Video Retainer Plans: The Smarter Alternative to One-Off Projects

For many marketing teams, video production has become a paradox. Video is one of the most powerful tools for growth, yet producing it often feels slow, fragmented, and unnecessarily complicated. Each new project triggers the same cycle: long proposal reviews, back-and-forth negotiations, fresh contracts, and a steep onboarding curve with every new vendor.

The result? Delays, inconsistent quality, budget overruns, and video that struggles to keep up with the pace of modern marketing. This model wasn’t built for companies that rely on video week after week. It was built for occasional campaigns.

At Asteraki, we’ve partnered with hundreds of fast-growing tech companies facing exactly this challenge. They don’t just need “a video.” They need a reliable, scalable system for producing on-brand video content without the administrative drag or unpredictable costs.

That’s why more teams are shifting toward a smarter model: video retainer plans.

Key Insights

• • Predictable monthly costs instead of fluctuating project fees
• • Save 20–30% through retained production efficiencies
• • Priority scheduling with a dedicated creative team
• • Video aligned with your broader marketing strategy and roadmap
• • Multiple formats optimized for different platforms and channels
• • Ongoing strategic check-ins instead of one-off executions

What Is a Video Production Retainer?

A video production retainer is an ongoing partnership with a production studio, built around a fixed monthly investment rather than individual project contracts. Instead of renegotiating scope and pricing every time you need a new video, you secure a dedicated team that continuously produces content for your brand.

Think of it as an extension of your marketing department without the overhead of hiring, managing freelancers, or maintaining in-house infrastructure. Strategy, pre-production, filming, editing, and delivery are all streamlined into a repeatable, efficient process.

Why Companies Are Choosing Retainers

1. Cost Efficiency at Scale

One-off video projects come with hidden costs: sales cycles, onboarding time, duplicated planning, and administrative overhead. Retainers spread those costs across multiple deliverables, allowing production teams to focus on execution rather than resets.

• 20–30% lower cost compared to standalone projects
• Clear, predictable monthly spend
• Better access to experienced crews and premium equipment
• Less time spent managing vendors internally

In practice, we’ve seen SaaS and platform companies reduce annual video spend by $40,000–$60,000 while increasing output.

2. Consistent Quality and Brand Alignment

“Asteraki has been an incredible creative partner, consistently delivering high-quality results quickly and reliably. They understand our brand and go the extra mile to ensure our collaboration is effective and enjoyable.” — Jennah Blau, Global Head of Publisher Development, TikTok

With a retained team, there’s no repeated learning curve. Over time, your production partner develops deep familiarity with your product, brand voice, audience, and visual language, resulting in faster execution and stronger creative cohesion.

3. Alignment With Marketing Goals

Retainers transform video from a reactive asset into a strategic marketing tool. Instead of producing content in isolation, video is planned alongside campaigns, launches, and growth initiatives.

• Long-term content roadmaps and calendars
• Campaign-specific video planning
• Flexibility to pivot as priorities change
• Iterative improvements based on performance insights

4. Priority Access & Flexible Scheduling

When video is mission-critical, speed matters. Retainer clients benefit from priority scheduling and faster turnaround, crucial for launches, events, and time-sensitive campaigns.

• Reserved production capacity
• Rapid-response content for urgent needs
• Predictable timelines month after month

5. Streamlined, Repeatable Processes

Retainers remove friction. Instead of restarting from zero each time, workflows become refined, structured, and efficient.

• No redundant kickoffs or repeated briefings
• Simplified legal and procurement processes
• Clear feedback loops and approval workflows
• Ongoing collaboration through regular check-ins

What’s Typically Included in a Retainer

• Strategy: Editorial planning, content calendars, performance reviews, and creative direction
• Production: Scripting, filming, lighting, editing, animation, and motion graphics
• Deliverables: Product demos, testimonials, social content, employer branding, events, and internal communications
• Management: Dedicated account manager, reporting, and ongoing coordination

Structuring an Effective Retainer

• Volume & Mix: Expected output across platforms
• Production Value: Level of polish and complexity
• Timelines: Standard lead times and rush options
• Feedback: Revision rounds and approval structure

Sample Video Retainer Packages

Is a Video Retainer Right for You?

A retainer is a strong fit if your team:

• Produces two or more videos per month
• Values brand consistency across channels
• Needs predictable budgeting
• Wants a long-term creative partner, not just a vendor

If your needs are infrequent or highly sporadic, one-off projects may still be the better option.