How long does commercial production take?
Short Answer:
A commercial typically takes several weeks to a few months from brief to delivery, depending on scale. Simpler social commercials can move in a few weeks; broadcast ads with agency approvals, casting, and clearance take longer. The extra time over a corporate video comes from approvals and compliance, not just filming.
Overview
Commercial timelines are driven by approvals as much as production. Casting, permits, agency and legal sign-off, and broadcast clearance all add time that a straightforward corporate video avoids.
Detailed Explanation
What the timeline includes
Concept and approvals: developing and signing off the creative.
Pre-production: casting, locations, permits, and scheduling.
Filming: one or more shoot days, plus contingency.
Post-production: edit, grade, sound, VFX, and revision rounds.
Clearance and delivery: broadcast specs and advertising approval.
Build in buffer time: commercials involve more stakeholders, and each approval step can extend the schedule.
Example
A social-first commercial might take three to four weeks; a broadcast TV ad with named talent, multiple approvals, and clearance can take two to three months from first brief to on-air.