Working with a video production company should be fairly easy. Ultimately, they are just another supplier who should understand your company, your values ​​and what is important to you.

But like most areas of life, you have many options. But as Anakin Skywalker once said: choose wisely.

So how to choose a manufacturing company that best suits your needs involves doing a little research or asking colleagues or business networks for recommendations.

What you should pay attention to:
First, have you decided what format your project will be created in?

Choose a format for your project

Live action films with camera and sound. Or do you want your content to be created as? animation or as Infographic?

Once you know this, you can start looking at some providers. Most companies work in both media formats, but the production process differs slightly depending on which format you have chosen.

What you should pay attention to:
It’s also completely okay if you haven’t decided yet. A good production company should be able to advise you on the following points:

• The best format for your project:
• Give you some ideas,
• A guide price,
• Explain the process and
• Give an idea of ​​the schedule.

How experienced is the video production company?

Film/video production companies range from one person with a camera to companies that offer full production services. There is a range of skills and abilities, with the quality of the end product ranging from average to very good.

• Seek:
• Current credits,
• A good showreel (examples of previous work)
• Does what they offer or have previously made match what you are looking for?

We are all media consumers, be it on television, video streaming sites or social media platforms. We all have a reasonable idea of ​​what “good” should look like.

• You want to hear what people are saying
• Sound level set correctly
• Image quality
• A good picture frame is an important aspect to pay attention to.

Speak to the production company directly. The video/film production industry, like every industry, has its own glossary of terms. If you don’t understand what they’re talking about, ask them to explain. Don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be blinded by the jargon. A good producer can walk you through all the steps to get you started on your video or animation project.

Video or film formats

Animation or infographic, the choice is yours.
Some topics are more suitable for animations and infographics. For example, explanatory and teaching videos. The production process is very different from live action film and your production company should be able to explain the workflow/production process. In most cases, the voiceover is recorded first and then the animators work with the voiceover to create the animation.

Live action offers a lot

Live Action is a very flexible format and can be used for all types of corporate video content. The material is filmed (rushes) and then edited, which is usually referred to as “post-production”. The more footage you have for a project, the longer the editing process will take. Voice-over as well as music and graphics can be added here. All that matters is the content you commissioned.

Rights to footage, images and audio content

You will need to check with the video production company about the rights and ownership of the footage or animation. We believe You The content should be yours because you paid for it. You should search for “all rights in perpetuity.” Again, any manufacturing company worth its salt will know all this and explain it to you in the early stages of getting a project up and running.

Of course, if you want to add Ed Sheeran’s latest number to your film, it could cost thousands. However, there are composers and music libraries who will license their works for you to use.

Library photos And Archive video footage This is also subject to copyright and should be explained to you by your production company.

Even if you’re filming with members of the public and/or your own teams – unless their contracts contain media clauses – you should consider getting signed consent to use their input in your video.

Would you like to talk to us about your video production needs?

Moray and the team here at Picture Lock Films are ready and waiting to take your call. It’s our pleasure to listen to your ideas and help you make an informed decision about creating a video that’s right for your business or charity. Simply click on the phone numbers on this page or contact us by email.