Questions to Ask Your Next Video Production Company
What is your level of experience with this type of project?
Often clients think the best video production company is one that produces videos that are specific to their particular needs. So according to this theory, if you wanted to produce a training video, you would hire a video company that specializes in producing training videos. When we are asked this question, we focus on our ability to help clients effectively use video to persuasively communicate their messages and ideas. If you want to create a video with a specific look and feel, let prospective video companies know beforehand, so they can show you appropriate work samples.
What is your video production process?
The answer to this question will give you a good idea of how a video production company approaches a project, from concept to completion. You and your production company need to have a complimentary working style, but you won't know what that style is until you learn how the production company likes to work.
Who will be doing the work?
When clients work with us, they know we are the ones who will be doing the work. This isn't always the case with video production companies. So it's a good idea to ask who will be working on your video project. Even better, ask to meet the crew, and look at their work samples.
What skills will you bring to my project?
You will want to know what services will be handled in-house, and what services will be outsourced. Keep in mind that outsourcing can increase the production budget.
How will you deliver my finished video?
We output most client videos to DVD. We also deliver videos in a Web-based format. Most video production companies will be able to output your video in whatever format you desire.
How will you work within my budget?
Because we do virtually all of our production work in-house, we are directly involved in managing and controlling production costs. This direct control is especially helpful when we work with clients that have limited resources. Some of the ways we control costs include producing a shorter story, or reducing the number of days we shoot and edit. Ask your video production company how they manage production costs.
May I check your references?
It is essential that you take the time to check at least a couple of references. We always provide prospective clients with a list of people we've worked with. We think the best question to ask any reference is would you hire this team again? The answer will lead to a series of follow-up questions, which will help you evaluate whether a particular video production team is right for you.