How To Hire a Production Company In 8 Steps

Imagine you’re in charge of a big project. Your team has done a great job developing an overall vision and detailed plan. But as you near the finish line, you realize you’ve overlooked one crucial detail: video content creation. It’s time to create a video (or a few) to showcase your project, relay important information to your audience, or highlight your sponsors. The problem? You have no video experience, and the clock is ticking. In a panic, you Google how to make a video. Sure, you find some tips that help you get started. But you really need to hire a production company to take over the project so you can focus on what matters. This article will help you do just that. You’ll learn the best tips and strategies for hiring a video production company that meets your unique needs.

Moonb is a video marketing agency specializing in helping businesses like yours create engaging video content. Our team can help alleviate the overwhelm of video content creation and guide you through hiring a production company if that’s your chosen route.

What Does A Production Company Do?

A production company plays a crucial role in creating video content, handling everything from the initial concept to the final polished product. Whether it's a promotional video for a brand, a corporate training film, or a social media ad, production companies manage all video production’s technical and creative elements. Here's a closer look at what a video production company does:

Pre-Production Planning 

Before any filming begins, production companies work with clients to plan and organize the video. This stage includes:

• Developing a concept
• Scripting
• Storyboarding
• Determining the budget and timeline for the project. 

They also manage the logistics of the shoot, such as:

• Location scouting
• Casting actors
• Hiring crew members
• Securing any necessary permits

This foundational work ensures that production runs smoothly. 

Filming/Production 

Once everything is in place, the production phase begins. The company is responsible for: 

• Filming the content
• Whether on location
• In a studio
• A combination of both

During this phase, the production company handles the technical aspects to ensure high-quality footage is captured, such as:

• Setting up cameras
• Lighting
• Sound equipment

Their expertise ensures that all visual and audio elements are top-notch, crucial for creating engaging and professional content. 

Post-Production 

After the filming wraps, the raw footage is handed over to the post-production team, where the magic of editing happens. Post-production ensures a consistent look and feel. It includes:

• Selecting the best shots
• Trimming the footage
• Adding music
• Sound effects
• Voiceovers
• Graphics
• Color grading

This stage is where the story is crafted and polished into a final, cohesive product that aligns with the client’s brand and message. 

Distribution and Marketing Support 

Some production companies also assist with distributing the finished video across different platforms. They help clients choose the channels for maximum reach, whether it’s:

• YouTube
• Social media
• Television
• Company website

They may also offer advice on optimizing the video for search engines or boosting engagement through video marketing strategies. 

Why Video Production Matters 

In a world where video makes up 82.5% of all online content, its importance can’t be overstated. Video allows brands to educate, inform, persuade, and emotionally connect with their audiences. With 3.1 billion online video viewers annually, production companies are essential for helping brands stand out and create content that cuts through:

• The noise
• Engages viewers
• Aligns with marketing goals

For businesses, having professionally produced video content enhances:

• Credibility
• Attracts attention
• Drives engagement

Whether a large corporation or a small retailer, video is an effective way to reach audiences and communicate messages in a format that’s easy to consume and highly engaging.

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How To Hire a Production Company In 8 Steps

1. Define Your Project Needs

Defining your video production needs before contacting companies will help you communicate your expectations effectively:

• Determine the type of video you need. Is it a promotional video, corporate training video, documentary, or event coverage? Knowing the specific type will help you narrow down companies specializing in your category. 
• Establish a realistic budget range. Video production costs vary greatly depending on the final product’s complexity, duration, and quality. A well-defined budget will help avoid overspending or engaging companies out of your financial range. 
• Set a clear timeline for the project, including: some text
  • Key milestones 
  • Deadlines
  • Overall delivery date.

This is crucial for the production company to manage their resources and meet your expectations within the time frame.

2. Research and Shortlist Companies

Finding the right production company involves thorough research, which can be broken down into several steps. Start by reaching out to your professional network. Colleagues, business contacts, or friends who have worked on video projects may provide you with reliable recommendations. Personal referrals often lead to trusted and proven companies. 

Use search engines and dedicated platforms to find local and national video production companies. Look for companies that specialize in the specific type of video content you need, whether:

• Commercial
• Corporate
• Documentary-style production

Once you have a list of potential companies, review their portfolios and demo reels. Pay attention to the quality of their work, style, and clients they've worked with. Make sure their previous work aligns with your project’s vision.

3. Evaluate Their Expertise

When you’ve narrowed your list of candidates, it’s time to dig deeper into their qualifications. While video production skills are transferable, it's a bonus if the company has experience in your specific industry. This can give them better insight into your audience, messaging, and overall goals, allowing them to create impactful content tailored to your needs. Ask about their production workflow from:

• Pre-production some text
  • Concept development
  • Scriptwriting
  • Storyboarding
• Post-productionsome text
  • Editing
  • Color correction
  • Sound design

A transparent, well-organized process ensures the project runs smoothly and on time. Find out who will be working on your project. Production quality can vary greatly depending on the team’s skill set. Check if they have:

• Videographers
• Editors
• Directors
• Sound engineers
• Animators

It’s important to know if you’re hiring a full-service production team or if they outsource parts of the process.

4. Create a Request for Proposal (RFP)

To ensure potential production companies understand your project, create an RFP outlining all the key elements. Detail what you want to achieve, the length of the video, the overall style, and the audience you're targeting. Provide a rough budget range so companies can give you realistic proposals. Specify the video’s goals, such as:

• Increasing brand awareness
• Driving conversions
• Educating your audience

Include references to any existing videos or visual elements that align with what you're hoping to create. This can help guide their creative direction. An RFP ensures that each company can provide a tailored proposal based on your specific needs, saving time during selection.

5. Conduct Interviews

Once you’ve reviewed proposals, conducting interviews with your top choices is essential. Discuss their creative vision for your project and how they plan to bring your ideas to life. Are they receptive to your input? Do they have innovative suggestions to elevate the project? Ask about any past challenges they’ve faced during production and how they handled them.

A company’s ability to adapt and problem-solve is a good indicator of its professionalism. Inquire about projects similar to yours that they've worked on. Understanding their experience tackling comparable challenges helps gauge how well they’ll execute your vision.

6. Check References

Before finalizing your decision, getting feedback from previous clients is crucial. Ask for a list of references from the company’s recent clients. A reputable production company should be happy to provide this. When you reach out to these references, ask about the company’s reliability, communication, ability to meet deadlines, and the overall quality of the final product. This step can give you valuable insights into the company’s professionalism and how it handles real-world projects.

7. Negotiate Terms

Once you’ve selected a production company, it’s time to finalize the details. Ensure that everything, including the project scope, deliverables, timelines, and payment schedules, is documented in a contract. Discuss any potential additional costs, such as:

• Licensing fees
• Equipment rental
• Revisions 

Make sure they're included in the agreement. Clarify what you will receive at the end of the project. This may consist of:

• The final video
• Raw footage
• Additional social media edits

An explicit written agreement will help avoid misunderstandings later on and ensure both parties are on the same page.

8. Maintain Communication

Maintaining open and consistent communication throughout the project is essential to achieving the desired outcome. Establish regular check-ins or update meetings with the production team to ensure everything is aligned with your vision. Be available to provide feedback during production, especially during critical stages such as storyboarding and initial edits. 

Clear and constructive communication will help the production team deliver a final product that meets your expectations. 

How Moonb’s Subscription-Based Video Editing Transforms Marketing with Seamless Project Integration

Moonb is a video marketing agency offering unlimited video editing subscriptions. We offer seamless project management integration via:

• Trello
• Slack
• MS Teams 

We also have weekly strategy calls and a contract-free, full-service production approach. Moonb is a superior alternative to:

• Traditional video agencies
• Freelancers
• In-house production teams

Our flexible, subscription-based model, combined with our expertise in creating compelling video content, positions us as the ideal partner for companies looking to elevate their marketing and educational initiatives through the power of video. Start a 3-day free trial to take your content to the next level. 

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Why You Should Hire a Professional Video Production Company

Professionalism: Expert Video Creators Deliver High-Quality Results

Hiring a professional video production company offers several key advantages that ensure your video content is of the highest quality and effectively meets your business goals. 

Professionalism 

Video production companies are professionals with experience and knowledge that allows them to craft high-quality video content. These companies have a team of specialists across all production areas who know how to get the most from your videos, from:

• Videographers
• Video editors
• Sound engineers
• Other professionals

Every aspect of your video shoot is handled professionally, from planning to post-production. 

The Right Equipment 

Video production agencies can access state-of-the-art equipment that specialized film industry professionals use. This equipment is expensive to rent or purchase. The company comprises a team of experts who will also know how to use the equipment to deliver the best results. Most companies have backup equipment that can be used to prevent technical issues or delays during the shoot.

4. Videography Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

A professional video production company brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to your project. With experience in various types of productions, they understand the nuances of creating compelling video content, whether it’s a:

• High-energy sporting event
• Corporate branded content
• Human interest stories

Their expertise ensures that every important detail, from camera angles to lighting and sound, is carefully managed, delivering a polished, professional video that effectively tells your story.

5. Leave the Video Stress Behind

Coordinating a video shoot involves numerous moving parts, from scheduling to equipment setup and crew management. Hiring a video production company can offload the technical and logistical burdens, allowing you to focus on your business or event. From pre-production planning to filming and post-production editing, they handle all the details, ensuring a stress-free experience while delivering a high-quality final product.

6. High-Quality Post-Production

The editing phase transforms raw footage into a polished, cohesive video. Professional production teams excel in:

• Post-production
• Enhancing audio
• Adding special effects
• Aligning the final product with your marketing goals

This meticulous editing ensures that your video looks excellent, aligns with your brand’s identity, and delivers the right message to your audience.

7. Consistency with Brand Identity

Maintaining brand consistency is crucial in any corporate or branded video. A professional production company understands the importance of aligning your video’s visual and audio elements with your:

• Brand’s style
• Tone
• Messaging 

They ensure every detail reflects your brand identity, helping to reinforce your brand’s values and message in every frame, whether it’s the:

• Color palette
• Graphics
• Music
• Voiceovers

8. Enhanced Audience Engagement

Video is one of the most powerful forms of content for capturing attention and driving engagement. Professional video producers know how to create videos that look good and engage viewers, encouraging them to take action. Through their expertise in:

• Pacing
• Storytelling
• Audience understanding

They create content that captivates viewers, making your brand stand out and driving meaningful engagement.

9. Flexibility and Scalability for Different Needs

Professional video production companies offer flexibility and scalability to match your project requirements. Whether you need a short promotional clip, an in-depth documentary, or dynamic content for social media, they can adapt to your needs. This ensures you receive a customized solution that fits your budget while maintaining the highest quality standards.

10. Time Efficiency and Quick Turnaround

Video production involves several stages: planning, filming, editing, and final delivery. By leveraging their expertise and resources, professional production companies can streamline this process, delivering high-quality videos within your desired timeframe. This is particularly important for time-sensitive projects, like event videography, where quick turnaround is essential to keep the content relevant and impactful.

11. Improved Return on Investment (ROI)

Investing in professional video production is about more than aesthetics—it’s about results. A well-produced video can be used across multiple platforms, maximizing your marketing reach and enhancing your brand’s visibility. A professionally crafted video offers a strong return on investment, serving as a valuable asset in your marketing toolkit, whether it’s driving: 

• Engagement
• Boosting brand credibility
• Increasing conversions

12. Efficient Production Process

A professional video production company brings your project a structured and efficient workflow. Their team works together to ensure the video meets high standards and is delivered on time, including experienced:

• Directors
• Editors
• Sound engineers 

This organized approach saves you time and guarantees that the final product is:

• Cohesive
• Visually appealing
• Aligned with your brand’s goals

13. Outsourced Creative Storytelling

More than just technicians, professional video producers are creative storytellers. They understand how to craft a narrative that resonates with your audience, whether a:

• Promotional video
• Documentary
• Human interest piece

Focusing on storytelling elements ensures your video is engaging and effectively communicates your brand’s message, such as:

• Pacing
• Transitions
• Sound effects
• Color grading

This creative expertise turns ordinary footage into a compelling story, connecting emotionally with viewers.

Top 6 Factors To Consider When Evaluating A Video Production Company

1. Portfolio Work & Demo Reel: Finding the Right Style for Your Project

When researching video production companies, start by looking at their portfolio. You want to see examples of their past work to understand their style and quality. Does their style match the one you are looking for? 

Check their demo reel to see the company’s best work. The demo reel should not be your deciding factor in hiring a video production company. You are looking at a collection of snippets from different videos. So, make sure to look at their full videos. 

2. Testimonials from Clients: A Good Way to Gauge Reputation

Take time to read individual testimonials about the company. Reviews from previous clients are more credible than anything a video production company says about itself. Focus on: 

• Comments about the products they delivered
• The customer service, how easy they are to work with: some text
  • Whether the product met the client’s expectations
  • The timeliness of the product delivery: some text
    • Whether the video product boosted the clients’ marketing efforts
    • Whether they would recommend the company to others.

3. The Right Staff on the Film Set: Why It Matters

The right staff on a film set is crucial because they can make or break the final product. “Right staff” means people with the required skills and experience to work on the project. Everyone on the set should work toward the same goal and clearly understand their roles to avoid confusion.

4. Think About Your Niche Industry: Experience Matters

Understanding your niche industry is essential in finding the right video team. For example, if you want to showcase the latest product for a restaurant, look for a company that has launched a similar video for past clients. They will have relevant experience and insight on how to shoot the video based on their previous projects.

5. Location: Why It’s Important  

Many video productions, except for animations, will require on-site shoots at your business or at an off-site location where you must film a B-roll of your service and business in action. For example, if your business is in Baltimore, you should select a company within the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area to avoid a logistical nightmare and crew travel costs. 

Another benefit of hiring professionals is that they should have an in-house production studio where they can control noise and lighting. Studios are ideal for interviews and product shoots where the production team will have lots of equipment.

6. Clear Workflow Process: Video Production Is Complicated

There is more to video production than meets the eye. The magic, as well as the devil, is in the details. Reliable video companies generally have a systematic production process workflow – from:

• The concept and design of the shoot to production
• Post-production
• Delivery

Each stage is crucial to the project's outcome. Get a clear view of the team’s creative process and how the team works to meet your objectives.

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Start a 3-day Free Trial to Take Your Content to the Next Level

Moonb is a video marketing agency offering unlimited video editing subscriptions. We offer seamless project management integration via:

• Trello
• Slack
• MS Teams 

We also have weekly strategy calls and a contract-free, full-service production approach. Moonb is a superior alternative to:

• Traditional video agencies
• Freelancers
• In-house production teams

Our flexible, subscription-based model, combined with our expertise in creating compelling video content, positions us as the ideal partner for companies looking to elevate their marketing and educational initiatives through the power of video. Start a 3-day free trial to take your content to the next level. 

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