For small marketing departments or those without in-house video-making skills, hiring a video production company is the way to go. But how do you know which company to choose? Here are some tips to help you find the right crew to make your video. 

Before you hire anyone, though, you should have the preproduction work done. This is the groundwork that goes into any marketing piece, like who the audience is, what the message will be, and the script and any brand-specific items you have. Be thorough. Solid preproduction work is the key to a great video. Having a clear idea of the message you want to convey and the audience you’re trying to reach will help determine your video’s look and feel and guide the scriptwriting process. You’ll also want to determine your budget. 

With your preproduction in gear and moving along, you’re ready to start looking for a video production company. Here are some things to keep in mind as you build your list of potential partners. 

The Portfolio

What you’re looking for here is quality video making. A demo reel is a quick way to see a company’s best work and overview what they offer. But in determining a company to work with, you’ll want to go a bit deeper. Check out their portfolio or the latest videos they’ve done. It’s OK if a company doesn’t have that many videos, as long as they’re good. Be sure to check out their social media and Vimeo profiles, as well, since these can be easier to update than a website. 

In addition to quality, think about whether or not the style or look of the videos matches your brand; if not, do they demonstrate the potential to adapt to fit your brand’s look and feel. If your brand is light and bright and upbeat, but the company’s videos are all gritty and moody, or vice versa, you’ll need to figure out if that’s a deal-breaker or not. 

Get quotes from video production companies

Whatever you do, don’t just go with the first firm you find. Get a few quotes. This will indicate the price range for what you’re looking for, as that price can vary wildly. This is where it helps to have a firm grasp on your budget before you start. And no matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find somebody to make your video. From film students to independent filmmakers and videographers to full-service production companies, there’s a wide range of options at all price points. 

Creativity

Regardless of price, you want a video production company who can make you a good-looking, interesting video that captures your audience’s attention. In other words, you want creative minds to realize your vision. This is why the portfolio review process is so important – it gives you a chance to see what people are capable of and sets a certain standard or level of expectation. 

Dream It Reel has some of the best video production creative talent in the business. Ready to turn your idea into a video? Let’s get started.