What projection mapping costs depends on five things: the size of the surface, how bright the surroundings are, how long it runs, whether the content is made from scratch or supplied, and access and permissions. Most projects start from about £7k; permanent installs and building-scale shows run from five to six figures. Below we explain each with our jobs, and how to get a ballpark.

The final cost of projection mapping depends on several key project factors. In this post, we’re going to talk about what those factors are and why they affect the cost, helping you get a better idea for your budgeting.

What affects the cost of projection mapping?

Let’s get stuck into what the professionals who provide these services (like us!) need to take into account when pricing a projection mapping project.

Surface size

Perhaps the most understandable factor that affects the cost of projection mapping is the size of the surface and of the project itself.

Take two of our own projects to compare, for example: We executed a small-scale projection onto a custom-cut foam board in a shop window in Felixstowe, showcasing a video of adorable guide dog puppies for Guide Dog Week. This was a small surface size in the grand scheme of projection mapping. On the flip side, look at the work we did at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for Big Game 16. The scale of this mapping project was colossal, taking up the entire centre of the rugby pitch to entertain the 85,500+ attendees with an exciting pre-game display. These two projects, though powerful in their own right, are on entirely different scales when it comes to size. Because of this, they had very different final costs.

Surface material

Believe it or not, the surface material matters. The colour and, sometimes, texture of the surface we’re expected to project your design onto play a big part in the final quote because it will dictate how many projectors are required.

If we’re projecting onto a tarred timber wall or a brick building painted black, we might need twice the projection power for colours to show up vibrantly against the dark surface. This could mean doubling up on projectors to create the desired effect. Light coloured surfaces are best for projection, such as pale concrete or gauze material acting as a screen, as your design’s colours will show up as intended.

As for textures, the smoother the better. If a very uneven texture is enough of an issue, it could possibly require multiple projectors positioned at different angles to make sure none of the design is lost on the uneven surface. However, difficult textures are in no way impossible. Take our interactive and immersive projection at Colchester Castle, for example. We projected large targets onto the uneven, 11th-century brick and stone surface of one of the castle’s interior walls. Despite the highly textured surface, the projections came out perfectly, allowing for an engaging ballista game for the castle’s visitors.

Obstacles

When making shadow puppets as a kid, you’ll remember putting your hand in front of the light to make shadows. Do that now with a projector, and you’ve got an obstruction stopping part of your visual from reaching the surface. From pillars to lampposts, from supportive columns to hanging decorations, there are a whole manner of objects that can get in the way. The good news is that this doesn’t mean you’ve got no chance of a successful projection.

By using multiple projectors in strategically placed locations, we can easily overcome almost every obstacle to create a clean, full display. This does, however, mean an additional cost for the extra projectors required. If possible, aim for an unobstructed surface area in your plans, but don’t fret if it’s not possible: we can still make it happen.

Shape of space

Similar to obstacles, the shape of the space or room in which the projection will take place can have an effect on the cost, again down to the number of projectors that may be required. Odd angles or levels might result in shadows occurring thanks to cutting off parts of the projection, so more projectors could be needed to create the full display. If we need to place the projectors in difficult places to ensure a full projection, this could also alter the cost.

It matters most in an immersive room, where every wall is mapped, corners included, and sometimes the floor and ceiling too.

Project length

Projection mapping projects don’t need to be a one-night wonder. We’ve executed numerous displays where clients purchase the projectors for permanent use, rather than hire them, such as the Aston Villa rampant lion visual in the heart of their stadium store, and the immersive display in the Wembley IKEA store.

Buying projectors and utilising our ongoing support packages will cost more than hiring a projector for a much shorter period of time, such as guerilla projections for a single night or an engaging display for a week or two, like the Christmas visuals projected on the side of the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds.

A night of event projection is hired, and so is an exhibition stand that runs once; if the stand comes back every year, buying the projectors can make more sense.

Location and placement

You’ll be amazed at some of the locations where projection mapping can take place – think the external walls at the top of skyscrapers, or across a towering bridge over the Thames. This kind of set-up and mapping is a little trickier than most. Because of that, and the time and effort it’ll take to map and get things ready, extreme locations and placements such as these may come at a higher cost.

On the outside of a building, the street lighting and where the projector can stand decide most of it; our building projections page shows how we plan one.

Does the type of project affect the cost?

Yes, the project type has the potential to affect the cost of projection mapping, depending on the details. There is a seriously exciting range of projection projects you can utilise for marketing, advertising, and WOW factors, each requiring different processes, equipment, and setups, all incurring different costs. For example, a large-scale, interactive projection like the playable Genesis car game on the side of the V&A Museum is a naturally more complex operation than the static yet beautiful visuals on the side of the Mayfair Dior store.

Did you know we’re not just experts in projection here at Motion Mapping? Our team designed and developed the Pac-Man style car game mentioned above. This sort of extra input will also affect the final cost, but always results in a seamless project.

Projects utilising other equipment, such as gauze to create exciting illusions with projection, may cost more for the extra kit. The effects created with gauze are incredible and can really elevate your project – just take a look at the ghost food projections we did with Rennie to see the possibilities this equipment offers.

How much does projection mapping cost?

We get it – budget is a huge part of the decision. Most projects start from about £7k; permanent installs and building-scale shows run from five to six figures. Where yours sits depends on the things above, so tell us roughly what you have to spend and we’ll tell you early what that buys.

The good news is that we’re here to help. For the cost of your projection mapping project, get in touch with our team. We’ll work with you to get a quote for your project and bring your idea to life. Call +44 (0)1206 586277 and let’s chat, or use our online enquiry form.

How much does 3D projection mapping cost?

The same five things drive it. 3D mapping means the content is built to the shape of the surface, so the content line is usually the biggest of the five.

What about the projector?

Projectors are usually hired for the job and bought when an installation stays up for months. Brightness drives the hire cost. Tell us the surface and the light around it and we will spec it.