One Person, All Skills, All Equipment — Is ₹20,000–₹30,000 Enough for a Video Production Professional?
These days, many companies are looking for photography and video production professionals who can do everything—scripting, shooting, cinematography, editing, graphics, 3D animation, VFX and even drone operations.
Some job descriptions also expect candidates to bring their own camera, lenses, gimbal, drone, lights, tripod, microphones and editing laptop, while offering salaries of just ₹20,000–₹30,000 per month.
But is this realistic?
Video Production Is Teamwork
Professional video production is not a one-man army job. A quality production involves different skills—scriptwriting, direction, cinematography, sound, lighting, editing, motion graphics, colour grading and sometimes VFX or 3D animation.
One person may have multiple skills, but expecting one professional to deliver the expertise of an entire production team can affect both quality and productivity.
Equipment Has a Cost
A professional camera and lens setup, along with a gimbal, drone, lights, audio equipment, tripod and editing workstation, can represent an investment of several lakhs of rupees.
If a company expects an employee to bring this equipment, the compensation should consider not only the person's salary but also the investment, maintenance and depreciation of the equipment.
The Freelance Reality
A professional who already owns this equipment and has these skills can potentially work as a freelancer or independent video production professional, taking multiple projects and earning significantly more than a ₹20,000–₹30,000 monthly salary.
Companies Need to Rethink Expectations
Companies should clearly define whether they need a content creator, videographer, editor or a complete production team.
If the requirement includes:
Scripting + Shooting + Cinematography + Drone + Lighting + Sound + Editing + Graphics + 3D + VFX + Equipment
then the compensation should reflect the value of those combined skills and resources.
Great video production is not about finding one person who can do everything. It's about bringing together the right people, skills and equipment to tell the right story.
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