11 Key Questions to Ask When Hiring a Video Production Company: A Complete Guide with Video
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Picking the best video production company for you and your brand
Are you considering hiring a video production company for your business? Video marketing has become an essential tool in today's digital landscape, helping businesses engage their audiences and boost brand awareness.
However, choosing the right video production company can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the world of videography. In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through the process of hiring a video production service and provide you with 11 essential questions to ask during the selection process.
Before reaching out to video production companies
For the sake of this article we will assume you have already discussed crucial decisions with your team such as project goals and budget. These two key areas are very important in determining the direction and outcome of your project and provide a clear path to get you to your desired outcome. According to HubSpot marketers spend an average of 24% of their marketing budget on the production side.
Your team should be prepared to budget and plan accordingly.
Now that we are clear on direction and cost, let's dive in and make the most of your video production journey!
1) Do you have experience creating content similar to what we are looking for?
Inquire about the video production company's experience. Look for a company that has a track record of creating content similar to what you envision for your business or at the very least experience in working with professionals similar to you.
Not all video production companies have videos exactly like the one you want but the right company knows how to put a team together that can produce the video you envision.
Best practice would be to find an example of something you want to create for your business so that both sides are clear on the task at hand.
A production company with relevant experience will better understand your audience and create videos that resonate with them.
2) How do you ensure that our video aligns with our overall marketing strategy?
A successful video should align with your marketing goals. Ask the video production company about their process for understanding your brand and target audience. The right video production company will always ask these questions:
What is the video for? (Intention)
Who is this video for? (Target Audience)
What is the desired outcome from this video? (Goal)
This applies to marketing videos as well as internal company videos so the video being produced has the greatest chance of achieving its intended outcome.
A company that takes the time to align your video with your marketing strategy will create content that effectively delivers your message and supports your business objectives.
3) How can you guide us through the pre-production planning phase?
Pre-production planning is the foundation of any successful video project.
Do you intend to handle most of the pre-production task in-house and use the production company just to create the video? Or do you need a full-service video production company that will handle everything for you as the task could be daunting?
Pre-production tasks includes:
Concept Development
Scriptwriting
Storyboarding
Casting
Location Scouting
Budgeting
Scheduling
Crew Recruitment
Shot List
Legal and Release Forms
Transportation and Accommodations
Communication Plan
Contingency Planning
Ask the production company how they handle pre-production planning. A good video production service will be able to involve you in the process even if you need to defer to them completely.
Collaborating during pre-production ensures that your vision is brought to life in the final video.
4) Can you Optimize the content for different platforms and formats?
In today's digital world, videos are shared across various platforms like social media, websites, and video streaming services.
If your intended platform for the video is to live on YouTube as an ad but you also want shorter versions for the company Instagram or TikTok, then the company will have to prepare to make vertical content as well as horizontal videos. Further each platform has its own requirements to upload the content in its highest quality.
Ask the production company if they can optimize the video content for different platforms. Each platform has its unique requirements, and tailoring your video will ensure maximum reach and engagement.
5) How do you handle project management and ensure timely delivery?
Timely delivery is crucial in video production. Inquire about the company's project management process and how they handle deadlines. You should always ask:
How many pre-production days will be required?
How many productions days would be required to record the content?
How long will it take to complete the editing process?
How much time do you think will be necessary to plan and shoot the project so it is delivered by (X) date?
A well-organized production company will have a clear timeline, set milestones, and keep you informed throughout the production process. Clear communication is essential to ensure timely delivery.
6) What is your editing process like and can we provide input into the final edit?
Editing plays a crucial role in shaping the final video. Ask the production company about their editing process. Some important things to consider during the editing process are:
Revisions: Usually a specific number of revisions are included after which an hourly editing rate will apply.
Music: Music choice and usage rights need to be discussed. There may be licensing fees to consider.
Sound design: Audio is as important as the visuals if not more.
Tone and pacing of video: What is the feel you are looking to achieve?
Look: This should be discussed prior to shooting but the final look and color grade of the video is important.
A company that values your input will involve you in the editing phase. This collaboration ensures that the final video meets your expectations, aligns with your brand, and effectively delivers your message.
7) Can you help with distribution once the final product is complete?
Creating a great video is just the beginning; you also need a plan for distribution. Ask the production company if they can assist with distribution.
Not every video production company does in-house marketing, but they more than likely can point you in the direction of a marketer or marketing firm they are familiar with.
A comprehensive distribution plan may include social media promotion and email marketing to ensure your video reaches your target audience.
8) What is your pricing structure and what is included in the cost?
Understanding the pricing structure is essential for budget planning.
Will the company require a deposit to place a hold on the production date?
Will funds be needed upfront to book talent, locations, equipment?
When will the final payment be due?
Will you receive the final deliverables prior to release of final payment?
You should request a detailed breakdown of the production company's pricing and what services are included. Some companies offer package deals, including scripting, filming, editing, and distribution. Others may charge for each service separately.
Knowing the costs upfront will help you make an informed decision.
9) What is your policy regarding changes and cancellations?
Flexibility is vital in any creative project. Inquire about the production company's policy regarding changes and cancellations. In many cases if work has been done there is a time cost that is incurred.
If you decide to cancel during the pre-production phase did the production company hire or create a script or provide any other services?
Were locations booked but the dates needs to be changed last minute?
Did the production company arrive on set, but the shoot needs to be pushed back due to someone’s unavailability?
All these things potentially have a cost that may be incurred due to time lost. Try to determine any issues that may arise prior to your production date.
10) Who owns the rights to the raw footage and project files once completed?
This one may surprise you, but most video production companies retain full rights to the images they capture for you. Usually there is a separate cost to outright buy the raw files from the production company.
Having ownership of the video files gives you the freedom to repurpose the content or make updates as your business evolves. But let me let you in on a secret:
Most video production companies record in file formats that your computer can only access in a video editing software. So essentially you will need a video editor to work with the files anyway.
And another secret:
You will need to color grade them as well since the best images are captured in a file format that doesn’t have baked in color. So owning the project files outright may not be worth the cost anyway since you will need to hire someone to work with the files.
If it matters to you, clarify who retains the rights to the video files once the project is complete.
11) How do you handle backup and storage of project files to ensure their security?
Data security is crucial in the digital age. Ask the production company about their backup and storage procedures to ensure the safety of your video files.
How many places do you back-up the files?
Where is it kept?
How long do you keep our project files for?
Knowing that your project files are secure will provide peace of mind throughout the production process and beyond.
Hiring a video production company can be a game-changer for your business, boosting your marketing efforts and engaging your audience effectively. By asking these key questions, you'll be better equipped to find a video production service that aligns with your vision and delivers high-quality content.
Remember to prioritize communication, collaboration, and understanding during the selection process to ensure a successful partnership. Now that you have the knowledge to navigate the video production landscape, go forth and make your mark with compelling video content.
If you need further guidance you could reach out to us below. At Progeny Films we are well versed in every aspect of video production and marketing. Over the last few years we have created corporate videos for businesses and medical professionals, broadcast tv commercials, social media content, product videos, events, and documentaries.
