What is video production? 

Before we get started with the main deal, you must understand what video production is and why it's essential for businesses. 

Video production refers to creating video content, from conceptualization to post-production. It involves several stages, including pre-production planning, production, and post-production. Video production can serve various purposes: marketing, training, education, and entertainment. 

Video production is essential to any business's marketing and communication strategies. Studies have shown that videos can increase website traffic, generate leads, and boost sales. 

But to ensure that your videos meet your business goals, hiring a professional video production company is essential.

How to find a video production company 

So now you know how vital a good video can impact your business, how do you find a video production company? One that can make you a jaw-dropping and irresistible video for your business? 

We've outlined in detail below all you need to know; 

Identifying Your Video Production Needs 

Before you search for a video production company, you need to identify your video production needs. Here are some factors to consider: 

1. What types of Videos do you need? 

Businesses can create various types of videos. These can include promotional, explainer, product demos, training, and testimonials. You need to identify the types of videos that your business needs to create. 

One of the most critical steps in finding the best video production company for your firm's needs is identifying the types of videos that can help you achieve your objectives. Otherwise, you may need help settling on a video production company. Here are some of the commonest types of videos that businesses can create; 

• Promotional Videos 

Promotional videos showcase your products or services and generate interest among your desired audience. These videos highlight your brand's unique selling points. These may include quality, value, or innovation. 

Businesses can use promotional videos on their website. They can also use them on their social media platforms and email marketing campaigns to promote their brand. 

• Explainer Videos 

Explainer videos are a type of video that can help explain complex concepts and products to your desired audience. Businesses can use these videos can to introduce new products or services. They can as well use them to explain how their company operates or even show how your product works. Usually, they're animated or live-action. They are often accompanied by voiceovers or on-screen text to provide clear explanations. 

• Product Demo Videos 

Product demo videos are essential for businesses that want to showcase their products and features. These videos provide a detailed look at your product's functionality. It reveals the benefits and applications of your product. This gives potential customers a better understanding of what your product can do for them. They are often used in product launches, trade shows, and websites. 

• Training Videos 

Training videos are useful for companies that offer products or services that need training for proper usage. These videos help train employees or customers on using your products. This is helpful in reducing customer support issues and improving customer satisfaction. Businesses can also use them in employee training programs or customer training courses. 

• Testimonial Videos 

Testimonial videos are powerful tools that can help you build trust with your desired audience. These videos feature satisfied customers who share their experiences with your products or services. Their testimony can be used to persuade potential customers to choose your brand. You can use these videos on your website and social media platforms. You can as well use them to supercharge your sales presentations. 

2. What are the Objectives and Goals for the Videos? 

Before you start working with a video production company, what do you want to achieve with your videos? Are you looking to generate leads, increase brand awareness, educate your target audience, or drive sales? 

Identifying your objectives ensures that your videos can help you achieve your desired outcomes. Here are questions to ask yourself when defining your video objectives and goals; 

• Who is your target audience, and what are their pain points?  

When creating videos for your business, it's important to understand the audience you're aiming at and their pain points. This means getting to know their needs and challenges. This can help you create videos that resonate with them and provide solutions to their problems. 

For example, let's say you are a company that provides software solutions for small businesses. Your audience might be small business owners looking to streamline their operations. If you identify a pain point, such as Inefficient communication between team members and departments, you can create videos that address the pain point. 

For instance, you could create a video demonstrating how your software can help small businesses communicate seamlessly by providing a centralized collaboration and project management platform. 

• What message do you plan to convey through your videos?  

Your message in your videos should align with your brand's values and business strategy. 

Aligning your video message with your brand's values helps to differentiate you from competitors. This can help you build a stronger connection with your desired audience. It also aids in building brand loyalty and driving more leads and sales for your business. 

• How will you measure the success of your videos?  

Defining your KPIs, the acronym for key performance Indicators, goes a long way in helping you check the effectiveness of your videos. It also enables you to determine if they are helping you achieve your business objectives. 

For instance, if the desired goal is to generate leads, your KPIs may be one or more of the following: 

1. The total number of leads generated. 
2. The rate of conversion from viewers to leads 
3. The cost per lead (CPC). 

If you want to increase brand awareness, your KPIs will differ. They may include; the number of views, social media shares, and website traffic generated by your videos. 

Also, in defining KPIs, it's important to track as well as analyze the data from your videos to see how they are performing. This can help you point out areas where you can improve your videos to achieve your business objectives. 

For instance, if your KPIs show that your videos are generating a lot of views but few leads or conversions, you may need to improve the call-to-action (CTA) 

3. What are your Distribution Channels? 

Where does your target audience consume video content? Before creating videos, it's important to understand where your target audience consumes video content. This allows you to only distribute your videos through the channels where they're most likely to be viewed. 

If your target audience uses social media, you should focus on creating videos for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And suppose your target audience is more likely to consume video content on YouTube or Vimeo. In that case, you should create longer-form videos that can be shared and discovered through those platforms. 

It's also important to consider other distribution channels. Try to explore other channels beyond social media and video-sharing platforms. You can embed videos on your website or include them in email newsletters to reach your existing audience. 

Researching Video Production Companies 

Once you have identified your video production needs, the next step is to research video production companies. Here are some sage methods to consider; 

1. Online Search 

Online search is a simple yet effective way to find video production companies in your area. You can access a wealth of information about different companies and their services with a few clicks. You can use search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo to get started. Next is to type in keywords like "video production company near me" or "corporate video production company." 

This simple search will show several potential video production companies you can work with. For example, on Google, be sure to have a list of businesses in and around your area. These companies have listed their service on a 'Google My Business" (GMB) profile. 

Once you've identified potential companies, visiting their websites and reviewing their portfolio is important. Look for videos similar in style or tone to the type of video you want to create and check the quality of their work. You can also check if they have case studies or client testimonials on their GMB listing or website. Doing this allows you to see if they have a track record of delivering high-quality videos and satisfied clients. 

Researching the company's team and credentials is also a good idea. Look for information on their experience, expertise, and qualifications. You have to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to meet your business needs. 

2. Referrals and Recommendations 

Referrals and recommendations can be powerful tool in finding a video production company. You can ask your networks, colleagues, business partners, friends, and family for recommendations. 

For instance, if you are attending an industry conference, you can network with other professionals and ask if they have worked with a video production company that they would recommend. You can also contact your social media network and ask for referrals. 

Another way to get referrals is by contacting businesses in your industry or related that have created videos you admire. You can ask them about the video production company they used and whether they would recommend them. This can be especially helpful if you seek a company with experience in a particular niche or industry. 

3. Industry Associations and Directories 

Industry associations and directories are useful resources for finding qualified video production companies. ProductionHUB, for instance, is an online directory that connects businesses with video production professionals across various industries. 

By searching ProductionHUB's directory, you can filter your search by Location, type of production, and other factors to find the best video production companies that fit your needs. 

Another industry association that can help you find a reliable video production company is the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP). The AICP is a non-profit organization representing the interests of independent commercial production companies in the United States. They offer a directory of their members, including some of the industry's most prominent video production companies. 

Evaluating Video Production Companies 

Once you have identified potential video production companies, the next step is to check them based on several factors. These may include; 

1. Portfolio and Samples 

Reviewing their portfolio and samples is essential when searching for a video production company. This will give you a glimpse of their quality of work, production style, and expertise. A good portfolio should showcase a range of videos the company has produced. Their portfolio should include promotional videos, explainer videos, training videos, and testimonials. 

As you review the portfolio, pay attention to the quality of the video, the production value, and the storytelling. The videos should be appealing, engaging, and have a clear message. Ensure the video production company you choose has experience in creating videos that align with your brand's voice. 

It's also important to review samples of videos that are like the type of video you want to create. As instance, if you want to make a product demo video, look for samples of product demo videos in the company's portfolio. This will give you a background overview of how the company approaches producing that type of video and what you can expect from them. 

Feel free to ask for extra samples or references from previous clients. This can help you get a complete picture of the video production company's capabilities and the quality of their work. 

2. Expertise and Capabilities 

When searching for a video production company, it's important to consider their expertise. For example, if you're looking to create a promotional video for a new product launch, you'll want to work with a company with experience creating compelling promotional videos. 

Also, a competent video production company should have the right tools to make high-quality videos. For example, they should have access to high-end cameras, lighting equipment, and editing software. They should also have a team of experienced professionals. These may include directors, producers, camera operators, and editors, who can help bring your vision to life. 

It's also important to consider a company's ability to work with you to create a video that meets your specific needs. A good video production company should be able to guide you on the best approach while also listening to your ideas and feedback. 

3. Reputation and Reviews 

Checking a video production company's reputation is essential in choosing the right company to work with. By reading reviews on Google, Yelp, and other review sites, you can get an idea of the experiences that previous clients have had with the company. You can learn about their strengths and weaknesses and understand how they interact with clients. 

4. Customer Service and Communication 

Customer service and communication are essential when choosing a video production company. You want to work with a company that is easy to work with. One that understands your needs and communicates with you throughout the production process. 

You want to work with a company that values your business and is committed to providing you with the best possible service. So look for a company that has clear communication channels. This may be a dedicated project manager who can answer your questions and provide updates on the production process. A good video production company should also be responsive to your needs and willing to make necessary changes or revisions. 

Budgeting for Video Production 

Budgeting is an essential aspect of video production. Here are some factors to put into consideration when budgeting for video production; 

1. Cost Factors to Consider 

Video production costs can vary depending on several factors. Make sure to discuss the below factors with your video production company to ensure you get an accurate estimate. 

Here are some examples of cost factors to consider; 

• Type of Video 

The cost of producing different types of videos can vary. Usually, an animated explainer video can cost less than a live-action promotional video. The simple reason is that the former requires only skilled animators and a character developer. The latter will involve getting actors on stage, shooting, and editing post-production. 

• Production Quality 

The quality of the video production can affect the cost. For example, shooting in 4K resolution with high-end camera equipment will likely cost more than shooting in standard HD resolution. 

• Duration 

Longer videos will generally cost more than shorter ones, as they need more time and resources. 

• Location 

The Location of the shoot can also affect the cost. If the shoot requires travel to a different city or country, the travel expenses and logistics will add to the overall cost. 

• Editing and Post-Production 

The cost of editing and post-production can vary depending on the project's complexity. For example, it will cost more if the video requires extensive visual effects or color grading. 

• Talent and Crew 

The cost of talent and crew can add up quickly. For example, the cost will be higher if the video requires professional actors or a large crew, unlike when the video is shot with non-professional actors and a smaller crew. 

• Distribution 

The cost of Distribution should also be considered, as it can affect your budget. For example, the cost will be higher if the video needs to be translated into many languages or distributed on multiple platforms. 

2. Setting Realistic Budgets 

When setting a budget for your video production project, it's essential to consider your business objectives and needs. A realistic budget can help you achieve your goals and results without compromising on the quality of the final video. 

To set a realistic budget, you should determine what video type you want to create. You should determine the purpose and how it will be used to achieve your business objectives. For example, a 30-second social media ad may have a different budget than a 10-minute promotional video for your website. 

Another factor to consider when setting a budget is the production quality you aim for. High-quality productions may need more resources, time, and expertise, increasing costs. On the other hand, if you're working with a small budget, you may have to sacrifice some of the production quality to stay within your budget. 

3. Negotiating with Video Production Companies 

Feel free to negotiate with video production companies. Ask for a breakdown of costs and explore ways to reduce costs without compromising quality. 

The Video Production Process 

Understanding the video production steps can help you work with your company. Here are the three stages of video production you should know; 

1. Pre-Production Planning 

Pre-production planning is a critical stage in video production. It involves laying the foundation for the entire project. During this stage, you will work with your video production company to develop the frame of the video. This may include a concept, script, storyboard, and schedule for the video. 

Concept development involves brainstorming ideas for your video. It includes the message you want to convey, the style of the video, and the target audience. Once you have a clear concept, you can start writing the script that aligns with the message you want to convey. 

Storyboarding simply means creating a visual representation of the script. It involves creating a series of drawings or illustrations that depict each shot and camera angle in the video. It is an essential step in video production. This is because it helps you visualize the final product and make necessary adjustments before filming begins. 

Afterward scheduling. It involves planning the shoot days, location scouting, casting, and other logistical aspects of the project. Establishing a timeline that allows for adequate filming, and post-production work is crucial. 

2. Production Phase 

The production phase involves filming the video based on the pre-production plan. During this phase, the video production team will start recording the footage. All aspects of the shoot must be handled professionally to ensure that the final product meets the desired quality standards. 

The video production company will use professional equipment to capture quality footage. They'll handle all the shoot's technical aspects. These include the lighting, sound, and camera work. 

They will also work with the talent. Whether they are actors or company employees, they'll work to ensure they deliver their lines or actions as per the script and storyboard. 

Additionally, the production team will oversee any special effects. This includes animations or other post-production elements filmed during the shoot. 

3. Post-Production Phase 

In the post-production phase, the video production company takes all the footage captured during the production phase and begins the process of editing. They'll add the sound design and special effects as planned at this stage. They will work with you to ensure the final product meets your expectations and aligns with your business objectives. 

During editing, the video production company will review all the footage and select the best shots that fit the story and your message. They will then edit these shots into a coherent narrative. The edits will include adding transitions, music, and sound effects to enhance the viewer's experience. 

Sound design involves adding or manipulating audio elements to the video. This can include dialogue, voiceovers, music, and sound effects. A professional video production company will ensure that the audio is clear and enhances the impact of the video. 

Special effects can be added to the video during post-production to enhance the visual experience. This can include animations, motion graphics, and visual effects. These can make the video more engaging and appealing. 

Legal and Contractual Considerations to Bear in Mind 

When working with a video production company, it's essential to consider the legal and contractual aspects of the partnership. It's sad to recall that many businesses fell into ditches because of their ignorance. Here are some factors to consider; 

1. Intellectual Property Rights 

Intellectual property rights refer to the legal ownership and control of creative works, such as videos, music, and literature. Complete ownership of the video will allow you to use and distribute it as you see fit without any limitations. 

When hiring a video production company, it's crucial to ensure you own the intellectual property rights to the video they create. This means you have the legal right to use and distribute the video without limitations or legal issues. 

To ensure you fully own the video, you should discuss intellectual property rights with the video production company before signing any agreements. The contract should state that you own the video's copyright and all associated intellectual property rights. 

Suppose the video production company used any third-party materials, such as music or stock footage. In that case, you should also ensure they have acquired all the licenses and permissions to use those materials. Otherwise, you could face legal issues if you use the video commercially. 

2. Licensing and Permits 

Ensure the video production company obtains all necessary licenses. This includes all permits for filming in specific locations or using copyrighted material. 

For instance, if you plan to film in a public space or on private property, you may need to get filming permits from the relevant authorities. Additionally, if you plan to use copyrighted material, such as music, you must get licenses or permissions from the copyright owner. 

A professional video production company should know these legal requirements. Hence they should help you in obtaining the necessary licenses and permits every step of the way. Ensuring you have all the required licenses and permits can avoid potential legal issues that may arise during or after the video production process. 

3. Contract Terms and Conditions 

When it comes to contracting with a video production company, it's crucial to review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing. This legally binding agreement outlines the project's scope, the responsibilities of each party, and the payment terms. 

It's important to ensure that the contract reflects your business needs. Ensure that the contract includes all the details discussed during the pre-production planning stage. It should include details such as the script, storyboard, and schedule for the video 

Additionally, review the payment terms. Double-check the payment schedule and any penalties for changes to the project. Ensure that you understand the intellectual property rights of the video. Make sure also that all necessary licenses and permits have been obtained. 

Discuss any areas of concern or disagreement with the contract terms with the video production company and negotiate any necessary changes. This will ensure that the final product meets your expectations and that both parties are satisfied with the project's outcome. 

In Summary 

Finding the right video production company is essential to creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience. You can select a company that meets your needs by considering factors such as expertise, reputation, customer service, and cost. 

Always set realistic budgets, plan thoroughly, and review contract terms carefully. That's how to make video production successful. 

If you're a business owner looking to create engaging video content, don't hesitate to take action and find a video production company to help you achieve your business objectives. Contact a reputable video production company today and take the first step in bringing your vision to life!