Hiring a Video Production Company:
12 Steps to Get It Right
Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes
Choosing the right video production company can be a game-changer for your brand.
The right team will not only bring your vision to life but also ensure every dollar spent delivers value.
Before you dive in and sign that contract, let’s go over 12 things you should do to get the most out of your investment—and avoid any nasty surprises along the way.
1. Get Clear on Your Goals Before Hiring a Video Production Company
First things first—what do you actually want this video to achieve?
Whether it’s building brand awareness, generating leads, or educating customers, having a crystal-clear objective is key.
This will help the production team craft a strategy that aligns with your needs.
Pro Tip
Write down your goals and key messages before talking to potential video production companies.
This makes it easier for them to understand your vision from the get-go
Common Mistake
Skipping this step can leave you with a video that looks great but doesn’t drive the results you’re after.
2: Set a Budget That Matches Your Ambitions
Budgeting can be tricky, but it’s crucial.
Video production costs can range widely depending on factors like video length, complexity, and the level of polish you’re after.
Be upfront about what you’re willing to spend so the company can tailor their proposal accordingly.
Budget Planning for Video Production
Pro Tip
Always set aside a buffer for unexpected costs, especially during post-production.
We’ve seen it save clients from a lot of stress!
Common Mistake
Chasing the lowest bid and ending up with a video that doesn’t meet your standards.
Remember, quality work pays off in the long run.
3. Research Potential Companies Before Hiring a Video Production Company
Not all video production companies are the same.
Take the time to look at portfolios, read reviews, and ask for referrals.
Does their style match what you’re looking for?
Have they worked on projects in your industry?
A little research now can save you headaches later.
Pro Tip
Ask to see case studies that show how the company solved problems similar to yours.
This gives you a peek at how they think and execute.
Common Mistake
Overlooking industry experience.
A great generalist might not know the nuances that make your industry tick.
4. Request Proposals—And Compare Them Closely
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, ask for detailed proposals.
These should break down everything from timelines to costs and deliverables.
Look closely at what’s included (and what’s not) to avoid surprises.
Understanding Video Production Proposals
Pro Tip
Look for a proposal that’s clear and easy to understand—if the pitch is confusing, that might be a sign of trouble down the road.
Common Mistake
Focusing only on price.
A lowball offer might miss key elements that would make your video effective.
5. Get the Creative Process Right
Creative alignment is everything.
Make sure you’re on the same page with how the project will be developed—from brainstorming to the final cut.
It’s not just about agreeing on the concept, but also on the steps it’ll take to get there.
Common Mistake
Not clarifying who has the final say on creative decisions.
This can lead to delays or a product that doesn’t meet your vision.
6. Discuss Ownership Rights Early
Ownership can get tricky if it’s not sorted out upfront.
Who owns the finished product?
What about the raw footage?
Make sure these points are crystal clear in your contract to avoid misunderstandings later.
Legal Considerations in Video Production Contracts
Pro Tip
Even if you don’t need the raw footage now, having access to it might be useful if you want to create additional content down the line.
Common Mistake
Assuming you own everything by default.
The fine print often says otherwise!
7. Assess Their Communication Style
You’ll be working closely with your video production team, so good communication is key. Are they responsive?
Do they explain things clearly?
If communication feels off during the early stages, it’s a red flag for how the rest of the project might go.
Building Effective Client-Production Relationships
Pro Tip
Set up regular check-ins to keep everyone aligned and avoid last-minute surprises.
Common Mistake
Ignoring communication issues because you’re impressed by their portfolio.
Both are equally important!
8. Check Their Industry Experience
Experience in your field can make a big difference.
A production company that’s worked with clients like yours will already know some of the pitfalls to avoid and how to make your content resonate with your audience.
Common Mistake
Focusing too much on creative flair without considering whether they truly understand your industry’s needs.
9. Look at Their Post-Production Capabilities
Post-production is where the magic happens. Editing, color grading, sound design—these are the elements that take a good video and make it great.
Ensure the company offers comprehensive post-production services and has examples to back it up.
Maximizing Value with Post-Production Services
Pro Tip
Ask to see before-and-after samples of their editing work so you can judge their ability to elevate raw footage.
Common Mistake
Thinking that once filming is done, the hard work is over.
Post-production often takes more time (and budget) than people expect.
10. Plan for Future Needs
It’s smart to think long-term. Will you need more videos in the future?
Does the company offer retainer packages or content strategy services?
A long-term partnership could save you time and money if video becomes a core part of your marketing.
Common Mistake
Choosing a company that can’t scale with your needs as your business grows.
11. Evaluate Their Creativity and Adaptability
Creativity is a must, but so is flexibility.
You want a team that can think outside the box while also adapting when things don’t go as planned.
Discuss how they handle creative changes, unexpected challenges, and tight deadlines.
Pro Tip
Look for examples where they’ve had to pivot or innovate mid-project—that’s a sign they can handle whatever comes up.
Common Mistake
Overestimating creativity while underestimating the importance of a flexible approach
12. Review Client Testimonials and Case Studies
Hearing from other clients can give you a better sense of what it’s like to work with the company.
Check out testimonials, read case studies, and see if they’ve solved challenges similar to yours.
Testimonials and Success Stories
Pro Tip
Look for specific, detailed testimonials that speak to both the quality of the work and the overall experience of collaborating with the company.
Common Mistake
Relying on overly generic or overly positive reviews without digging deeper into actual case studies.
Hiring a video production company is a big investment, but it doesn’t have to be a gamble. By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for success and get the most out of your budget.
let’s chat about how we can make your vision a reality.
Thinking of creating a standout video for your brand?
Contact Sequoia Films Company today for a free consultation.
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