Nick BuchheitPartnering with a corporate video production company is one of the single most impactful decisions you can make as a marketer. No other media has the power to connect and communicate with your audience at the same level as video.
But, how to know which video production company is right for you?
As the demand for corporate video has skyrocketed in the last couple of years, so has the number of service providers in the space. And choosing the wrong one can end up a costly mistake. So, how to pick the right partner?
There are several factors to consider before you sign a contract and get started with your video production. In this article, we’ll cover five steps that will bring you closer to a decision.
Related reading: 5 Steps To A Successful Video Marketing Strategy
Look Past the Showreel
Many corporate video production companies display a demo reel on the website, combining clips from past productions. It’s easy to be dazzled by a slick showreel set to funky music, but a word of caution is in order. All you get in a demo reel is snippets of projects, but you don’t see how those projects actually turned out.
Always ask to see real, finished projects that clients are using in their marketing. This will give you a much more accurate idea of what you can expect.
Related reading: How to Create Authentic Brand Video – And Why It Matters
Get Clear On Your Budget
One thing to consider when choosing a corporate video production company is the scope of your needs. Sometimes a smaller production company will be easier to work with, and sometimes you’ll need a large team to realize your vision.
Will you be creating a brand video? An educational video? A video ad? Or a corporate video for internal purposes? A large-scale production is not always the best choice. If you’re looking to create work with a more intimate vibe, or have a creative idea that requires thoughtful execution with a strong sense of presence, then a smaller team is often a better choice.
While smaller teams can be more agile and are great for docu-style video, larger teams are usually necessary for more polished and controlled productions.
Related reading: Budgeting For Video Production – How to Decide on The Size Of Your Production
Look For A Creative Fit
Remember that corporate video production is both a craft and an art form. To get the results you’re looking for, you want to find not only a video production company where the price and processes fit your needs. But you also want to find a partner that gets your brand: an agency capable of conveying your message in a creative way that works with your overall branding.
This is why many corporate video production companies don’t deliver. It’s essential to keep in mind how flooded the internet is with videos today and that just making videos will not automatically make you stand out. For your message to catch and keep people’s attention, you need a creative and unique take on your topic and a coherent video marketing strategy to go with it. By choosing an experienced corporate video production company with strong creative skills, you significantly raise your chances for success.
Related reading: Corporate Video – Dos and Don’ts
Read Reviews and Ask For References
The best way to know what it will be like to work with a video production company is to talk to other clients or read their reviews. Asking for references and reading reviews and testimonials will give you an idea of what to expect.
If you get the chance to talk to references, then take the opportunity to really probe and ask things like:
- What was your overall experience?
- Were you happy with the result?
- Was the project delivered on time and within the initial budget?
- Would you work with this agency again?
- What was negative during your collaboration?
Related reading: Covalent’s Video Production Excellence Reviewed On Clutch
Get More Than One Quote
To make sure your project is priced right, always ask for estimates from several video production companies. While it can be tempting to go with the first one that feels good, comparing bids is well worth it as pricing can vary very much.
Before choosing, keep in mind that there’s a difference between price and value. And that it’s the ratio between the two that matters. In reality, a cheap production that doesn’t bring any real value to your marketing campaign is expensive since it’s basically money wasted.
Related reading: Why Bids From Production Companies Vary So Much
You Get What You Pay For
To sum things up, due diligence will help you get the results you’re after. It’s also important to point out that even though there is a broad spectrum of corporate video production companies out there offering services at every price point, you will get what you pay for. There are no shortcuts, and to create a video that will truly impact your company’s bottom line – you will have to invest in quality. However, once you do, you will quickly see that the return on your investment is outstanding compared to most other marketing materials out there.
Covalent is a corporate video production company specializing in creative, authentic video marketing. We can help you with everything from brand video, corporate video, social media video, and animated video to educational video and explainer video. We’re happy to be a part of the whole process, all the way from the ideation stage to the finished product. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help your brand come alive with video!