How to choose a video production company
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, video content reigns supreme. From the halls of tech startups to the boardrooms of international corporations, the demand for compelling video content echoes across industries. It serves as the heartbeat of websites, a guiding compass for employees, a demonstration for clients, and your "in" for potential customers.
Finding the right production company can feel like navigating a labyrinth of choices, each with its own set of considerations. Fear not! In this article, we will specifically discuss the key factors to consider when hiring a video production company and how to evaluate them.
Key Factors:
Portfolio: A portfolio is a collection of completed work for a company or person. A production company should feature a reel that compiles all their work into a short video compilation—I like to think of it as a music video for the portfolio. This video is typically found on a company's landing page, but if it isn't, feel free to reach out and request their most current reel. A reel is imperative for evaluating a production company, especially if you're seeking a specific niche or stylistic approach for your project. However, the reel can't provide all the necessary information. If you like what you see, consider setting up a meeting with their team to discuss your specific needs further.
People: At ATB, we take this factor very seriously. To be honest, most production companies operating at the same level can create similar products, but the experience they provide will be different. This industry has a reputation for being extremely pretentious and exclusive—who wants to feel left out or powerless? We certainly don’t want any of our clients feeling that way, and neither do the people we work with. Who you work with matters, and it determines the care with which your project is handled. Moreover, you'll be working closely with these individuals from concept to completion, so ensure you get a good vibe from your initial meetings. Pay attention to whether they are listening to your vision or simply throwing out ideas.
Experience: A company's experience is closely tied to its portfolio. Often, you can gain a solid glimpse of their range of experience from their portfolio or reel. However, some aspects might be challenging to discern, so it's crucial to initiate these discussions early on. Specifically inquire about the experience or expertise you require. For instance, creating a commercial in a highly trafficked public space demands a production company familiar with necessary permits. Similarly, shooting with a drone requires a skilled, confident, and licensed operator.
Clients: Some video production companies feature reviews on their site, which is more common for smaller companies specializing in events and weddings. B2B-focused companies often showcase client portfolios without reviews. Assessing a company's credibility is better done by reviewing the volume of work they've done with a client and the reputation they hold. If this evaluation doesn't suffice, reach out to the production company, specify what you aim to create, and request appropriate references. At ATB, we're always delighted to share additional sample work and connect you with reputable references because we stand behind our work, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident from start to finish.
We hope this guidance proves helpful, and we're always open to answering any questions as you navigate the process. Your video content can make or break new business, maintain relationships, support employees, and drive sales—it's crucial, so take your time.