One of the most common questions we get in the video production industry is: “How much does a commercial cost?” Whether you’re a small business looking to advertise locally or a national brand aiming for Super Bowl Sunday, the answer depends on one key factor: the level of production.
As a video production company that works with businesses across the country, we understand that not all commercials are created equal. There are many moving parts — from creative development and casting to filming logistics and post-production. Below, we break down what goes into pricing a video, the range you can expect for different types of commercials, and even what it costs to air a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl.
How Much Does a 30-Second Commercial Cost?
The cost of a 30-second commercial varies based on production value, the team involved, and where the ad will be broadcast. For example:
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Interview-style or simple videos: These may involve a single camera setup, minimal crew, and a controlled environment. Think of a testimonial video or a CEO message. These types of ads are cost-effective and ideal for businesses wanting to communicate their message clearly without a lot of extra elements.
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High-end cinematic ads: These often require multiple locations, professional talent, makeup and wardrobe, visual effects, and a larger production team. They’re more labor-intensive and time-consuming, which increases the budget significantly.
As we often tell our partners, there are levels to premium video production, and pricing reflects the scale and sophistication of the work.
The True Cost of Super Bowl Commercials
If you've ever asked, "How much is a 30-second Super Bowl ad?", here's the breakdown:
🏈 National Super Bowl Ad Costs (2024 Data)
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30-second ad placement: Around $7 million — just for airtime.
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Production costs: Vary widely from $500,000 to over $5 million, depending on the concept and execution.
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Full campaign costs: Brands typically invest in teaser videos, social media rollouts, and influencer partnerships, pushing total costs to $10–15 million+.
📌 Important Note: That $7 million does not include the cost of producing the ad, hiring talent, or engaging a creative agency. It’s simply the price to secure your spot during the game.
How Much Does a TV Ad Cost in a Local Market Like Charleston, SC?
You don’t need a national budget to get great results. For businesses in smaller markets, like Charleston, South Carolina, the costs are much more approachable.
📺 Local Super Bowl Commercial Costs in Charleston
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Market Size: Ranked 95th in the U.S., covering approximately 326,770 households.
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Estimated 30-second spot: Between $50,000–$100,000, depending on:
This pricing is only for the airtime. Again, production is a separate cost that will depend on the complexity of the video you want to create.
Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Price for Video Production
Every brand has a unique story. That’s why we don’t publish flat rates. Instead, we focus on tailoring the production to your vision, whether you're filming a straightforward brand story or a cinematic commercial with multiple locations, props, and visual effects.
When we created a recent ad for Morelli Law Firm, for example, it was a powerful, interview-driven commercial, focused, minimal, and effective. That project had fewer moving parts compared to a full-scale, scripted commercial shoot, which might involve:
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Casting professional actors
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Renting multiple filming locations
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Building custom sets or props
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Incorporating CGI or advanced post-production
Each of these elements adds to the timeline, team size, and total investment — and that's what makes each video unique.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Strategy, Not Just Style
Whether you're wondering “how much does a 30-second commercial cost?” or trying to weigh “how much does a TV ad cost” in your local market, it all comes down to what you want to say, how you want to say it, and where you want to be seen.
At the end of the day, smart video production isn’t just about beautiful visuals — it’s about creating content that connects, converts, and delivers long-term value.
Ready to Bring Your Commercial to Life?
Let’s talk about your goals and what level of production makes the most sense for your business. We offer everything from high-quality interview videos to full-scale commercial campaigns — all crafted to fit your brand, your message, and your market.
