If you’re a modern day brand, it’s most likely you’ve worked with a video production company at some point. Which means you’re probably aware of some stereotypes attached to them. After all, every industry has its myths, and video production is no different. Which is why today we’re dispelling them, and clearing up the air on 5 myths about video production companies.
1. It’s always expensive.
This first one is probably the “godfather” of the myths about video production companies: cost. Yes, we readily recognize the price of high quality video can seem, well, quite high. Depending on many factors, pro level video budgets can range anywhere from $2k all the way up to $100k and beyond. But let’s take a pause, and consider a few things. For one, video is an investment. It has a substantial recyclability factor, and can be repurposed in many ways. Outside of that, the conversion rates of video content for brands run through the roof, with some estimates as high as 86%. So, remember these factors when shopping for the appropriate video production company. This is truly one of the best investments you can make for your business.
2. They just press record. Anyone can do it.
With the reality of smartphones came the power of personal video cameras. Which is great, don’t get us wrong! But it did also bring about the misconception that just because you own a video camera, you know how to use it. To be clear, we love the creativity smartphones have encouraged, but when it comes to creating high-quality video (especially on high-quality cameras), there is an art. For one, professional video equipment is vastly different and more complicated than your iPhone. These are not cameras you just pick up one day, and immediately know how to handle. It takes years of training and experience to not only finesse these systems but also to become a master at the craft with both tangibles and intangibles.
There are so many elements outside of the cameras required to create professional video content. Knowledge about proper lighting, angles, capturing the right amount of depth in a shot…the list goes on. Not to mention, a video team’s knowing how to bring out the best in their actors and/or clients on camera. Again, these are skills that are honed over time, not in a moment. And, might we add, are worth their weight in gold.
Bottom line, do you always want your brand to be represented by what is obviously only user generated iPhone footage and subpar editing? Or would you rather have your valued brand represented by quality, with content that backs that up?
3. Video production companies only shoot for big companies.
This next one is a bit subjective, depending on the specific desires of video production companies. However, we at Waves work with both large and small brands all the time. And we’ve found that fellow video production companies also do. Video is for everybody, and creating it is attainable for everyone. In fact, we highly recommend small businesses to especially focus on their video creation, as it is hands down the best way to grow any brand effectively.
4. Editing takes no time and is easy.
A video is only as good as its editing. Meaning, you can capture the best video footage on shoot day, but if you don’t have an editor who knows how to seamlessly put it all together afterward, it won’t live up to its potential. Professional level editing takes time, is a honed skill, and is a pivotal part to any successful post-production process. From color-grading to proper sequencing of content, soundtrack integration to fixing any audio mishaps, a professional editor is what sets your video apart from the rest. It elevates its quality, and thus, attracts viewers more easily.
5. Once the filming is over, it’s done.
Another common myth about video production companies is their level of involvement. Now, to be sure, there are some videographers who will just show up on shoot day, film the footage, then email you the raw files the next day…and good luck!
However, most professional video production companies bring both pre-production and post-production to the process, so as to ensure high quality. It’s essential to set clear expectations and develop a solid plan before filming, and then to ensure the project is seen through to the final edit, which may take quite some time. Editing, reviewing, revisions, finishing, and more are all a crucial part of creating a great video.
Again, video is an investment. And, as with most investments, the partners you are creating with should be involved every step of the way. Which is why we recommend hiring a video production company that wants to be included for the entire “story arc”, if you will: the beginning, middle, and end. In our experience, the sooner you can include them in your video creation narrative, the better your overall content will be.
Want to start creating great video for your brand? We’re a full service video production team ready to make that happen. With nearly 20 years of experience, we at Waves Media have the tools and creativity to work with you to make your brand’s vision a visual reality. To chat with us and learn more, click here.