costs. Determine the amount you’ll set aside based on the production’s risk factor. Then specify who has the authority to spend it.
Different videos allocate money according to their needs. Performance based videos may require more invested into lighting, camera department, and location hours. Narrative driven videos may require more man hours in pre-production, cast scheduling, art department, and production coordination. Know what each job entails before deciding to combine departments. There is no magic budget line that can make up for a weak brief.
A Quote Checklist for Dallas Music Video Production
Send this brief to every vendor. You will receive higher quality quotes and an apples-to-apples comparison.
- Song and references: Provide track length, genre, lyrics/story requirements, and 2-3 visual references.
- Creative scope: Indicate if project is performance, narrative, hybrid, live capture, etc. Include required scenes, cast, wardrobe, props, choreography, and special effects.
- Locations and dates: Identify number and type of locations, targeted date, indoor/outdoor elements, parking details, access restrictions you already know of.
- Deliverables: Indicate master aspect ratio, social versions, runtime, captioning, stills deliverables, and when you need the master delivered.
- Production plan: Include request for crew, camera/lighting package, estimated shoot hours, overtime expectations/travel/kit fees, etc.
- Post-production: Confirm cutting scope, color, sound, graphics or VFX, number of revisions included and format(s) of delivery.
- Administration and liabilities: Who is obtaining permits, insurance, location agreements, artist or talent releases and any rights clearances. Consult with a legal professional if you have questions regarding contracts and rights.
Always ask for a quote that spells out the assumptions that went into that number. It should list what's included. What would trigger an overage. What changes need a written amendment to your agreement.
This guide can help you compare video production companies with context to hire the right video team in Dallas. You’ll know how to review scope in addition to price.
Getting an Itemized Dallas Music Video Quote
Kinter Media can scope a music video around the treatment, locations, and delivery plan rather than a generic package. The music video production page explains the service, and the Dallas video production page gives additional context on the process.
Kinter Media can scope a music video production based on the treatment, planned locations and delivery plan rather than an arbitrary package. Our music video production page details the service and our Dallas video production page gives you more background on how we work. Send us your song, visual references, targeted date, location assumptions and deliverables via the contact page. Ask for an itemized scope that lists the crew and production requirements, post production efforts and details the assumptions that may affect the cost.
Sources
- Music Videography, Fifty50 Studios
- Music Video Budget Calculator, AMW
- Rent a Music Video Location in Dallas, TX, Peerspace
- Dallas Music Video Rental Spaces & Filming Studios, Giggster
- Commercial Filming, City of Dallas Office of Special Events
- Location Services and Permits, Texas Film Commission
FAQ
What does a music video cost in Dallas?
Music video budgets in Dallas can range from roughly $1,100 for a strictly limited performance shoot to $80,000 for a bigger production. Note that's a range for planning purposes, not the going rate in town. Actual quotes will depend on crew, locations, equipment, talent, production design, shoot timing and post requirements.
What is included in a music video production quote?
Look for your quote to include specifically what prep work is included, what crew & gear will be used, locations, estimated hours to shoot & typical post-production, as well as deliverables, revisions included, associated expenses, and overtime/scope change stipulations. Your quote should also identify who is securing permits, insuring the project, and confirming access to the locations.
Do I need a permit to film a music video in Dallas?
The City does require commercial-filming permits to film or conduct any related activity on City public property, and they include music videos in their examples. Simple shoots can apply their paperwork at least 3 full business days prior to your session. Complex shoots must be turned in 5 or more business days out. If you plan to shoot at a venue that is privately owned, they may have permitting requirements as well. Additionally, filming on location near other agencies could include permits from them. Double check for what your location requires.
How can I reduce music video costs without reducing the production plan to guesswork?
Once you narrow your song to the live shots that will help tell it, limit your company moves, create a written shot list, and know your needed deliverables before the day of filming. When you get your itemized quotes back, compare apples to apples. Make sure you understand what assumptions went into the quote, what work is included and what will trigger overages.
Discuss Your Music Video Budget
Send us your song, reference videos, date, locations and where you need to receive your completed video and ask Kinter Media about getting a quote for your music video. Email info@kinter.media for details.