Bruce Brooks, Owner: EnVizions Film & Video

LET’S GET YOU STARTED

So here are some key things you can do in your search for a Video Production company or Producer:

1.    Ask for video work samples. But then go one step further. Call the companies whose work the production company just showed you.

  • “How was the process?”
  • “Was your audience reached and/or goals reached by the finished product?”
  • “EXACTLY How effective was the finished product?”
  • “Was it a pleasant or an unpleasant experience?”
  • “What did you like about working with this company? “
  • “What didn’t you like about working with this company?”
  • “Would you do it all over again?”

Sometimes something on their video real or sample isn’t really their work. They may have contributed to the production in some way but didn’t exactly produce the entire production. But you would never find that out if you didn’t call the company.

2.    Ask for script samples.

  • Scripting is important. Some are more detailed than others, but scripts show time and organization of thought (as well as the ability to do it).
  • Many producers shoot by notes, bullet-point and even on the fly. This method can miss the point because they really haven’t effectively though through the entire message before they started production. Scripting again shows commitment to the client and the process.

 3.    Ask how long the process will take.

  •  Production takes a lot more than most people think. It takes your time and energy.
  • Most often, clients are very excited about shooting a video. Very quickly, they see how much energy and time it takes away from their work and life. That excitement is quickly replaced by anxiety. After awhile anxiety can be replaced by irritation and aggravation.
  • As mentioned before, if a producer can shoot 2 days instead of 4 days that means much less intrusion into your company’s work.  It means a more effective use of your budget in time and money.

4.    Unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, a video shouldn’t be more than 3 minutes.

  •  The exception is a training video. Training videos need to effectively train your employee.
  • But a promotional / marketing / informational video should be as short as possible while still conveying your complete message.
  • Long videos are usually the fault of the client because they want to put in so very much information. But long videos should be accompanied by popcorn and bathroom breaks. My suggestion is one subject per video and each video can be followed up by print or a handout that goes into more detail, if there is that much information that needs to be conveyed.
  • In reality, our attention span can be as short as 8 seconds and can be cut short by a vibrating phone, a previous meeting still lingering on the viewers mind, a noise, or a list of things  …before going back to the point. Eventually, the brain can cease to go back to the message at hand or in your video.
  • So anything longer than 3 minutes runs the risk of being dismissed. You audience may begin texting and doing other things, and miss that message you may have just spent thousands of dollars to produce.

 5.    GET A WRITTEN PROPOSAL

  •  Even though costs can change slightly, a video shouldn’t go from $2500 to $4300. Spell it out and what it will cost. If you didn’t agree to it, then you shouldn’t pay for it. Many times I’ve added something just because my right-brain said to do it and I couldn’t resist the urge the ‘wow’ them or punch the message up. But because it wasn’t written down, it was simply a gift from me-to-them. I will be sure to let them client know I did it, but I will list it as a no-charge on the invoice, because they didn’t agree to my whims and surprises are bad business.

 6.    GET A SECOND BID

  •  I encourage my clients to get a 2nd bid. Know that it can be like comparing apples to oranges, but at least they can familiarize themselves with the video landscape.  I have to admit that a couple has found a ‘cheaper company’. But both of them got what they paid for. (see above re: Lowest Budget).
  • But do check with a second company if this is new to you. Especially, if any of the homework you are doing starts sounding like your company is a little less than professional.

One more SMALL suggestion: If the company or producer you are considering is ONLY known for music videos or reality show production, I would let them continue to do those music videos and reality shows. Don’t let them experiment on your company.

Producing a rocker’s video or orchestrating an argument between the latest Reality TV wives doesn’t mean you understand product marketing.  Make sure they have done corporate or marketing prior to you walking in the door. That’s just a small suggestion from my experience.

NOW GET OUT THERE AND GET YOUR VIDEO DONE!

I hope this information has helped you out. If you have any more questions as to how to find the best video production for your company or project send me an email at: brooksbruce@bellsouth.net.

Bruce Brooks has been in Television Production since graduating from Bowling Green State University. After leaving IBM’s Film and Media department, he started his first Production Company and has worked in broadcast media across the spectrum and in a variety of roles. Writer, Producer, Camera, Audio and more. 

EnVizions Film & Video, Bruce Brooks – Owner/Producer, Email: brooksbruce@bellsouth.net, Phone: 770 378 0385