Choosing the right video production company is important for any business investing in video production. However, it can be challenging if you aren’t sure of what to look for. It’s easy to be swayed by a flashy demo reel and affordable prices, but these factors alone often don’t guarantee you’re choosing the right team.

To ensure success, there are several key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a video production company. These include assessing their expertise and experience, understanding their creative process, diving into their strategy for ensuring the video generates your desired result, evaluating their communication skills, checking their client testimonials, and yes – of course, reviewing their portfolio of videos. By paying attention to these essential factors, you can set yourself up for a successful video production experience.

In this complete guide, we will explore these key considerations in greater detail and provide you with the necessary insights regarding how to choose a video production company.

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1.) QUESTIONS TO ASK VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANIES

The questions you ask in the initial conversations with video production companies can make all the difference in determining the success of your project. Here are some questions that you can ask that will determine if a company is a right fit for your specific project:

1. What is your level of expertise and experience with video marketing?

By asking this question, you can gain insight into the company’s level of knowledge and experience in the video marketing field. You want to hear about their track record of success and any experience they have in a related or similar industry.

2. What experience do you have supporting video marketing campaigns in our specific industry?

Although this seems like an important question, it’s actually less relevant than you might think. The video production process remains the same regardless of the industry being worked in, however, it is the strategy and ability to reverse engineer the desired result that matters. At YSA, we are video consultants and our emphasis is on marketing and sales psychology.

3. How much of the video production process do you conduct/produce in-house, and what parts of the process do you rely on subcontractors to provide?

This question will help you understand how involved the company is in the video production process and whether they outsource any parts of the process to third-party vendors. You want to hear that they have a reliable network of subcontractors, but also that they have control over the critical aspects of the production process.

4. Of the entire video marketing process, where are you the strongest and where are you the weakest?

This question will help you understand the company’s strengths and weaknesses in the video production process. You want to hear that they have a well-rounded team with expertise in all aspects of video production.

5. In your experience, what are the metrics that you believe to be the most important in analyzing the success of a video marketing campaign? (Relative to your specific goals)

Understanding the key performance metrics that the company believes are most important will help you evaluate its approach to measuring success. You want to hear that they align with your specific goals and that they have a clear strategy for measuring success.

6. Are you willing to enter into a flexible agreement to support us as we grow our own in-house video production capabilities, and take on more of the process ourselves?

This question will help you understand the company’s willingness to work with you as you expand your own in-house video production capabilities. Before making a final decision, you want to know that they are open to flexibility and willing to support your long-term goals. Regardless of whether you have the team size to support in-house production, at minimum you want to ensure the company you choose can support

2.) HOW TO COMPARE ESTIMATES & PROPOSALS

When comparing estimates or proposals for your video project, you may encounter drastic differences in price based solely on how the scope of the project is interpreted. This can make it challenging to determine which production company is the right fit for your specific needs.

To avoid miscommunication and ensure that you receive accurate estimates from potential video production companies, it’s essential to establish a rough budget and project goals before requesting quotes. This can help companies provide realistic proposals that align with your expectations.

Rather than simply asking for the cost of a certain length of video, it’s recommended that you ask potential production companies what kind of results they can achieve within your budget and timeframe. This can help you gain a better understanding of each company’s capabilities and limitations and make an informed decision based on their ability to meet your specific needs and goals.

Ultimately, taking the time to compare estimates and proposals can help you choose a video production company that delivers high-quality results within your budget and timeframe. By approaching the process with a clear understanding of your project goals and budget, you can ensure that you make an informed decision and get the most value for your investment.

3.) GO BEYOND THE DEMO REEL

When it comes to choosing between video production companies, it’s essential to look beyond the demo reel and dig deeper into their track record. While a demo reel can provide insight into a company’s capabilities and style, it’s important to verify their experience in producing a high quality video similar to what you have in mind for your target audience.

One effective way to do this is by reviewing a production company’s list of past clients and contacting them directly to collect feedback on their experience working together. This can help you gain a better understanding of the company’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall track record, and help you make an informed decision based on their ability to deliver the results you need.

In addition to past client feedback, it’s also a good idea to review a production company’s portfolio and case studies to gain insight into their approach, process, and overall quality of work. By taking a comprehensive approach to evaluating potential production companies, you can ensure that you choose a partner who not only has the skills and expertise to bring your vision to life but also the track record to back it up.

4.) INQUIRE ABOUT STRATEGY

A successful video requires a well thought-out strategy that targets your desired audience and achieves the desired results. When choosing a video production company, it’s important to inquire about the company’s video strategy process.

Ask how the company plans to ensure that the video message is tailored to your specific audience and goals. Vague answers may indicate that the company lacks the capability to achieve your desired result. On the other hand, a good sign is a company that asks in-depth questions about your business, your ideal customers, and your future plans.

While videographers and independent producers may focus solely on the creative aspect, a professional production company should have a solid video strategy in place before starting the production process. Keep in mind that even the most visually stunning video won’t achieve the desired results if it doesn’t address your customer’s pains and problems, whether its a sales or marketing video or hiring/internal training.

5.) ASSESS THEIR PROPOSAL

Knowing how to assess a proposal is an important step in determining the company’s professionalism and ability to handle your project.

While newer videographers or independent producers may not have as in-depth systems or processes in place, this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t capable of handling your videos. However, if you’re looking for a team with more experience in the industry who can guide you in the right direction, it can be a good indicator of their expertise.

One way to assess a production company’s experience is by analyzing their proposal, videos, and any other materials they provide. Take note of the effort that goes into their marketing material and the level of detail in their proposal. This can give you a good idea of how long they’ve been in business and the amount of care they put into their work.

It’s worth noting that both big and small production teams have their pros and cons. However, the systems they have in place can provide insight into their processes and whether or not they’re a good fit for your project. By carefully assessing their proposal and other materials, you can make an informed decision and choose a video production company that aligns with your project goals and expectations.

FINAL THOUGHTS WHEN CHOOSING A VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY

In conclusion, choosing the right video production company can make a significant difference in the success of your project. By asking the right questions, comparing estimates and proposals, and establishing a strong relationship with a production partner, you can ensure that your video marketing campaigns achieve your desired results and meet your business goals.

While the process may seem overwhelming at first, taking the time to research and evaluate potential production companies can pay off in the long run. Whether you’re looking to create promotional videos or launch a full-scale video marketing campaign, finding the right production partner can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to get started with your video project, we invite you to book a discovery call with our team today. Our experienced video production experts can answer any questions you have about the production process and help you determine if our services are the right fit for your needs.