How To Choose A Video Production Company (15 Top Factors To Consider)

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November 1, 2024
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21 minutes
Lorenzo Nicolini image
Lorenzo Nicolini

Video content creation is no small task. Consider your goals, target audience, distribution platforms, and more before you even start filming. Then, once you begin the video production process, you’ll discover even more details to sort out along the way. Choosing a video production company to help you achieve your vision is one of your most important decisions. This article will help you quickly navigate this process to find the best partner for your upcoming project. 

Moonb is a video marketing agency that helps businesses create compelling video content. Our expertise and resources make us an excellent choice for choosing a video production company for your project.

How To Choose A Video Production Company: 15 Top Factors To Consider

employees on a laptop - How to Choose a Video Production Company

1. Experience and Specialization: Digging into Their Background

First, consider the company’s experience and specialization. Video production companies come in all shapes and sizes, each with unique focus areas. Some companies specialize in high-energy commercial videos, while others are experts in: 

  • Long-form documentaries
  • Educational videos
  • Animated explainer videos

Look at their past work and assess whether their style aligns with the message you want to convey. For example, if you’re looking to create a sleek, high-end product video, a company with extensive experience in tech or luxury brands might be a good fit.

2. Portfolio and Quality of Work: Reviewing Their Reel

A company’s portfolio is like its calling card—it gives you a firsthand look at its work's: 

  • Quality
  • Style
  • Versatility

Watch various videos: 

  • They’ve produced
  • Paying attention to video quality
  • Storytelling
  • Attention to detail

Ask yourself if you’re drawn in and engaged. Video quality can vary greatly depending on: 

  • Equipment
  • Editing expertise
  • Production quality

So, choose a company with a professional polish that matches or exceeds your expectations.

3. Client Testimonials and References: Seeking Out Social Proof

A good reputation speaks volumes. Look for testimonials and reviews from past clients to see if the company has a track record of delivering on its promises. Client feedback will provide: 

  • Insights into reliability
  • Professionalism
  • How the company handles tight deadlines or changes during the project

Contact past clients directly and ask about their experience. 

  • Were the deliverables on time? 
  • Did the final product meet or exceed their expectations?

4. Understanding of Your Brand and Goals: Finding a True Partner

A successful video production company should be genuinely interested in your: 

  • Brand
  • Audience
  • Objectives

During the initial discussions, please pay attention to how well they listen and ask questions about your goals. A company that takes the time to understand your brand will be better positioned to create content that resonates with your audience. It’s a great sign they’re invested in helping you meet your objectives if they’re asking about your: 

  • Target demographic
  • Brand tone
  • Unique selling points

5. Creativity and Vision: Assessing Their Storytelling Skills

A company’s creative vision is as important as its technical skills. They should bring fresh ideas to the table and be able to suggest unique ways to tell your story. Look for a team that’s excited to push the envelope and bring something new to your project. Creativity should align with your brand and message—a company should understand the balance between innovation and staying true to your brand’s identity.

6. Production Capabilities and Equipment: Ensuring They Have the Right Gear

While great content isn’t just about high-tech gear, the tools a company uses play a significant quality role. Consider whether the production company has access to the necessary equipment and technology for your project: 

  • Whether it’s high-quality cameras
  • Drones for aerial shots
  • Advanced editing software

This factor is significant if you’re looking for a particular aesthetic, such as: 

  • 4K resolution
  • Slow-motion effects
  • Vivid color grading

Knowing their production capabilities will give you confidence in the outcome.

7. Budget and Transparency: Understanding Their Pricing Structure

Video production costs can vary widely, so it’s essential to have a clear understanding of a company’s pricing structure. Look for transparency here—does the company provide a detailed quote that includes everything from pre-production planning to post-production editing? 

Unexpected costs can add up quickly, so ensure that both parties agree on what’s included in the budget. Remember, the lowest price may not give you the best quality, so consider value over cost alone.

8. Flexibility and Adaptability: Preparing for the Unexpected

Video production doesn’t always go as planned:

  • Locations may change
  • Scripts may need adjusting
  • Weather can interfere with outdoor shoots

The right company will be adaptable and willing to work with you if changes come up. Ask about how they handle project adjustments or unforeseen challenges during the consultation process. Flexibility indicates a company’s professionalism and dedication to delivering the best possible result, no matter the circumstances.

9. Project Management and Communication: Evaluating Their Organizational Skills

A successful video production project depends heavily on sound project management and communication. You want a company that will update you on: 

  • Progress
  • Timelines
  • Potential issues

Please pay attention to how promptly they respond to emails or calls and whether they provide clear timelines for deliverables. The company’s communication style should match your expectations to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

10. Post-Production Services: Understanding Their Editing Process

Post-production services are where your video comes to life, including: 

  • Editing
  • Color correction
  • Sound design
  • Motion graphics

Ask about what’s included in their post-production process

  • Do they provide multiple rounds of editing to fine-tune the content? 
  • Are they skilled in adding custom graphics or animations if needed? 

This phase can significantly affect the final quality, so choose a team with robust post-production capabilities to ensure your video looks polished and professional.

11. Turnaround Time and Efficiency: Meeting Your Deadlines

Deadlines matter, especially if your video is part of a time-sensitive campaign or product launch. When evaluating a production company, discuss their typical turnaround time and check if they can meet your deadlines without sacrificing quality. 

Efficiency also affects the entire process, from initial planning to final edits. A company that works efficiently will keep the project moving smoothly, reducing your time investment and making the process hassle-free.

12. Cultural Fit and Chemistry: Establishing a Good Rapport

While skills and experience are essential, don’t underestimate the importance of chemistry between your team and the video production company. A good cultural fit can make collaboration more enjoyable and productive. During meetings, gauge how well they align with your brand’s values and working style. If the team seems to “get” your brand and feels like a natural extension of your team, the project is likely to be more harmonious and prosperous.

13. Scalability of Services: Planning for Future Growth

Your video needs may expand as your brand grows, so whether the production company can scale with you is worth considering. For example, if you start with a few product demos but eventually want to produce a full-fledged ad campaign, does the company have the capability to handle it? 

Look at their range of services and ask if they can cater to various formats, like: 

  • Social media videos
  • Ads
  • Live streaming and more

Scalability ensures you don’t have to switch companies as your requirements change.

14. Editing and Revisions Policy: Clarifying Expectations Upfront

No video is perfect on the first edit, and most companies will go through a few rounds of revisions to fine-tune the project. Check the company’s policy on revisions—some offer unlimited edits within reason, while others charge after a certain number of changes. 

Clear terms on revisions help prevent misunderstandings and ensure you’re satisfied with the final video without any surprise costs. Ensure you’re comfortable with their policy, and it allows enough flexibility to get the results you envision.

15. Innovation and Industry Trends: Finding a Cutting-Edge Partner 

Look for a company that stays updated on the latest video production trends and technologies. Video production is a fast-evolving industry, and trends like: 

  • Interactive videos
  • Virtual and augmented reality
  • 360-degree videos are gaining traction

A company that embraces innovation and incorporates modern techniques can give your video a competitive edge. Ask about their approach to staying current with industry advancements and gauge their interest in exploring creative ideas that align with your brand’s vision.

Related Reading

Why Hiring A Video Production Company Is A Good Investment

man with a camera - How to Choose a Video Production Company

Every brand has its own unique identity. Professional video production helps you effectively communicate that individuality to your target audience. An experienced team has the know-how to create engaging video content that aligns with your goals and resonates with your audience. While making a decent video on your own is possible, partnering with a professional helps you: 

  • Achieve consistency
  • Polish
  • Industry standards

This is especially important if you’re creating a series of videos, as they will all need to look like they come from the same creator. This will help to build your brand’s authority and enhance audience trust.  

Budget-Friendly in the Long Run: How Hiring a Video Production Company Saves You Money

Hiring a professional video production company may seem expensive at first. The investment pays off quickly. These companies have all the equipment you need to produce high-quality video content. This means you won’t have to spend any money purchasing your gear. They also come with trained experts who know how to use the equipment for the best results. 

You won’t waste time or money learning to use the tools. A production company can produce your video quickly and efficiently, saving your team time and reducing costs associated with lengthy projects.

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How Much Will It Cost Me To Hire A Video Production Company?

cents on a dollar bill - How to Choose a Video Production Company

Video production companies charge between $100 and $149 per hour for their services. This hourly rate typically covers the following: 

  • Equipment rental
  • Labor costs for the production crew
  • Editing
  • Post-production work. 

The typical costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the complexity of the video: 

  • Project
  • Location
  • Equipment needed
  • The expertise of the video production company

Also, while hourly rates are familiar, many video production companies offer package deals. These packages often include a set number of hours or days of production and specific services such as: 

  • Scripting
  • Shooting
  • Editing
  • Delivering the final product

How Video Production Costs Vary by Video Style

How much does video production cost, depending on production style? The options are quite diverse, from having a video production company film your presenter doing live demonstrations to making short slideshow presentations with professional design and narration.

Live Demos and Tutorial Videos

Whether the presenter is a professional speaker or an actor, video production rates for a live-action product demo are between $1,000 and $3,000 per minute.

Digital Demo and Tutorial Videos

Options often include doing basic screen recordings or using an AI avatar to make the information more accessible and the presentation friendlier. Digital video production pricing starts at around $18 per 10 minutes of video.

2D Vector Animations

Options vary from simple designs to more custom animations with detailed graphics, and the technique is moderately expensive. Video production rates for an average custom 2D vector animation are $7,000 to $20,000+ per minute.

Whiteboard Animation Videos

Options vary from simple software-generated animations to digitized, complex artist hand drawings. While less expensive than 2D animation, whiteboard animation can cost, depending on video requirements, from $1,500 to 15,000 per minute.

Motion Graphics

Options range from basic motion graphics to high-quality, more complex projects, so you'll need a video budget of $500 to $10,000+ per minute.

Slideshow Presentations

This technique is the least expensive but also the most limited, whether you’re looking for basic presentations with auto-generated narration or professionally produced video design and narration. Prices vary from $100-500 for a 10-slide presentation design.

5 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of A Video Production Company

man with a camera - How to Choose a Video Production Company

1. Clearly Define Your Goals and Objectives

Before engaging with a video production company, it is crucial to outline your goals and objectives for the project clearly. Having a well-defined purpose will guide the entire production process, whether you aim to increase: 

  • Brand awareness
  • Promote a new product
  • Engage your audience through storytelling

Communicate these goals to the production team from the outset, as this will help them tailor their approach and creative direction to align with your vision. Providing specific examples of videos that resonate with you can also help convey your expectations and desired outcomes.

2. Collaborate on Creative Development

Effective collaboration is essential when working with a video production company. Involve their creative team in the brainstorming process to leverage their expertise and insights. A good production company will have experience in crafting compelling narratives and understanding audience engagement strategies. You can ensure that the final product reflects both your brand identity and the production team's professional standards by working together on: 

  • Scripting
  • Storyboarding
  • Overall creative direction

This collaborative approach often leads to more innovative ideas and a stronger final product.

3. Provide Constructive Feedback

Providing timely and constructive feedback throughout the production process is vital for achieving desired results. Once you receive drafts or previews of the video content, take the time to review them thoroughly and share your thoughts with the production team. Be specific about what you like and what could be improved; this clarity helps the team make necessary adjustments efficiently. 

Maintaining open lines of communication fosters a positive working relationship and ensures everyone is aligned on expectations.

4. Leverage Their Expertise in Technology

Video production companies often have access to cutting-edge technology and equipment that may only be available in some places. Take advantage of their technical expertise by discussing how they can enhance your project through advanced: 

  • Filming techniques
  • Editing software
  • Special effects

Understanding what tools are at their disposal can help you envision possibilities that may have yet to be considered initially. Inquire about industry best practices they recommend for optimizing video quality and effectiveness.

5. Establish a Long-Term Partnership

Consider building a long-term relationship with your chosen video production company rather than treating each project as a standalone engagement. A long-term partnership allows the production team to develop an in-depth understanding of your: 

  • Brand
  • Audience
  • Marketing goals over time

This familiarity increases consistency in messaging and style across all video content. An established relationship can streamline future projects, making collaboration more efficient and effective.

Related Reading

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

Moonb differs from other video production services in that it offers an unlimited video editing subscription model. Businesses can sign up for: 

  • A plan
  • Submit video files and requests
  • Get back polished video content quickly 

Moonb, a video marketing agency, also integrates with popular project management software like Trello and Slack, so you can manage video projects with your team to streamline communication and organization.  

With Moonb, you also work with a dedicated video team that learns your business and goals to produce video content tailored to your specific needs. 

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Have Questions?

How successful is video marketing?

Video marketing is absolutely one of the best investments you can make for your brand! It captures attention like no other medium, keeping your audience engaged and eager to learn more. Plus, it often delivers a fantastic return on investment (ROI), making it a smart choice for any business. In a world where social media is dominated by video content, using it effectively can help you connect with your audience in a memorable and impactful way. Don't miss out on this powerful tool to elevate your marketing strategy!

How much do marketing videos typically cost?

Marketing videos can be very expensive, especially with traditional agencies, where costs can reach $20,000 to $40,000 per minute. With moonb, we offer a flat monthly cost that provides you access to a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality videos quickly and efficiently, making the process more budget-friendly while still maintaining exceptional standards.

Is there a limit to revisions during the process?

There are no limits to revisions during the process. We want to make sure you’re completely satisfied with the final product, so we’ll work with you until it meets your expectations.

How long does the marketing video production process take?

The marketing video production process can vary widely depending on the brief. For short-form packages, it might take just a few days, while more complex advanced animations could require a few weeks to ensure quality and attention to detail.

How long should my marketing video be?

For most marketing videos, aim for a length of 30 to 90 seconds. This duration is typically enough to engage viewers while conveying your key message effectively. However, depending on the content and platform, some videos can be longer, so consider your audience's attention span and the context of your message.

Can you handle the entire process?

Of course! We smoothly manage your project from the initial idea to the final publication. We take care of writing, visuals, animation, voiceover, editing, sound, branding, and more. You can participate as much as you like or let us handle everything. We'll make sure your content is perfect for any platform that supports videos.

What does the onboarding process look like?

Once you subscribe, you will receive an email within a few minutes containing two essential links. The first link directs you to our production platform where you can access all your videos and request reviews. The second link takes you to your customer portal to manage your subscription. Your dedicated video team will contact you immediately to schedule a first call, during which we'll gather all the necessary information to get started. We'll then create a content strategy plan and begin working on your productions. We will develop a content calendar with precise deliverables and a review process. You can be as involved as you wish or leave it entirely in our hands.

Are there any refunds if I don't like the service?

If your dedicated team has started work on your designs or videos before you decide to cancel, you won't be eligible for a refund.

Will I have the working files? What about ownership of the work?

Absolutely, you'll receive the working files, and you'll own all the intellectual property created.

Who will be my point of contact?

As soon as you sign up, you'll be assigned a dedicated video team, supervised by a Creative Director who will be your main point of contact. You will be onboarded to our production platform, where you can oversee the entire process and manage each video production.

Do you sign non-disclosure agreements?

Absolutely, your privacy matters to us. We can offer you our standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), or you are welcome to provide your own.

How hard is it to cancel a subscription?

Not hard at all, we keep things simple: no documentation or extensive process is involved and you can cancel at any point in time. Just log in to your Moonb account and you can cancel with just a few clicks. Need a hand with this? No worries. You can request assistance via email or directly to your dedicated team.