In this series of blogs, we’re looking at 14 Questions to ask your Live Action Video Production Company. We’ve already looked at the first eight – so let’s dive into the next set of questions you should be asking your video production partner…
Who Are The Largest Clients That Trust You And What Work Did You Do For Them?
This is where the name dropping should begin. Look for recognizable brands and ones that are much larger than yours— you want to be in the same company as firms that are massively successful. They likely had the time to vet and qualify their vendors, and some of the benefit of that can be passed on to you.
Make sure you see the work. You certainly want to see “Coca Cola”, but if the company can’t show you something wonderful from the project, you should do more than raise an eyebrow…you may need to move on..
Would You Charge Extra To Write An Original Script For My Project?
Is quality an a-la-carte item for your potential partner?
Do they have in place policies and procedures for handling changes and rewrites?
What if your marketing department requires some last-minute updates?
How much will their price change? Do they even allow for changes mid-stream?
You need to know this: especially if you must satisfy multiple stakeholders. There is a new breed of video production agency popping up that offers low intro pricing, but makes a lot of their revenue on changes and add ons. That is never a good thing because creative storytelling needs to be dynamic.
How Many References Can I Speak With Before We Start?
You certainly want to satisfy your due diligence. There are a lot of new companies out there that are actually ‘resellers’ which are actually just web storefronts for other companies or fronts for overseas animation studios (See question 1, blog 1).
Video production calls for a high level of service and effective collaboration—references can give you valuable insight into a company‘s process and quality of communication. A simple way to make sure you’re getting the scoop from fellow professionals is to make sure references’ email addresses and phone numbers match their business website.
What Kind Of Cameras Do You Use While Shooting?
Is it a 4K or RED or DSLR or…well, what is it? Some cameras give a much greater depth of color in the captured image. In fact, it can vary widely. Depending on the ‘look’ you are going for, it may require a higher-end camera.
This may or may not affect your budget. But make sure they have full mastery of any camera they will use – whether it is rented or owned.
What Kinds Of Visual Effects Can You Produce? 2D? 3D? Realistic? What About Integrated Video?
The production company you choose, especially if it is for a larger campaign, should be able to offer all kinds of visual effects, from photo-realistic 3D animation to crayon drawings.
After all, unique is the most important quality to be memorable!
And Finally – How Does Your Agency Handle And Track Notes?
Some client projects involve multiple stakeholders and decision makers, making collaboration and feedback a challenge. If the agency is managing a project via email, this could become a nightmare.
That’s why it’s critical to have a rock solid collaboration and project management system in place. Save yourself headaches from the beginning. Find out if your agency uses a Cloud-based system that makes it easy for everyone to access at the appropriate level of involvement. Ask to see it in action.
And there you go!
14 questions that should help alleviate most major headaches before the video production even begins. You’re spending money and you don’t want to throw it away. Here at Rip Media Group, we excel in creating award-winning video productions – live action, whiteboard, 2D, 3D animation…you name it. And we’re MORE than happy to answer all 14 of these questions and any more you can think of.
Remember – we are here to support you, and create a story for you if you need any help at all.
Rip Media Group: Your story starts here