Like any industry, Video Production has many, many companies operating (about 130,000 across the world!). So, how do choose one for the video you're looking to make??
Video production Agencies come in all shapes and sizes.
From one, self employed videographer to huge marketing and PR agencies that turn over billions of dollars every year.
Here's my take on it....
STEP 1 - Purpose
Where is your video going? Sounds simple right? hmmm maybe not? Maybe think about it from a different angle of who is the target audience and where do they watch?
Let's say for example you are a company that does amazing things and your customers love you! Your looking to create a bank of slick customer testimonial videos for your website and social media.
STEP 2 - Budget
Everyone's favourite question!
How much do you have in the plan for the videos? Is it £3000 or £300,000? I'm not saying having a higher budget always leads to better results but it will give the agency more flexibility to be creative.
STEP 3 - Brief
Not the type your nan wears.
Pulling together something that will show the agency what you want is a good idea. It could include the target audience, style and tone to match your business and a little bit about your business.
Putting as much info into this as possible is always a good thing and any agency worth their salt will want to grill you about this.
STEP 4 - Shortlist
What do you value in an agency? Location? Previous projects?
Have a think about what's most important to you.
Perhaps having a local agency is most important as you want to be quite involved.
Or do you want to be hands off and select a video production company that specialises in testimonials?
In most cases, getting online and firing up Google will be a great starting point. Have a look around, search for video production companies that have a style you like and awesome looking video examples. Then just drop them a message.
STEP 5 - Meeting
Get a call or meeting set up to talk about your projects with 2 or 3 agencies that you like the work of.
I'd like to throw in here that its best to have a really quick chat about timelines and budgets. You don't want to waste anyone's time.
A huge agency with large overheads is likely not going to be able to do what you need with a budget of a few thousand pounds. Whereas a small agency may be able to but may not be able to meet you timelines.
The agencies will then come back with quotes for the work which should include some creative and timelines.
STEP 6 - Choose
You've got 2 or 3 quotes and you now need to make a decision.
Bare in mind that cheapest is rarely best!
"Of course you'd say that!" I hear you shout.
I've been around for a while and I have had the "we went with someone more aligned to us" (code for cheaper) conversation so many times, for the client to get back to me weeks or months later letting me know it didn't work out. For us to then either start from scratch or try to pick up where the "more aligned" agency left off. Not great.
Be weary of any quote that promises significantly shorter timelines than the others. They may be making promises they can't keep to win your work. If they keep the promise, chances are the work won't be to the standard discussed unless the cost is significantly higher.
It reminds more of that old saying;
Law #1: You can have it Good and Fast, but it won't be Cheap.
Law #2: You can have it Good and Cheap, but it won't be Fast.
Law #3: You can have it Cheap and Fast, but it won't be Good.
You have to pick 2 out of the 3 values which align with your goals. 9 times out of 10 thats going to be good service and an awesome end product, Law #1
FIN
That's about it.
Message us if you have any questions or would like any advice -
Louis
PS. If you have a need for customer testimonial videos we can help! we've worked across a vast array of industries for hundreds of customers.
Check out our page below for more info
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