Why Size DOESN’T Matter – But You Still Need to Say How Big It Is

The awkward but essential budget conversation every client needs to have with their video production company.

Let me share something that happens far too often in our industry:

A company gets in touch about a case study video. We have several exploratory conversations, develop creative concepts, prepare a detailed proposal, and then… silence. When we finally reconnect, we discover our £10k proposal was met with shock because they’d mentally budgeted £3k.

Everyone’s time wasted. Everyone slightly frustrated. And no video gets made.

The awkward money talk

I get it. Talking about budgets feels uncomfortable. There’s that nagging fear that if you reveal what you can spend, that’s exactly what you’ll be charged—regardless of what the work actually requires.

But here’s a truth about video production that isn’t discussed enough: the same “video” can be produced in dozens of different ways, at dramatically different price points, all delivering varying results.

Think of it like buying a car

All cars essentially do the same thing—they get you from A to B. But there’s a world of difference between a basic hatchback and a luxury saloon.

Some people choose the basic model because they genuinely don’t care about the extras—they just need reliable transportation. Others might desire the premium experience but choose the lower-end option because of budget constraints. Some could afford the top-spec model but decide a car isn’t where they want to allocate their resources. And some want—and can justify—the premium option because the additional benefits matter to them.

None of these positions is wrong.

The same applies to your corporate video

A case study film could be produced for £4,000 by one production company, while another might quote £25,000 for what seems like the “same” deliverable.

Will there be differences in the output? Absolutely.

• Different equipment
• Different crew sizes and expertise levels
• Different pre-production processes
• Different post-production time and attention
• Different overall production values

But – and this is crucial – those differences only matter if they matter to you and your objectives.

For some companies, the additional production value from a higher investment will never generate a proportional return. For others, the polished finish and deeper storytelling capability are essential to achieving their goals.

The importance of budget transparency

When you avoid the budget conversation, several things happen:

1. You waste time reviewing options you can’t afford
2. Production companies waste resources creating proposals that miss the mark
3. Your final video may compromise on the elements that actually matter most to you

Even if you don’t have a specific figure in mind, discussing an appropriate range helps everyone. It allows the production company to be honest about what’s achievable within those parameters and focus their creativity on solutions that align with your resources.

What happens when you’re open about budget?

When you share your budget (or even a range), something remarkable happens:

• The conversation shifts from “how much will this cost?” to “how can we maximise value within these parameters?”
• You can have meaningful discussions about trade-offs rather than uncomfortable negotiations
• The production company can suggest creative solutions you might not have considered
• You build trust from the beginning through transparency

What if you genuinely don’t know?

If you truly don’t have a sense of appropriate investment levels, that’s okay too. Just be upfront about it. Ask the production company to outline options at different price points, explaining what each delivers and what it sacrifices.

But remember, “What’s your budget?” isn’t a trick question designed to extract maximum revenue.  It’s an essential piece of information that helps align expectations and deliver the best possible outcome within your constraints.

The bottom line

Your people’s stories are too important to be compromised by misaligned expectations. Whether your budget is £4k or £40k, being transparent from the start ensures those stories are told in the most effective way your resources allow.

Ready to have an honest conversation about your next video project? Get in touch – we promise to be just as transparent with you.