10 Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Video Production Company to Save Time and Boost Results

With 85% of video marketers noting that video content captures attention, it's time to hire a production company to create something that hooks your audience. [Source: Wisernotify]

How do you know which video production company is best for your brand? Who can tell your story in a way that directly connects with your target audience within the first ten seconds?

To find your perfect partner, we will provide expert tips that will definitely land you the most amazing video production company.

And what are those tips?

• Understand your goals and needs.

• Evaluate portfolios and past work.

• Check client testimonials and reviews.

• Assess communication skills

• Look for industry-specific expertise

• Understand pricing and value

• Review equipment and technology

• Evaluate post-production services

• Prioritize creativity and collaboration

• Trust your gut

If you are looking for professional video production in Los Angeles, LocalEyes has some amazing services to offer!

Before you pack your bags and start searching the video production pool, you will need a clear understanding of your goals and needs. Without your specific vision, how would you know what you will need in a production company?

1. Define the Purpose of Your Video

• Branding for creating brand awareness and reputation.

• Explainer videos to simplify complex concepts or products

• Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube to engage your audience

• Marketing to promote products or services for sales drive

• Training video to educate employees or customers

2. Know Your Target Audience

• Demographics: Age, gender, location, income level, etc.

• Psychographics: Interest, values, behaviors, lifestyle.

• Needs and Pain Points: What challenges do our viewers face? What solutions are they seeking? How will your product or service help your audience?

3. Desired Outcomes

• Increased brand awareness: More people will know your brand.

• Higher engagement: More likes, shares, and comments on social media.

• Improved conversion rates: More website visitors become customers.

• Enhance customer satisfaction: Better understanding of your brand offerings.

• Increased sales: More revenue was generated from video marketing efforts.

Evaluate Portfolios and Past Work

How would you decide which video production company is best? You will know that by looking at their portfolio. It will give you a glimpse into their capabilities, style, and the quality of their work.

What to Look For in a Portfolio?

1. Diversity:

If the company has a diverse portfolio, it means they have maintained versatility in their work. You will see them having experience in both short—and long-form content, as well as animation and live-action.

2. Quality:

• Asses the the previous video content and see if there is any technical issues. Did they use outdated technology, poor lighting, shaky footage, or unclear sound?

• Go through the video and identify if the visuals are appealing enough. Does it use strong color grading, camera shots, and editing techniques?

• Pay attention to the storytelling part. Does the video tell a catchy story? Is the narrative clear enough or engaging?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. Lack of Consistency

Inconsistency in video quality and style across different projects is a big no! It says a lot about the company’s unprofessionalism and the team’s inability to work cohesively.

2. Outdated Styles

If you see the portfolio displaying outdated styles or techniques, it may indicate that the company isn’t updated with current trends and has no knowledge of audience preference.

Examples of Strong Portfolios

• Clear brand identity

• Diverse client base

• High-quality production values

• Engaging storytelling

• Positive client testimonials

Client testimonials and reviews are invaluable tools for understanding video production. They add credibility, and you will get firsthand insights into their work ethic, professionalism, and quality of services.

Why Does Client Feedback Matter?

1. Credibility: Post testimonials/reviews increase the company’s reputation and trustworthiness.

2. Quality assurance: It provides a sneak peek into their quality of work and attention to detail.

3. Reliability: Reviews can tell you how reliable, responsive, and capable the company is of meeting your expectations.

4. Client Satisfaction: it shows how much they have satisfied the customers and delivered the projects on time.

How to Verify Testimonials?

1. Google Reviews:

• Check the company's Google My Business page for reviews.

• Look for detailed reviews that specifically highlight the company’s work.

2. Clutch:

• Clutch will show you the B2B ratings and reviews.

• You will have verified reviews from clients and detailed company profiles.

3. Social Media:

• Search for the company on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

• See if any clients share their thoughts or reviews on the company’s social media pages.  

4. Direct Contact:

• Reach out to past clients directly to get their honest feedback.

• Ask for specific examples of projects the company has worked on and the outcomes.

Communication is the real deal here. How would you maintain the workflow if your chosen video production company doesn’t know how to be responsive and transparent with you?

You need someone who will minimize misunderstandings and meet expectations by delivering the project on time.

Why Does Communication Matter?

Warning Signs to Watch Out For:

• Delayed responses are big red flags for a company. If the company takes a long time to respond to your emails or calls, it means they lack poor time management skills.

• If the company doesn’t know how to communicate and keeps things vague, there will be misunderstandings later on.

• A disorganized company is a big no because it neglects the deadlines and deliverables of your projects.

When you are searching for the perfect video production company, you should target companies that are connected to your niche. This way, they can use their deeper knowledge to keep up with industry trends and target audiences.

Benefits of Choosing an Industry-Specific Company

• They use industry-specific languages and references to create a message that will bring your audiences in.

• Their better understanding of the particular niche keeps the production process smooth without wasting time or resources.

• They will utilize their industry-standard knowledge to come up with polished final products.

• Their creative ideas and strategies fit right into your industry.

Examples of Industry-Specific Video Production: Healthcare

• Explainer video to complex medical procedures in simple terms.

• Promotional video highlights innovative treatments and technologies.

When it comes to the budget or pricing of a video production company, you’re going to pick one that fits your wallet. But remember, it’s important to think about the value you’re getting for the money you spend.

Pricing Models

Balancing Budget with Quality

If you aim to produce high-value video content, use advanced tools that can give you stunning shots and top-notch audio quality. Whatever company you choose, check if they are equipped with the latest technology and production setup.

Why Does Modern Equipment Matter?

• Advanced cameras and lenses take stunning images even in low light conditions.

• Professional microphones and audio recording provide a crystal clear sound.

• Editing software speeds up the post-production process.

• You will have more flexibility and creativity in your video-making process.

How to Inquire About Equipment Without Sounding Technical?

You don't have to be a tech expert to ask a question about the company’s equipment list. You can ask some of the casual questions to know what they are up to or how they handle the whole video-making process.

• Ask about their camera setup (What type of cameras do you use to capture footage?)

• Inquire about audio equipment (How do you ensure high-quality video audio?)

• Discuss editing software (What editing software do you use for your projects?)

• Ask about lighting equipment (What lighting techniques do you use to create different moods and atmospheres?)

Post-production is the major stage where your chosen company will give you the final product. Therefore, you need to make sure the company has every skill set you will need for your final video.

Importance of Post-Production Services:

A successful video project really comes down to having a solid partnership between you and the production company. The better your relationship with them, the more they can help turn your vision into reality.

How to Ensure Alignment with Your Vision?

• Have clear communication about your goals, target audience, and desired message

• Be open to feedback and suggestions

• Build a trusting relationship with the production team

• Be open to their creative input and suggestions

• Take regular meetings to discuss progress

• Address any concerns you are facing

• Review scripts, storyboards, and shot lists before production begins

• Approve the final edit and any additional post-production work

Collaborative Brainstorming Techniques

Make sure you feel at ease and confident with the production company you choose. It’s totally up to you to pick a video production team that meets at least half of what you’re looking for. If you communicate well with them and trust that they can deliver, definitely trust your instincts!

What should I look for in a video production company?

You should look for their experience, portfolio, client reviews, communication skills, and a clear understanding of your agenda.

How much does it cost to hire a video production agency?

The cost of projects can fluctuate depending on their complexity, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $2000 and $50,000.

What are the red flags when choosing a video production service?

• Unclear communication

• Lack of experience

• Poor portfolio quality

• Unrealistic timelines

How do I compare different video production portfolios?

You can easily compare them by looking at the quality of their videos, their relevance to your industry, and the versatility of their projects.

Can small businesses afford professional video production?

Yes, they can. There are many professional video production companies that offer good deals on video production packages for businesses with tight budgets.