How Much Does It Cost To Start A Film Production Company? (In 2023)
Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.
Wondering how much it costs to start a film production company?
- The minimum startup costs for a film production company: $62
- The maximum startup costs for a film production company: $41,561
- The average startup costs for a film production company: $23,956
Here's a detailed list of a film production company startup costs:
Learn more about starting a film production company:
Where to start?
-> Pros and cons of a film production company
Need inspiration?
-> Other film production company success stories
-> Examples of established film production company
-> Marketing ideas for a film production company
-> Film production company slogans
-> Film production company names
Other resources
-> Film production company tips
-> Blog post ideas for a film production company
-> Film production company hashtags
Equipment & Supply Expenses
Starting a film production company may require purchasing some equipment, whether that's for producing the product or packaging the goods, or equipment needed in the back office.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Cleaning Supplies ➜ |
Optional |
$63 |
$200 |
First-aid Equipment ➜ |
Optional |
$3 |
$500 |
Business Formation Fees
There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Set up business: LLC & Corporations |
Required |
$50 |
$500 |
Small Business Insurance |
Recommended |
$500 |
$2,000 |
Permit and License Fees |
Optional |
$50 |
$700 |
Trademark |
Optional |
$0 |
$700 |
Lawyer Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,500 |
A Patent ➜ |
Optional |
$5,000 |
$15,000 |
Software Expenses
Your film production company needs software to run efficiently!
Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
File Hosting Service |
Recommended |
$0 |
$299 |
Email marketing tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$100 |
Accounting & Invoicing Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$50 |
CRM Software ➜ |
Recommended |
$12 |
$300 |
Project Management Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$25 |
Internal Communication Tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$20 |
IT Support ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$2,000 |
Design Programs & Software |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Social Media Management Tools |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Payroll Software |
Optional |
$0 |
$200 |
Office Space Expenses
It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your film production company grows.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Rent ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$5,750 |
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,150 |
WiFi & Internet ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$100 |
Employee & Freelancer Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$250 |
Employee Hiring Expenses |
Optional |
$1 |
$2 |
Employee Rewards ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$100 |
Website Costs
Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Domain Name ➜ |
Required |
$12 |
$200 |
Website Hosting Costs ➜ |
Required |
$0 |
$300 |
Website Builder ➜ |
Recommended |
$10 |
$500 |
Business Email Hosting Service ➜ |
Recommended |
$1 |
$15 |
Website & Live Chat Tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$200 |
Web Designer ➜ |
Optional |
$200 |
$6,000 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Business Cards ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Customer Research & Surveys |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$250 |
Influencer Marketing |
Optional |
$0 |
$750 |
Press |
Optional |
$0 |
$500 |
Google Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Facebook & Instagram Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$350 |
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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