Farallon Films  ·  Field Notes

Field Notes from a Working Production Company

Production insights, industry context, and honest numbers from the team at Farallon Films.

$250K
a realistic budget for a one-day 30-second commercial in the Bay Area
How Much Does a 30-Second Commercial Cost?

A 30-second commercial costs somewhere between $25K and $500K. Here is what actually drives that number, from someone who prices these for a living.

7 Elements
Every production brief must include before we can give you an accurate quote
What is a Production Brief? What We Actually Need Before We Can Quote Your Project

A production brief is the document that lets a production company scope, staff, and schedule your project accurately. Most direct-to-brand clients arrive without one. Here is what we actually need before we can quote you.

$40K–$80K
Estimated 1-day shoot, Bay Area
Bay Area Commercial Video Production: What It Actually Costs in 2026

The honest numbers behind a non-union commercial shoot in the Bay Area — crew rates, equipment, insurance, and what the final invoice actually looks like.