Why do production quotes vary so much?
Short Answer:
Production quotes vary because "a video" can describe wildly different amounts of work. Two quotes can differ several-fold based on crew size, filming days, kit, locations, post-production, and how many finished deliverables are included — so a low number often just means a narrower scope, not better value.
Overview
A quote is really a scope document with a price attached. The variation between companies usually reflects genuine differences in what they intend to do, so the only fair comparison is a like-for-like one where the deliverables, revisions, and rights all match.
Detailed Explanation
Why two quotes for "the same" video differ
Crew and roles: a solo operator versus a director, DP, sound, and producer.
Filming time: half a day versus multiple days changes everything downstream.
Kit tier: prosumer cameras versus cinema cameras with lighting and grip.
Post-production: a quick edit versus grading, sound mix, graphics, and several revision rounds.
Deliverables and formats: one film versus a hero plus social cut-downs and versions.
Rights and licensing: music, stock, and talent usage terms.
A cheaper quote is not automatically worse value — but you need to know what it leaves out before you can judge.
Example
One company quotes for a half-day with a single operator and a light edit; another quotes for a scripted two-day shoot, a full crew, and five deliverables. Same "explainer video" brief, very different prices — and only the itemisation reveals why.