Whether you're an indie filmmaker, a content creator, or a brand manager, sound is one of the most critical elements that can make or break your project. From enhancing emotional depth to reinforcing brand identity, the right audio treatment can elevate your work and captivate your audience. This guide will help you understand the costs associated with hiring sound designers, foley artists, audio mixers, and other audio professionals, as well as how these investments can significantly improve the quality of your film, commercial, or branded content.

Why Invest in Professional Sound?

Sound is often an overlooked aspect of production, yet it has the power to transform visuals into an immersive experience. Whether you're creating a feature film, a 60-second commercial, or a piece of branded content, professional sound design ensures your project stands out. Clean dialogue, compelling sound effects, and a well-balanced mix not only enhance storytelling but also make your work more engaging and memorable.

In advertising and branded content, sound also plays a crucial role in sonic branding. The right sound design or jingle can create a lasting impression and reinforce brand recognition, making it an invaluable part of your marketing strategy.

Common Audio Services and Their Costs

1. Sound Design & Audio Mixers - Sound designers create and manipulate audio elements to enhance the mood, tone, and overall impact of your project. For films, they may design atmospheric sounds or enhance specific moments with unique effects. In commercials or branded content, sound design can emphasise key visuals or align with the brand’s identity.

Typical Costs:
- Short commercial (30–60 seconds): £400–£1,000
- Feature film (indie level): £2,500–£10,000
- Branded content: £500 – £2,000 depending on complexity

2. Foley Artists - Foley artists recreate everyday sounds like footsteps, rustling clothes, or the clinking of glasses to make scenes feel more authentic. Foley is especially important in films, where these details add realism and immersion.

Typical Costs:
- Short film or commercial: £300–£1,500
- Feature film: £1,000–£5,000

3. Music Composition and Licensing - Music adds emotional depth and reinforces the narrative. Whether you need a custom score for a film or a catchy jingle for a commercial, working with a professional composer ensures your music aligns perfectly with your project’s tone.

Typical Costs:
- Custom score for a 60-second commercial: £1,000–£10,000
- Indie feature film: £5,000–£20,000
- Licensing existing tracks: £500–£50,000+ (depending on the artist and usage rights)

How Sound Enhance Commercial and Branded Content

Sonic Branding

Sonic branding involves creating a distinct sound or audio logo that becomes synonymous with your brand. This could be a short jingle, a unique sound effect, or a piece of music that aligns with your brand’s identity. Examples: The Netflix “ta-dum” sound or Intel’s iconic jingle. Costs for sonic branding: £3,000–£10,000 depending on the complexity and scope.

Sound Design for Commercials

In advertising, sound design can make products feel more tangible or experiences more vivid.

Dialogue Clean-Up

For branded videos or commercials, dialogue clarity is paramount. Professional dialogue editors remove background noise, balance levels, and ensure every word is crystal clear.

Music

Music has a profound impact on viewer emotions. A well-scored commercial can evoke feelings of joy, nostalgia, or excitement, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

How to Budget for Your Audio Needs

When planning your project, allocate at least 10–15% of your total budget for audio post-production. While this may seem significant, remember that high-quality sound can make the difference between a good project and a great one. Be sure to:

Plan Ahead: Identify your audio needs early in pre-production.
Get Quotes: Reach out to sound professionals and studios to get detailed cost breakdowns.
Prioritise: Focus on areas that will have the most significant impact, such as dialogue clarity and music.

Sound is not just a technical necessity; it’s an art form that can elevate your storytelling, branding, and overall production quality. Whether you’re working on a feature film, a commercial, or branded content, investing in professional sound design, foley, and mixing will ensure your project stands out in a crowded marketplace. By understanding the costs and processes involved, you can make informed decisions and create work that resonates with your audience.

Need help with your project? Contact us at OBODO and take the first step toward exceptional sound.