How much does projection mapping cost?
Most projects fall between about $1,500 for a small event and $150,000 or more for large building projections. Every project is quoted individually, because the surface, the equipment, the content, and the schedule all change the price. Here are real starting points, and what moves a project up or down.
Starting points
Small event projection
One surface, a smaller projector package, and a short event.
Outdoor projection
A simple setup. Large or long-running outdoor installations can reach $150,000 or more.
Immersive projection
Multi-projector rooms covering walls, ceilings, or floors.
Building projection
Large facades typically run from $20,000 to $150,000 or more.
Permanent LED installation
Custom-designed and installed LED video walls.
These are starting points, not quotes. Your proposal lists exactly what is included.
Pricing by type of project
Projects vary too much for a fixed menu, so here is what each type usually involves and what pushes the price up or down.
Small event projection
Typically $1,500 to $10,000
A smaller installation can transform an event space without a large production. One projector showing content you supply sits toward the low end. Several projectors with custom content and on-site technicians sit higher.
- Projector brightness and quantity
- The surface and its size
- How the equipment is installed
- Event duration
- Custom or client-provided content
- On-site technicians
Building projection
Typically $20,000 to $150,000 or more
Mapping a building is a different scale of production. A one-night facade show is very different from one that runs for weeks or months.
- Multiple high-output projectors
- Custom 3D mapping and large-scale content
- Blending and playback systems
- Weather protection and equipment enclosures
- Lifts and specialized access equipment
- Power and electrical requirements
- Permits and multiple installation days
Immersive projection
Starting around $15,000
Immersive installations can cover walls, ceilings, floors, architectural features, or several surfaces at once. Interactivity, real-time graphics, and sensors can raise the price significantly.
- Number and brightness of projectors
- Size and shape of the room
- Number of projection surfaces
- Content requirements
- Playback and control systems
- Installation, strike, and event duration
Outdoor projection
Starting around $5,000
A simple outdoor setup can start around $5,000, while larger or permanent outdoor installations can reach $150,000 or more. Outdoor work needs extra planning because the equipment has to handle weather and changing conditions.
- Weather protection and enclosures
- High-brightness projectors
- Power distribution and generators
- Equipment security and specialized mounting
- Permitting
- Custom content
What moves the price
There is no single price per square foot or per projector. We look at the whole production.
Surface size
A small interior wall and a 200-foot facade need very different equipment.
Projector brightness and count
Surface material, ambient light, and distance decide how much light you need. Large surfaces need several projectors blended together.
Content
Content you supply lowers the cost. Custom animation and 3D work add creative time.
Installation and access
Ground stacks, truss, lifts, custom mounts, and weather protection all add up.
Event duration
One night, a weekend, or a month each commit different equipment and people.
Labor and site
Technicians for install, programming, operation, and strike, plus power, access, permits, and venue requirements.
Custom content
Content is quoted separately from equipment and event production. Bring your own, or we create it.
Basic motion graphics
Per hour.
Custom animation
Approximately, per 30 seconds.
3D animation
Approximately, per 30 seconds.
The final cost depends on complexity, the number of elements, 2D versus 3D work, revisions, compositing, and mapping requirements.
Already have content?
That is fine. We regularly work with content from your creative team and send the technical specifications so it is prepared correctly for the projection system. A file preparation and technical processing fee applies even when you supply the content. If your team cannot produce to those specifications, we can create the content as part of a larger production.
LED video walls
We also provide LED video wall systems for events, stages, installations, and architectural environments.
Event LED walls
A typical 9' x 16' wall is about $3,500 to $5,000 per day, depending on configuration, structure, transportation, installation, and labor. Our indoor panels are 2.9mm pixel pitch and can be built as one large display or as custom columns and sections.
LED technicians
About $500 to $1,000 per day, depending on the role. A standard technician day is up to 10 hours, and hours beyond that are generally billed at 1.5 times the regular rate.
Permanent LED installations
We design and install permanent LED video walls. Recent permanent installations ran about $60,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on the product, wall size, structure, processing, electrical work, and site conditions. These are quoted individually.
Equipment rental rates
Equipment can be rented on its own or built into a full production. These are typical day rates for the equipment alone.
Equipment rates are not the total cost of a production. Transportation, installation, programming, technicians, content, power, rigging, and venue requirements may also apply.
What is included
Depending on the project
- Projectors and lenses
- LED video walls
- Playback systems and media servers
- Projection mapping and alignment
- Content preparation and custom content
- Installation, on-site technicians, and strike
- Cabling and signal distribution
- Sound, lighting, truss, and structural equipment
Often quoted separately
- Lifts and specialty rigging
- Generators and electrical work
- Permits and venue fees
- Security
- Travel and lodging
- Other site-specific requirements
Terms and timing
These are our standard terms. We are flexible and happy to work with you based on your needs.
No standard project minimum
We take projects of many sizes, from a single wall to a full building. We build the quote around what the project actually requires.
Payment
A 50% deposit secures your date, equipment, and crew. The balance is due within 15 days after the event. Permanent installations that need purchased equipment may require full payment, or a different schedule, before equipment is ordered.
Cancellations and weather
Deposits are generally non-refundable within seven days of the event. Date changes can be accommodated when requested at least 14 days ahead, depending on availability. Outdoor events are handled case by case. If the crew and equipment have already arrived, additional charges may apply.
Rush projects
Projects booked within two weeks of the event are rush projects. We can sometimes take them, depending on equipment and crew availability, and rush fees may apply.
How far ahead to book
Ideally three to six months ahead, but we know that is not always realistic, so we work with the timeline you have. Large building projections need more lead time for site surveys, permits, engineering, and custom animation.
Travel
Projects within about 50 miles of Denver generally have no separate travel charge. Beyond that, travel can include mileage, travel-day labor, per diem, vehicles, flights, and lodging, all quoted in your proposal.
Questions about cost
How much does projection mapping cost?
Projects typically range from about $1,500 for a smaller event installation to $150,000 or more for major architectural projects. Immersive and outdoor installations vary widely with duration, infrastructure, content, and equipment.
How much does it cost to project onto a building?
Large building projections generally start around $20,000 and can run to $150,000 or more, depending on the size of the building, projector count, content, installation duration, permits, power, and access.
How much does projection mapping cost for an event?
Smaller event projections run about $1,500 to $10,000. Larger immersive event productions generally start around $15,000 and rise with the number of projectors, content, technical labor, and event duration.
Can I provide my own content?
Yes. We regularly work with client-provided content and send the technical specifications. A file preparation fee applies.
How much does an LED wall cost?
A typical 9' x 16' LED wall is about $3,500 to $5,000 per day, depending on configuration and production requirements. Permanent installations ran about $60,000 to $80,000 or more.
Do you require a minimum budget?
No standard minimum. We build each quote around what the project actually requires.
How far in advance should I book?
Three to six months ahead is ideal, but we know that is not always realistic, and we work with the timeline you have. Rush projects within two weeks may be possible, depending on availability.
Do you travel outside Denver?
Yes. Travel, lodging, and crew costs are quoted based on the location and the project. Work within about 50 miles of Denver generally has no separate travel charge.
Get a custom quote
Tell us what you are planning, where it is happening, when you need it, and what you hope to create. We will work out the projection, LED, content, and production needs and build a quote around your project.