Half-Day or Full-Day Video Shoot: Which Does Your Business Need?

Choosing a half-day or full-day video shoot starts with what needs to happen while we’re there. Who are we filming? Where? And what do you want footage of by the time we pack up?

When I’m planning a shoot, those answers help me work out how much time we need. A two-minute company film could involve an interview in one room, or several people, products and locations. The finished length only tells us part of the story.

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Media Village’s Half-Day and Full-Day Filming Rates

These are our standard filming-session rates. Your complete project quote also accounts for editing, the finished content you need and any additional production requirements.

Both options include an initial briefing, basic shoot planning, professional camera equipment, standard lighting and audio equipment, direction during filming and travel within Lancashire. Travel outside Lancashire is additional, and travelling between several filming locations in the same day may also add to the cost. We account for those arrangements in the quotation.

The difference between the standard session rates is £250 + VAT. The useful question is what that extra time would let us capture for your project.

When a Half-Day Video Shoot Can Work Well

A half-day can be a good fit when the brief is focused and the filming arrangements are straightforward. An interview, a customer testimonial or a simple product demonstration gives us a clear subject to work around.

It becomes easier to plan a shorter session when:

• The people and products we need are available during the same window.
• We can capture the material in one location with a manageable number of setups.
• The essential footage is clear before we arrive.

For example: imagine a service business filming a customer interview and some footage showing the work being discussed. If everyone is available at the same premises and the filming requirements are straightforward, that could suit a half-day.

That’s an illustrative brief. We’d still check the interview, location and supporting shots before recommending the booking. My starting point would be to identify what the finished video needs, then work out whether we can capture it comfortably in the shorter session.

When a Full Day Gives the Project More Room

A full day can make sense when there are more moving parts: several interviews, different work areas, products that need their own lighting setup, or an event with important moments spread across the day.

For example, a company film might need an introduction from the owner, team interviews, footage of a process and close-up shots of the finished product. Each part adds something to the story, and each needs time in the schedule.

I’d also look closely at availability. If one person can only speak in the morning and another is free after lunch, we need to plan around that. The same applies to a process we can only film while it’s running.

For events, tell us when the moments you need captured will happen. Coverage has to fit the agreed session, including setup and pack-down. If the schedule extends beyond ten hours, we’ll need to quote for the actual requirement.

What Takes Time During a Video Shoot?

The camera records only part of the work. Before an interview, we need to set up the shot, light the person and check their sound. Moving to a different room or product may mean adjusting that setup again.

The main things I’d account for are:

• Setting up and packing away: both sit inside the booked session.
• Changes between shots: moving equipment, changing the lighting or preparing another product takes time.
• People: availability, questions and time to become comfortable all matter.
• Supporting footage: the work, surroundings and details that help viewers understand what someone is talking about.
• Different locations: we need to consider access, travel and another setup when planning the day.

If someone is new to being filmed, tell us during planning. We take a conversational approach and give people guidance. Our guide to feeling more comfortable on camera explains what they can expect.

It’s also worth separating the essential shots from the extras you’d like if time allows. That helps us protect the material your video depends on and decide whether a longer session would be useful.

Does a Full-Day Shoot Include a Bigger Crew?

Both standard session rates include one videographer. Where the project allows, that person can handle the camera, lighting and sound.

The crew depends on what needs to happen at the same time. If you need two separate activities captured simultaneously, for example, we need to discuss how to cover both. Booking more hours alone won’t solve a clash in the schedule.

More complex productions may need additional camera operators or technical support. We tailor the team to the brief and can bring in production partners where needed, with additional crew agreed in the quote.

Allow for Editing as Well as Filming

Our editing rate is £560 + VAT per eight-hour day. Editing time depends on the footage, the complexity of the work and the videos you want delivered.

One filming session can provide material for a main company film, shorter social clips or individual interviews. Tell us which of those you need before we plan the shoot. We can then agree what to capture and how much editing to allow.

The session length doesn’t guarantee a set number of finished videos. A single detailed film and a collection of short edits ask different things of the footage and the editing team.

Photography, drone filming, detailed scriptwriting, animation or additional formats can also affect the scope. Flag them early so they can be included in the production plan and quotation where required.

What to Tell Us Before Choosing Your Session

You don’t need to work out the filming schedule yourself. Send us what you know about the project, and we can help you choose a sensible starting point.

Questions About Booking Filming Time

Does a 30-Second Video Only Need a Short Shoot?

It depends on the shots involved. A 30-second video could show one person speaking, or combine several locations, demonstrations and carefully lit products. We plan filming time around what needs to be captured.

Can We Film at More Than One Location in a Half-Day?

Possibly, depending on the locations, travel and work required at each. Tell us the addresses and what needs filming before booking. We’ll assess whether the schedule is workable and account for any additional travel charges.

Can Photography Be Included in the Same Session?

Yes, photography can be planned alongside video. Let us know which photographs you need so we can account for the time, equipment and any crew requirements in the quote.

Let’s Work Out How Much Filming Time You Need

Give us a shout with your idea, the people and places involved, and where you want to use the finished video. I can help shape the plan so you know what we’re aiming to capture and how the filming and editing fit together.

Plan Your Filming Session