1. Define Your Objectives
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Clarify Goals: Determine the purpose of the video (brand awareness, product launch, training, etc.).
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Target Audience: Identify who the video is aimed at. Understand their preferences and behaviors.
2. Establish Your Budget
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Set a Range: Outline a budget that includes pre-production, production, and post-production costs.
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Consider Additional Expenses: Factor in costs for talent, locations, props, and any licensing fees.
3. Create a Project Brief
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Outline Content: Include information about the video’s concept, tone, and style.
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Specify Outcomes: Detail the expected deliverables, including video length and formats (HD, 4K, etc.).
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Timeline: Provide a timeline that includes milestones and the final delivery date.
4. Research Video Production Companies
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Look for Experience: Seek firms with a proven track record in your industry or type of video you need.
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Check Portfolios: Review previous work to gauge quality and creative style.
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Read Reviews and Testimonials: Evaluate feedback from previous clients to assess reliability.
5. Request Proposals
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Send Out RFQs: Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and pricing.
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Evaluate Responses: Look for clarity, creativity, and alignment with your project brief.
6. Set Up Interviews
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Meet the Team: Arrange meetings with potential production companies to discuss your vision.
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Assess Compatibility: Determine if the company’s style aligns with your brand identity and values.
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Ask Questions: Inquire about their process, timelines, and how they handle challenges.
7. Review Contracts Carefully
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Understand Terms: Ensure you are clear on deliverables, timelines, payment schedules, and rights to the content.
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Negotiate If Necessary: Be open to discussing terms to ensure mutual understanding and agreement.
8. Maintain Open Communication
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Establish a Point of Contact: Designate someone within your team to communicate directly with the production company.
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Schedule Regular Updates: Set up checkpoints throughout the project to address progress and make adjustments.
9. Participate in the Creative Process
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Provide Feedback: Share your insights during key stages of production (storyboarding, shooting, editing).
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Stay Engaged: Attend critical meetings, such as concept reviews and final edits, to ensure the final product meets your vision.
10. Evaluate the Final Product
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Review Deliverables: Ensure the video meets the agreed-upon specifications before acceptance.
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Gather Feedback: Before launching, solicit feedback from key stakeholders or test audiences.
11. Plan for Distribution
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Develop a Distribution Strategy: Decide how and where the video will be shared (social media, website, email marketing, etc.).
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Measure Success: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the video’s effectiveness post-launch.
Final tips
By following this structured approach to commissioning a video production company, marketing directors can ensure a fruitful collaboration that results in high-quality video content aligned with their brand objectives. Adhering to these guidelines will help in navigating the complexities of video production while fostering a productive partnership with the selected company.