Typical ranges in 2026
| Type of commercial | Typical production budget | What it usually looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Local | $5,000 to $25,000 | One market, one shoot day, a small cast or real staff, one location or our studio |
| Regional | $15,000 to $50,000 | Several markets, scripted scenes, actors, more crew, sometimes two shoot days |
| National | $50,000 and up | Large cast, sets or several locations, bigger crew, and talent usage fees |
These are typical industry ranges for making the commercial, not quotes. Buying airtime on TV or streaming, or ad spend on social platforms, is a separate budget.
What moves the price
- Shoot days. The biggest single factor. A tight script that fits one day costs far less than one that needs three.
- Crew size. Lighting a product or a space well, recording dialogue and directing actors all need their own people. See what a full commercial crew does.
- Cast and talent. Real staff, local actors and union talent are priced very differently, and union talent adds usage fees for where and how long the ad runs.
- Locations and sets. A studio day is predictable. Location fees, permits, travel and set building add cost and time.
- Post-production. Editing, color, sound mix, motion graphics and original music or licensed tracks.
- Versions. A :30, a :15, a :06 and vertical social cuts from the same shoot. Planned up front, they cost far less than going back later.
How to get more from one budget
- Write for one day. The director can shape the script so every scene fits one well-planned shoot day.
- Plan every version before the shoot. Framing for vertical and short cut-downs on the day costs almost nothing extra. See one shoot day, many deliverables.
- Use the studio where you can. A controlled set saves time on lighting, sound and weather.
- Decide where it will run. TV, streaming and social each need different lengths and formats; knowing early avoids paying for the wrong ones.
Get a number for your project
Our instant estimate gives you a range in a couple of minutes, based on the type of video, length, shoot days and what you need delivered. Nothing is binding until you approve a written proposal. Skyllamas Productions produces commercials from our studio in Totowa, NJ, for brands across New Jersey, New York City and the Tri-State area.
Questions we hear
How much does a 30-second commercial cost to make?
For a local business, production often lands between $5,000 and $25,000. Regional and national spots with actors, sets and more shoot days cost more. Airtime is a separate budget.
Does the price include TV airtime?
No. Production is the cost of making the commercial. Buying time on TV, streaming or social platforms is a separate media budget.
Can I get social media versions from the same shoot?
Yes, and it is the cheapest way to get them. Plan the vertical and short versions before the shoot so they are framed on the day.
How do I get an exact price?
Start with the instant estimate for a range, then we send a written proposal based on your script or idea. Nothing is binding until you approve it.