SFLA  TX  NYC 
Farallon Films

Field Notes

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.