What deposit is normal for video production in Toronto?

A 30 to 50 percent deposit is standard, with the balance on delivery. Be cautious of 100 percent upfront, and of no deposit at all, which often signals a hobbyist.

How many revision rounds should be included?

Two to three rounds is the Toronto norm. Unlimited revisions usually means the price has padding built in; one round means extra rounds will be billed, so ask the rate.

What is a red-flag quote?

A full crew day quoted far below roughly $2,200 means something is excluded; ask what. A vague quote with no line items makes overage disputes likely. And a quote without usage rights spelled out can cost you later if the video runs as an ad.

25 questions to ask a video production company

The questions that separate professionals from pretenders, with what a fair answer sounds like in Toronto: deposits of 30 to 50 percent, 2 to 3 revision rounds, crew days around $2,200 to $3,800, and ownership in writing.

About their work

Can you show three recent projects like mine?: Recent and similar. A showreel of their best-ever work tells you less than last quarter’s output.
Who exactly will shoot and edit my project?: Names, not "our team". Some companies sell with senior staff and deliver with juniors.
What do you specialize in?: A straight answer. In Toronto the honest ones name a lane: corporate, events, animation, commercials.
Have you shot in spaces like ours?: Offices, factories, and hospitals each have their own problems. Experience shortens shoot day.
Can I speak to two past clients?: A yes within a day. Hesitation here is information.

About the money

What exactly does the quote include?: Line items: crew, gear, shoot days, editing, revisions, music licensing, captions. In Toronto a full crew day is around $2,200 to $3,800, so a much lower all-in quote is missing something.
What deposit do you take?: 30 to 50 percent. The balance on delivery.
What costs extra?: A clear list: extra revision rounds, additional versions, rush delivery (typically +25 to +100 percent), travel outside the GTA, stock footage.
What happens if the shoot runs long?: A stated overtime rate, usually hourly after a 10-hour day, agreed in advance.
Is HST included in the quote?: Quotes are normally pre-tax. Confirm so the invoice is not a surprise.

About ownership and rights

Who owns the final video?: You should, once paid in full, with it in writing. Under Canadian copyright law the creator owns it by default, so the contract matters.
Who keeps the raw footage, and can I buy it?: Most companies keep raw files. A fair answer names a price or hand-over policy now, not after the project.
Are music and stock fully licensed for my use?: Yes, with licenses that cover where you will run the video, including paid ads if applicable.
Can you use my video in your portfolio?: Normal, but it should be a permission they ask for, not assume, if your content is sensitive.
What usage rights do on-camera talent have?: If actors are involved, usage terms (where, how long) must be in the agreement, or a future ad campaign can trigger new fees.

About the process

What is the timeline, stage by stage?: Roughly: 1 to 2 weeks pre-production, the shoot, 2 to 3 weeks post. Three to six weeks total for a corporate video.
How many revision rounds are included?: Two to three. Also ask how feedback is collected; one consolidated round beats email chaos.
What do you need from us before shoot day?: A specific list: brief approval, interviewees booked, location access, brand assets. Vague answers become delays.
What happens if crew or gear fails on the day?: Backup gear on the truck and a bench of crew they can call. This matters most for one-time events.
Do you carry liability insurance?: Yes, typically $2M commercial general liability. Most Toronto venues and offices require a certificate.

About fit

What would you do differently with our brief?: A point of view. A company that only says yes is order-taking, not producing.
What is a realistic budget for what we described?: A range that matches the market. Check it against the cost pages on this site before the call.
What do clients like us usually get wrong?: An honest answer here predicts how they will handle problems later.
How do you measure whether the video worked?: They should at least ask where it will run and what success looks like.
Why should we pick you over the other two quotes?: Specifics: their lane, their process, their people. Not adjectives.

Before the calls

Know your number first: estimate your project, check 2026 Toronto prices, and shortlist from the directory. Or skip the homework and get free advice on your shortlist.

Quick answers

What deposit is normal for video production in Toronto?: A 30 to 50 percent deposit is standard, with the balance on delivery. Be cautious of 100 percent upfront, and of no deposit at all, which often signals a hobbyist.
How many revision rounds should be included?: Two to three rounds is the Toronto norm. Unlimited revisions usually means the price has padding built in; one round means extra rounds will be billed, so ask the rate.
What is a red-flag quote?: A full crew day quoted far below roughly $2,200 means something is excluded; ask what. A vague quote with no line items makes overage disputes likely. And a quote without usage rights spelled out can cost you later if the video runs as an ad.