Co-written with Trendy Grandad
High-quality video content doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With budgets tightening and client expectations rising, agencies are under more pressure than ever to deliver compelling video campaigns without overspending. That’s where creativity and industry know-how can make all the difference.
To help you navigate this challenge, we’ve teamed up with Trendy Grandad, a video production company renowned for their innovative yet cost-effective approach. Together, we’re sharing their favourite strategies to help agencies produce impactful video content without breaking the bank.

1. Pre-Production is Key
As the saying goes, fail to prepare, prepare to fail—and this couldn’t be more true when working on a budget. Investing time in refining your concept and script before filming pays off in the long run. From shot lists to locations and props, nailing down every detail during pre-production reduces the risk of costly surprises later.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Notion or Trello to map out your production plan. Keeping everyone aligned ensures resources are used efficiently.
2. Maximise Natural Light and Minimal Equipment
Not every shoot requires a studio or high-end lighting gear. Shooting outdoors or near large windows can create stunning visuals, especially when you plan for the right time of day. A golden hour shoot, for instance, can add a cinematic quality that rivals big-budget productions.
If additional lighting is needed, affordable options like ring lights or LED panels can work wonders. Trendy Grandad recommends portable lights—they’re cost-effective and versatile, delivering impressive results without the hefty price tag.
3. Tap into Freelance Talent
Large teams aren’t always necessary for smaller productions. Freelancers or small video crews can deliver high-quality work without the overheads of a full in-house team. Platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork are great places to connect with talented professionals at competitive rates.
Pro Tip: Build lasting relationships with trusted freelancers. When they understand your brand and vision, you’ll save time (and money) on future projects.

4. Repurpose Existing Content
Agencies often overlook the wealth of content already at their disposal. Repurposing archived footage is a game-changer for saving both time and money. Consider transforming old video clips into fresh social media posts, adding updated graphics to existing B-roll, or creating seasonal montages.
5. DIY Editing and Affordable Software
Outsourcing editing can quickly inflate costs. If your team has basic editing skills, leverage budget-friendly software like DaVinci Resolve or CapCut, which offer professional-grade tools without the high price tag.
For more advanced needs, subscription-based tools like Adobe Premiere Pro provide flexibility without the commitment of outright purchases.
6. Focus on Social-Friendly Formats
With the majority of video content consumed on social media, it makes sense to prioritise formats optimised for these platforms. Vertical videos, short clips, and dynamic transitions are not only cost-effective but also tend to perform better than more elaborate productions.
Trendy Grandad’s experience shows that a well-crafted 15-second Instagram reel can often outperform a full-length promo video, proving that bigger isn’t always better.
7. Collaborate with Influencers or Partner Brands
Co-creating content with influencers or partnering with complementary brands is a brilliant way to stretch your budget. Influencers often have the skills and equipment to produce high-quality content themselves, saving you the cost of a full production team.
When proposing collaborations, focus on mutual benefits. Sharing resources or splitting costs can help both parties achieve more for less.
8. Embrace Authenticity
Audiences value authenticity over perfection. A behind-the-scenes look or a raw, unpolished approach can feel more relatable and often costs significantly less than a traditional production.
Some of the most effective campaigns we’ve worked on leaned into the lo-fi aesthetic, proving that heart and relatability often trump polish.
About Trendy Grandad
Creating impactful video content on a budget is entirely possible with the right strategies. By focusing on planning, creativity, and resourcefulness, agencies can deliver videos that impress clients without stretching their purse strings.
At Trendy Grandad, we’ve seen how a bit of ingenuity can go a long way. When the budget’s tight, remember: creativity is your most valuable resource.