Virtual Reality Production Cost Breakdown
Virtual Reality is a quickly expanding media type that is proving to be one of the most immersive and interactive forms of media available to advertisers and content producers.
Virtual and Augmented reality are becoming more and more accessible to brands as a marketing tool to build breathtaking content that is more interactive with viewers than nearly any other form of digital media.
Video Production costs can vary dramatically, as can web design and other marketing and advertising services, but how much does vr production cost?
In short VR production typically costs quite a bit more than traditional video production as the amount of time, particularly the editing time is vastly increased from traditional video. However for this higher cost, you get a much more memorable product that builds a relationship and catches the attention of viewers for a longer period of time and in a much deeper way.
Let’s take a deeper look into virtual reality video costs
1.Type of VR Production – 360 Video, Monoscopic or Stereoscopic
There are many types of vr video production that can vary dramatically in final pricing.
More basic vr videos are 360 monoscopic videos that are shot on less expensive equipment, while higher end 360 videos are shot on very high end stereoscopic equipment.
Monoscopic 360 videos tend to require less time both shooting and editing and depending on the desired budget range and usage are still a great way to create VR content for your brand while staying within a lower budget range.
Stereoscopic VR takes VR content up a level with true 3D perspective that gives each eye a different image which forces a much more real feeling depth perception. For use cases where you will have control over how the viewer is watching the content, and particularly for expo booths and in-house customer viewings where you can make sure the viewer has a VR headset that you provide, this is the way to go. While stereoscopic VR is more costly than monoscopic, the experience and overall view satisfaction is at a whole new level.
Interactive 3D VR Apps are the top level of immersiveness and interaction. Content in this category gives users the ability to make choices and “pick their path” in the content which affects what they see and experience next. This is about the closest thing to video game like interaction available in 360 vr videos.
Interactive 3d vr production carries a much higher budget cost, but for customers that want to wow viewers at trade shows or leave the viewer with the most memorable experience possible, this is the way to go.
2. Production Complexity
Just like traditional videos, there are a lot of common factors that alter the total cost of a VR video.
How long will it be? We can work with you to determine the total length based on your project’s goals, but typically we stay within 2-5 minutes for a vr experience. This seems to be the sweet spot. The longer the length of the video the more content is required which increases the price.
The use of actors, the number of locations the video will feature and any required travel to locations will also impact total cost. Location planning for VR 360 videos is very important because more emphasis is placed on the actual location typically than traditional video forms as the viewer can look at each shot above, behind and to each side. This creates unique opportunities to shoot at scenic or visually interesting locations and let the user “look around” to and be immersed into each shot.
Commonly we will work with clients to optimize the production complexity to produce the desired effect while still staying within the desired budget range of the client.
3. Post production and Platform
The amount of post production can vary significantly for 360 VR video content. Some videos have very little animation or graphics put into the video during the post production process, while others incorporate lots of animation and visual effects into the final product.
The amount of animation and graphics added to the video during the editing process can drastically impact the price of the final product.
The platform that you want to use the content on can lead to pricing changes. For youtube and other mobile and desktop viewing solutions, monoscopic is preferred, since the added benefit of stereoscopic 3d production is not fully utilized. However if you plan to show your content to users on headsets such as Oculus or HTC vive, stereoscopic produces a much more immersive experience and gives the viewer a vivid feeling of being in a new 3d world.
For client’s that plan to use VR content in their office, or at a trade show, we highly recommend stereoscopic paired with a VR headset such as the Oculus or HTC vive mentioned above. This will guarantee an incredibly memorable experience for any viewer.
The use of an Oculus or Vive also gives the user a better way to have game like interaction, letting them click and make choices within the VR content which alters what they will experience next.
In conclusion
We work hard to maximize the return on a client’s budget, thus if you know going into a project you have a specific budget level, let us know that and we can tailor the best VR experience for that level production.
Virtual reality is one of the most unique and memorable experiences you can bring to your users with stunning visuals and breathtaking immersiveness. Get in touch for a free no obligation consultation on how 360 VR can bring your company’s content to the next level.
Volan Media is a video production, augmented and virtual reality, web design and advertising agency for small and large businesses. We’ve worked with companies across the country ranging from tech startups to large automotive franchise groups. Check us HERE.
