How to choose the right video production agency
It is fair to say that video is everything. Our video trends report highlighted how much video we’re watching in our personal lives as well as the business day. And 46% of marketers are finding it easier to convince their bosses of the value of video marketing. It is on the rise as the go-to tactic for businesses that want to engage with their audience effectively.
However, as the need for video increases, it’s leading to a surge in demand for video production and video agencies. We’ve spoken previously about the difference in video types and the video agency you might choose to create them. But there is more than that simple choice alone. Finding the right video production agency is important for the marketing of your business. But how do you do that?
Find a video agency that wants to know about you
You’ve spent years becoming the expert in your business and you deserve to find a video agency that takes the time to get to know you. Regardless of the type of video you want to produce, effective video marketing needs an understanding of your business, your sector, and your audience. We always start our process with a briefing session or video strategy session. We take the time to research your business thoroughly to create a video that has the right message and relevance for your audience. If you are working with a video production company that skips this part or has a quick phone call only, then this might be a warning sign.
Choose a video agency that will plan video production
You want to find a video partner that matches the way that you work. Even the most DIY video needs a plan for video production. A video production company should provide you with a plan of all the stages involved and timings for them as well.
The plan should also include strategy and an understanding of your bigger picture. Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all, and a good video agency will manage time and budget in a well-defined roadmap. While we will always do our best to meet tight deadlines this is always underpinned by strategy and experience. If your video agency promises quick results without this, it might be worth considering your options.
Check their portfolio and showreel
In the same way that your business will have a sector focus or focus on several sectors, the same will be true of most video production companies. Similarly a small portfolio of the same type of video, for example, a showreel full of interviews only, might mean they aren’t right for you if you are looking for a big cinematic video. Choose a video agency that aligns with your business. They might specialise in manufacturing for instance. Or they might have a more diverse portfolio that provides reassurance that they can work across a wide range of sectors. Take a look at our portfolio where you can see our work can be filtered across different styles and sectors. It will give you an idea of what to look for when choosing the right video production agency for you.
Make sure they are open and transparent
A video agency is a business in itself and when picking the right partner you want to choose one that matches your business values. For us, a good video partnership is based on being transparent. Video production can be complex with its own share of challenges – think outdoor filming in all seasons! We pride ourselves on being upfront and honest about potential issues, such as the weather, and what we can do to mitigate these risks. We want to reassure you that we have the experience to navigate challenges and be a long-term partner rather than focus just on the financials.
Relying too much on how it looks not what it says
High production values create quality videos. However, a video agency that focuses too much on the visuals without considering your campaign goals or strategy might not be the right fit. We work hard to combine a cinematic feel with a story. This story must have substance and align with your marketing objectives. Looks will only get you so far, what is underneath is the most important thing for your audience.
A final thought on choosing the right video production agency
If you’ve never worked with a video agency before it can be useful to think about what you need to know to pick the right one. The points above are part of it, but response time, location, and client list alongside quality and price might be worth thinking about when browsing prospective video partner websites. And like all relationships, there isn’t one size fits all, it might take time to find the right one for you. If anything we’ve written strikes a chord, then please email martyn@humanoid.uk for a further chat.
