You know you want to create a video for your company’s marketing strategy - congrats! Video is such an amazing tool to further engage your audience, raise awareness, tell your story, entertain, and so much more. But you also know you can’t do it alone. You need a partner, a guide through the process. So, how do you know who to hire?
Let’s break down your most common options. A Videographer or a Video Production Company (sometimes also called an Agency). Many people think “video” and their mind goes straight to “videographer”. In a nutshell, here’s what each actually do:
A Videographer - operates a camera and films footage
A Video Production Company/Agency - produces a video and guides it through every stage of the production process
A Videographer plays a singular role in the whole video production process. They often operate the camera and capture the footage. When they work alone, they wear many hats and often capture live events or smaller projects. You might find a Videographer who edits as well, but a Video Editor is actually a completely different role and skill set in the production process.
On the other hand, a Video Production Company is a team of creative professionals who offer all the services you’ll need to produce a professional video from beginning to end. Services like video idea development, scripting, storyboarding, budgeting, scheduling, casting, hiring, location scouting, directing, cinematography, lighting and grip, audio recording and mixing, production design, wardrobe, hair and makeup, editing, color grading, sound design, motion graphics, special effects, and final delivery. Now, your project might not need all these services, of course, but a full production team will be able to customize your project to your specific needs. Your production quality will be elevated by working with a production company since everything will be seamlessly handled for you from beginning to end.
Who to hire often comes down to your project budget and the scope of work needed. Hiring a Videographer will be cheaper than hiring a Production Company, but there are some important questions you can ask yourself to determine which would be best for your specific project.
Will this video be pivotal in your marketing strategy?
Hire a Videographer if this is a one off video meant to live and be useful for a short amount of time - think live event coverage, webinar, one-time occasion - and not meant to generate revenue.
Hire a Production Company if the video you're crafting will impact your bottom line and continue to benefit your company for the next 3 to 5 years. The partnership, guidance, and high-quality production value you’ll get will ensure your video’s success for years to come.
How complex is your project and what services do you need?
Hire a Videographer if you just need someone to capture new footage for you (and maybe edit it too).
Hire a Production Company if you’re looking for full-service partnership that includes concept development, project management, capturing footage, capturing audio, perfecting lighting, casting talent, editing, color grading, sound design, motion graphics, and more. With a company, you’ll have access to all their resources when it comes to gear, crew, talent, creativity, and expertise.
How valuable is your time?
Hire a Videographer if you plan and want to spend a large amount of time on your video project and carry the load when it comes to project management, logistics, ideation, and post-production timelines. Since Videographers mainly shoot the footage (and sometimes edit it), you’ll need to provide them all the additional information that ensures they’re capturing what you want and need. You’ll also be the one keeping the project on track and seeing it through every stage of production since you’re not hiring a Video Producer when you hire a Videographer.
Hire a Production Company if you’d like to provide creative input, feedback, and final sign offs along the way but ultimately know your time is better spent elsewhere and not wearing the Video Producer hat. Hiring a Video Production Company will take the role of Producer and Project Manager off your plate and hand it over to someone who has spent years building their expertise and honing their skills and processes.
If you determine a Video Production Company best suits your needs, we’re here to help! Schedule your free Explore Call today so we can dig into your project together. Talus Films has been recognized as one of the Top Illinois Video Production Agencies and Video Marketing Companies by DesignRush.
Not ready to schedule your call yet? Looking for more information on how we work as a Video Production Company? Check out some of our other resources that will help you make an informed decision for your project.
If you determine a Videographer is the right fit for your project, contact us for our recommendations on who to hire! We love connecting folks with the right people for their project.
And did you know we also create customer Video Strategy Plans for our clients? Click below to schedule your call to learn more about this offering:
