So, how much does an infomercial cost? You may have seen other sites say that’s like asking how much a car cost. To some degree this is true. However, you can know the average price of a car. In 2006 the average new car cost $22,651. This can be broken down even further and say that in 2006 the average new domestic car cost $20,044 and the average new import car cost $28,739.
(see http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/facts/2008_fotw520.html)
The point is that, like automobiles, infomercials come in all shapes and sizes. Some items that can greatly affect the cost of an infomercial are talent, locations, amount of testimonials, animation and to some degree tape format. Both the caliber (celebrity status, previous credits, etc.) and the number of talents required can affect prices. The location variable typically has more to do with the number of locations in which filming needs to take place. Most infomercials have one main set and shoot dates during which the body of the program is filmed. In some circumstances multiple sets and shoot dates are required. Infomercials typically have a graphics package to design the lower thirds and sell pages. For some products the use of 3D animation is a very effective way to communicate the message. The complexity of animations can also impact the cost of an infomercial production. Currently, the tape format has less of an impact on price than it used to. High Definition cameras and equipment are more affordable than ever before although they still add about 10% to the cost.
OK, so what’s the average cost of an infomercial? A twenty eight minute thirty second infomercial using two main non-union on-camera talents, a professional studio with full cameras, lighting and audio, testimonial shoots, editing, graphics, custom music, and voice-over talent runs around $75,000 to $100,000. Much like a car can be customized so are our infomercial productions. Just complete this short questioner about your product and we’ll customize a solution specifically for you.
