Before you start deep dive into the pool of googling video production companies near me, it's crucial to identify what to look for and avoid. Whether you're new to hiring a video production company or have had a challenging experience in the past, this article is here to help you navigate the process that will save you time, money, and headaches.
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8 Nonignorable Red Flags When Hiring a Video Production Company
Sometimes, the red flags are noticed too late in the process. The sunk cost fallacy (Frank & Bernake 2006; Mankiw 2004; McKenzie & Lee 2006) says people tend to follow through on something they’ve already invested heavily.
Let's not wait that long before taking action on those red flags. Here's what to look for early in the process.
Red Flags While Vetting Their Online Presence
- Poor Website Design: Outdated information and low-quality images indicate a lack of professionalism.
- Limited Online Portfolios: Showing only final results without context makes it hard to assess their approach.
- Lack of Genuine Testimonials: Difficulty in gauging trust and credibility.
- Unprofessional Social Media Content: Reflects poorly on professionalism and alignment with your values.
Red Flags During the Discovery Call with A Potential Video Partner
- Vendor-Centric Conversations: Focusing too much on themselves without understanding your needs.
- Assumptive Understanding: Assuming they know your needs without a thorough diagnosis leads to ineffective solutions.
- Lack of Transparency: Hidden details about process, pricing, and timeline can lead to unexpected issues.
- Minimal Client Involvement: Limited engagement beyond the initial stages can result in unsatisfactory final products.
Checklist for Hiring a Video Production Company
Be Crystal Clear on Your Objective
- Define Your Goal: Awareness, action, or impact?
- Reflect on Past Projects: Identify what went wrong and set clear objectives.
Review Their Portfolio
- Look for: Storytelling techniques, visual quality, and relevance to your work.
- Ensure consistency and depth in storytelling.
Understand Their Approach
- Ask About: Their process for aligning objectives with stories.
- Investigate: Communication methods and handling revisions.
- Seek: A collaborative company that understands your needs.
Assess the Personality of Their Team
- Evaluate: How the team makes you feel during consultations.
- Consider: Their communication style and care for your work.
Closing Thoughts on Hiring a Video Partner
By considering these steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you'll be well-equipped to hire a local or national video production company that meets your needs. Find a creative partner who shares your passion and understands your mission.
Tred lightly with those with using excessive industry jargon. This can indicate a lack of ability to translate complex ideas into clear and engaging video content.
Take proactive steps to ensure a successful video production partnership. And remember, for truly impactful storytelling, consider the unique strengths a dedicated Storyteller can bring to your project.