Today’s marketing methods require high-quality movies, specialized expertise, and equipment. This is why many corporations use video production companies for media needs. However, choosing the wrong partner can undermine video goals and waste budgets.
Knowing what to avoid when selecting a video company is essential. This article outlines common yet avoidable mistakes made during the selection process.
Following the advice will help you find a video partner with the expertise, resources, and collaborative approach needed to deliver videos that authentically represent your brand and move viewers to action. Make informed decisions to ensure every video project is a success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Video Production Company
Here are some mistakes you need to avoid:
- ● Misjudging the Size of Your Project
Businesses often need to pay more attention to the size of their corporate video production projects. Preparation, filming, and post-production are easy to underestimate. Too often, more time or budget is needed to make a robust video that drives desired results. Be sure to communicate with potential video partners to accurately scope out storyboarding needs, location permits, talent coordination, and editing requirements based on your objectives. Overlooking any steps often leads to rushed outcomes.
Ensuring realistic timelines and budgets matched to project scale prevents cost overruns or feeling unprepared. Proper sizing at the start sets every corporate video production up for success.
- ● Choosing the First Production Company You Find
It is a common mistake for businesses to choose the first corporate video production company they encounter without extensively vetting other alternatives. While initial consultations provide baseline information, thorough due diligence is essential.
Take the time to comprehensively research companies online, examine complete portfolios demonstrating styles and experience, read in-depth case studies, and check awards histories. Contacting past clients can also yield valuable insights.
Speaking with multiple production houses allows careful pricing comparisons, services offered, and creative approaches utilized. Refrain from expending effort on comprehensive research risks settling on a company that may not be the best complementary partner. Finding the right fit is critical to ensuring the success of any video project undertaking. - ● Trusting the Lowest Bidder
Always choosing the promo video company with the lowest estimate can end badly if proper vetting isn’t also done. While cost is a significant factor, price shouldn’t be the sole determining input. Low bids could reflect a lack of experience, inferior equipment and resources, or a misunderstanding of the project requirements.
Quality will likely be protected if costs are reduced. Thoroughly check portfolios and references of cheaper options, as the most affordable is sometimes the best value.
Experience, logistical competency, and creative vision are worth paying slightly higher rates to avoid needing rework or being dissatisfied with the final product. Overall value, not just price, must be weighed to find a trustworthy promo video company partner. - ● Not Discussing Your Timeline
A key discussion with potential video production companies is around project completion timelines. Not communicating expectations around deadlines is a significant oversight that can jeopardize the success of any corporate video creation. Be upfront about needs for how long pre-production, filming, editing, and final delivery will take.
Production schedules will differ based on scope, but companies need to know what is reasonably feasible within your constraints. Having unrealistic timelines is a recipe for rushing low-quality outcomes or paying additional costs for delays.
Come to agreements on benchmarks and milestone dates to track progress. Establishing a clear timeline from the start sets the stage for smooth collaboration without last-minute panic. - ● Not Hiring a Local Name
While larger, national companies can seem desirable for video production, not seriously considering reputable local options is misguided. Distance brings logistical challenges like increased travel expenditures, difficulty coordinating multiple-day shoots, and issues addressing any production hiccups in person.
Hiring regionally keeps planning and execution simpler to manage. Local production teams also offer inherent advantages – deeper knowledge of filming locations, crew and equipment rental sources, and an invested interest in the community they serve.
Beyond potential savings from avoiding travel, tapping talent plugged into the nearby business scene cultivates relationships that may spark future collaborations. Be aware of nearby companies that can provide convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- ● What should I include in a video production brief?
An effective brief outlines your key objectives, target audience details, timeline, and budget boundaries. It also outlines preferred styles and content elements like logo placement, voiceover scripts, and b-roll footage requirements. Thus, it is sending a detailed brief that sets proper expectations for the project. - ● How do I know if a video production company is reputable?
Check reviews on sites like Clutch and Creatopy. Ask for references and case studies to see portfolio work. Look for companies that have won awards for creative work. Longer tenure and an extensive client list are promising signs of a reputable company. - ● What should be included in a video production quote?
A thorough quote spells out the full project scope, from pre-production through distribution. It itemizes videography, editing, animation, talent, and licensing costs. It also provides delivery format options and retainage terms. Avoid providers with only budget estimates. - ● How do I determine the best video format for my needs?
Consider your content, distribution channels, and audience. Short social clips need a vertical mobile format, while long-form explainers or product videos work well as horizontal widescreen downloads. Test different ratios to see which optimizes viewer attention and completion rates.
Conclusion
While hiring a video production company requires careful planning and consideration, taking the necessary steps upfront can help produce excellent videos to meet your goals.
Don’t risk compromising the quality or effectiveness of your content through hasty or careless choices. Conduct thorough research, get precise bids, and ascertain a provider’s suitability based on portfolio work and client testimonials. Maintain open communication during the process and delivery.
With the right partner supporting your creative vision, you can strengthen your brand and drive meaningful results through high-impact corporate videos. Now, you can choose wisely and avoid the pitfalls others have made before you.
