Choosing a video production company is not easy, it requires time and effort. This blog post offers some tips on what to look for when analysing offers from various video production companies.
Making this choice can be difficult as video production itself is not a product, it is a service. As such, it can be done in many ways. Every company will offer a variety of different production ideas making comparison very difficult.
Here we will offer some guidance on narrowing down your video production company list, and also how to effectively make the right choice.
LOOK AT PREVIOUS VIDEOS PRODUCED BY THIS VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY
Let the work speak. Take the time to watch the videos of your prospective video production company, you will get a general idea of what they can deliver for you. There are several aspects to think about. Aesthetics is one of them – video production is a creative work and different clients have varying preferences. The body of work by the video production company must also be respected. For instance, you cannot expect a feature film from a company that mainly produces talking head style promos.
Be sure to ask the company to provide you with further examples of specific types of videos, as most of the time video production companies have a large amount of work in hand. There is certain to be some of their latest work that has yet to be uploaded onto their online platforms.
DETERMINE HOW EXPERIENCED IS THIS VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY
For many, their choice of video production companies is dependent on which one has the greatest exposure or experience. However, some have a preference for companies that are newcomers to the business – neophytes. The preference for these companies mainly stems from a desire for authenticity, believing them to provide more novel content. Younger companies will also in most cases offer better prices. Whether or not these practices and notions are credible, it still remains that there is a variation in every situation. The choice of company generally becomes a choice between one with great experiential knowledge or one with an authentic and novel approach. Regardless, the producer or marketing manager’s decision can blend the two. All that’s required is to conduct research into the companies they wish to collaborate with.
UNDERSTAND THEIR CULTURE AND HOW IT COMPLEMENTS YOURS
In any human relationship, chemistry is vital and even more so when executing a video production project. Continuing to work with a company with poor company culture and with no synergy between them and your team is pointless. A lack of harmony between the culture of the video company and your own will prove counter-productive to achieving a successful project.
ASK IS THE COMPANY WILLING TO DISCUSS SPECIFICS OF YOUR PROJECT
The videos produced should be tailored to meet your company’s standards and vision. A video production company worth their merit will be in constant communication with you to ensure this outcome. This consists of many requests for information and details to be confident that they are delivering in line with your needs. If they are not doing so, it is strongly advised that you seek another video production company. You must ask yourself: does the video producer express my message in a persuasive and digestible way? Do they to contact me to ensure they are clear on what my company’s aims are and what the product is about?
UNDERSTAND HOW GOOD IS THEIR COMMUNICATION
It is easy to notice how engaged the video production company is when working with you by one metric – do they actively want to know how you want your video to be. While some video companies are glad to utilize the information you give them, others will go further, asking for more to ensure they thoroughly understand what you need.
That said, your preference will largely depend on what you find more appealing.
DETERMINE WHAT PARTICULAR SERVICES THEY OFFER YOU
The scope of work of any video production project is a critical consideration. It is crucial that you talk with the production company about the extent of their services when working with you. Sometimes the client’s expectations and the service provider’s offers are vague. As a result, misunderstandings will arise and disappointments will happen. A perfect understanding between you and the video producer is paramount. There must be clarity through all stages of production: pre-production, production and post production. Ensure enough time to discuss your vision and expectations with the producer so that your message is clearly understood and expressed.
UNDERSTAND HOW HONEST THEY ARE ABOUT WHAT THEY OFFER
Video production comprises a wide range of services beyond solely shooting videos. This includes editing, script writing, animation, colour correction and so on. Thus, you always need to ask whether the company you are considering offers an all-inclusive service, or if they leave some aspects unmentioned. Educate yourself briefly on all stages of video production so that you know the basics of what it entails and make informed negotiations.
UNDERSTAND THE PRICING
After finding out the services the company offers and their quality of work, you must ask if you are satisfied with their pricing. Are they transparent about their pricing system? Be sure to ask them for breakdowns of their price. Do they offer any video production cost calculation tools? Seek to negotiate when necessary, video production is a service where such practice is applicable. Remember, some services are too cheap to be good. On the other hand, an upmarket company with a big reputation will charge a premium. Sometimes it is worth the cost, other times – not so much.
THINK WHETHER YOU WOULD PREFER IT TO BE A ONE-OFF OR A RECURRING COOPERATION
Finally, ask yourself whether you would want the company to continue to produce for you in the foreseeable future. Oftentimes, signing a contract is not mandatory to continue working with a video production company. However, if you’re satisfied with their services, it’s best that you continue your relationship with the company.
If the company already has your media assets, it is easier for them to produce content for you in the future as they are accustomed to your needs. Also, since the company will get more familiar with your work ethic, the production process will be seamless without much trouble. In addition, there will be consistency in all your videos if all of them are produced by the same company. This is vital to the success of your video marketing endeavours.
Though a daunting task in the beginning, the journey to better approaching video production becomes easier as you begin with your first video. But rest assured that your investment – both in terms of time and other resources – will definitely help both you and your company prosper.
Updated on 8 December 2021