The 7 biggest mistakes made when choosing a video production company
Choosing the right video production company can feel like navigating a dense forest. It can feel pretty daunting to know where to begin. With over 10 years of experience in operating a Video Production Company, it's safe to say that we've been around the block! In this article, we'll highlight the seven biggest mistakes people make when selecting a video production company. From falling for the allure of a low price to not passing the BBQ and beer banter test, we'll cover it all. Grab and pen & paper and take note - because if you follow these pointers, you'll guarantee that your next video project will be a success!
1. Choosing based on price
Remember - a properly made video can pay for itself 10 times over. You don’t need to be a math wiz to know that’s a good return! That’s either by attracting more buyers, growing your brand awareness, motivating your colleagues or any other purpose you’re trying to achieve.
In reality, many clients have horror stories of the poor work they received after choosing the cheapest option. Like any service, a low price often means the video production company is lacking in either equipment, personnel, quality, or experience. Any of which could lead to a substandard video which is essentially worthless to you.
2. Choosing a non end-to-end video production service
The way you do anything is the way you do everything - so having a production company start with you from the genesis of the idea and work with you to the final execution and delivery ensures a consistent outcome. There is a plethora of detail involved in video production. Not the least of which includes permits related to your location, set design, talent agreements, etc.
That’s why we always recommend working with a company who handles all these details on your behalf. An experienced team ensures there are no complications which can delay the shoot or even prevent you from using your video once it’s completed. Starting at the start means you’re both on the same page, with the same finish line and the same journey. Having a single team with a solitary focus ensures the video is finished according to the timeline. Plus, think of the journey you’ll have gone on together! What a ride.
3. Choosing video production company who hasn’t made your type of video before
Every type of video has its own considerations. You wouldn’t put a feature film on TikTok - so context is crucial. For example a vertical video for Instagram stories is very different to a video of a CEO delivering a message. They all require a different approach - editing to maintain the viewer’s focus, background music, a unique intro to grab attention from the very beginning.
And both these video types are a world apart from a TV commercial. This is the reason you want to ensure your video production company has experience with the exact kind of video you want to create. Because even though you want a unique concept and innovative approach… you also want to include the best practices which make your video format successful. Understanding what makes a video feel authentic to your audience is key, and having experience in doing so ensures its success. Context plays a big role in this, and an experienced team can make the most of that opportunity for you.
4. Choosing a cookie cutter template instead of tailor-made for you
The right video can be your most powerful tool in delivering your message. Whether the video is meant to market your company, or communicate with your colleagues… it needs to effectively cut through the noise, grab their attention, and leave a lasting impression.
Do you think you can get that level of engagement by using something all of your competitors can use too? Templates that are just colour and logo changes are painfully obvious. The same can be said for stock footage montages. If it’s not uniquely you, then it’s you and a few (thousand other competitors) that look the same. You notice the difference when a suit is tailor-made, so make a tailor-made video to suit you.
5. The goal is to “have a video” but the video doesn’t have a goal
Why are you making a video? Is it brand awareness? Is it education? Is it engagement? We’ve all heard the phrase - content is king. And you know you have to have a video, but without a purpose behind what you’re creating, you may as well make nothing at all.
Knowing WHY you’re making video content gives the project focus, to ensure the end result achieves the goals you had set out. That clear focus makes the target you’re aiming for so much clearer. You can measure it’s effectiveness, it’s ROI or even it’s conversion when you’ve got clear metrics to measure it against. If you’re making a video for the sake of it, it's just not going to work.
6. Not passing the BBQ and beer banter test
Creativity can be challenging - so the people you’re collaborating with should be people you like! So before entering into a relationship with a video production company - get a vibe check. How’s the attitude? So get to know them a little better. Is there a genuine interest in seeing you and your project succeed?
A great litmus test is the BBQ, Beer and Banter test. Would you invite them to a BBQ at your house? Would you have a beer with them? How would you rate the conversation between you and them? If they pass - great news! You’ve found a potential match - time to have the ‘are we officially together?’ conversation (this relationship metaphor is getting very steamy...) If you can’t see any of these things working out, chances are the video production company are more like a wet blanket than a good egg (if you catch my drift).
7. Falling for the Venn Diagram
There’s a very famous Venn Diagram that has three overlapping circles - good, fast and cheap. The rule typically suggests you can only have two. The consequence of which is getting the opposite of the remaining third. The thing is, if one of those feels too good to be true (ie. Wow! It’s so cheap!) then you need to understand that it is most likely too good to be true.
Finding a video production company that is clear on timelines, costs or budget and can share quality past work or testimonials demonstrates their balance on the Venn Diagram. When it’s weighted really heavily in favour of one of the three, it’s almost certain its at the expense of the other two.
By steering clear of these seven common pitfalls, you're well on your way to finding a video production partner that truly gets you. A well-crafted video isn't just an investment—it's a seed that can grow your brand, captivate your audience, and leave a lasting impression. Don't settle for cookie-cutter templates or fall for the tempting price tag of a low-budget offer. Instead, aim for a tailored, goal-driven video created by a team that passes the BBQ and beer banter test.
Ready to plant the seed of success? Contact us today for a same-day quote, and let's get the ball(oon) rolling on your next video masterpiece!