15 Tips for Hiring a Video Production Team | Tulsa, OK

Hiring a video production team in Tulsa (or anywhere for that matter) can be a daunting process. The production team you hire for your project will have a large impact on the final outcome. Knowing this can make the hiring process a bit unnerving.

If you are in the process of hiring a video production team, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we are sharing 15 tips to keep in mind while searching for a production team. Hiring the best candidate for the job will ensure that your final product exceeds your expectations!

There are several factors to consider before you sign a contract with a video production team. Cost, experience, and business structure all play into your hiring decision. And while these things certainly all matter, you also need to find a company that will produce the final project you are envisioning.

Tip #1: Before finding a video production team, fully define both your strategy and the message you wish to send.

When you approach a video production team with a fully defined strategy and mission, the team is able to focus fully on the creative side of the process. Before meeting with the video production team, sit down and solidify the message you wish to send through this video. Why are you creating the video? What is the desired outcome? How will this video represent you or your company? These are all great questions to ask yourself while defining your message.

Tip #2: Don’t be afraid to ask to see their recent work.

Most companies will be quick to show you their demo reel. However, a demo reel is just that. A reel of their highlights. Oftentimes, the clips on this reel are outdated. They may have even been produced by an entirely different team than the one you will potentially hire! Ask to see some of the current team’s recent projects. This will give you a much better idea of what they are capable of and what your finished video will look like should you choose to hire them.

Tip #3: Find a video production team that specializes in the type of video you wish to create.

Video production teams are capable of producing a wide variety of videos. However, it is important to choose a team that specializes in the type of video you wish to create. If you are wishing to create a commercial for TV, don’t hire a team that specializes in producing longer documentaries. Although they may be an excellent and highly skilled production team, they are most likely not the best choice for your project.

Tip #4: Keep the future in mind.

When hiring a video production team, it is important to keep the future in mind. Don’t just hire a team that is capable of producing the video you wish to create now. Hiring a video production team can be a lengthy process. One that you certainly don’t want to do more than absolutely necessary. Finding a team that will be able to handle all of your future needs as well as your current need is a wise way to save yourself time and unnecessary work.

Tip #5: Shop around to get several quotes.

Even if you fall in love with the first video production team you meet with, do not sign a contract until you meet with a few others. It is important to get quotes from several video production teams before making your final decision. Doing so will give you the peace of mind that you made the right decision for your project.

Tip #6: Define a realistic budget.

We all know that you get what you pay for. This is certainly true in the video production field. Define a realistic budget before meeting with the production team. This will give you clarity as to what type of content you will be able to create for that amount of money.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a bargain. However, when creating a video, it is worth spending a bit extra to ensure that your final video both exceeds your expectations and meets your needs.

Tip #7: Familiarize yourself with the production style of the team.

Many video production teams hire freelance workers to represent them. While there is no problem with this structure, it can lead to a confusing dynamic of various styles. Ask if the video production team you are wishing to work with has worked as a team before. Get a realistic idea of their production style as a team. This is another reason to ask to see a few of the recent projects that they have worked on together.

Tip #8: Decide how you will use your video before wasting your money to create it.

No matter how great the idea for your video is, it is not worth producing if you don’t know how you will use it. Will it run as a commercial on TV? Are you looking to produce a short video clip to advertise a product on your website? Will this video be posted on various social media channels? A video that is produced but not used to its full potential is simply a waste of money and time.

Who is the target audience for this project? Deciding who you are trying to influence by creating this video will also define the way in which it is used. This is a crucial part of planning your video and defining your message.

Tip #9: Don’t be afraid to gather several examples to show the team.

Before you meet with the video production team, gather several visual examples to share with them. If you are wishing to promote a product, have that product available to show them exactly how it works. Prepare to show them several video clips that are similar to what you wish to produce. These could be past projects you’ve created or even clips from competitors that contain elements you’d like to add to your video. Simply put, a video production team is a very visually oriented group. By displaying your ideas in a visual manner, you will eliminate potential confusion later on in the project.

Tip #10: Define the timeline for your project.

Create a realistic timeline for your project. When will the video production team be able to start working on your project? How long will it take before it is complete and ready to use? What are any potential problems they see with completing the video on schedule? It is wise to hire a team that is able to work on your timeline to avoid stressors on all those involved.

Tip #11: Find a team video production team that shoots in the location you desire.

While defining your vision for the video, you may also have the desired location in mind. The video production team will be able to guide you into choosing a location that works both creatively and logistically. However, if you wish to film your video outdoors, find a team that has experience with that. If you wish to shoot indoors in a public space, it is wise to find a team that has experience in that environment.

Tip #12: Hire a team that seems genuinely enthusiastic about your project.

During your initial meeting, it is important to observe how the video production team reacts to your project. Hiring a team that is genuinely enthusiastic about your video will make the process more enjoyable for everyone. If the production team is excited about your project, they will work even harder to guarantee it is a complete success.

Tip #13: Observe how organized the video production team is during your interactions.

Organization is key to a successful working relationship. Finding a video production team that is organized will eliminate frustrations down the road. A team that is not organized from the start of the first meeting is not likely to be organized during the filming and production stages of the process either.

Tip #14: Find a team that aligns with your personal or company culture.

When you hire a video production team, they are working as an extension of you. As you would with anyone you hire, it is important to find a team that aligns with your vision and beliefs. This will help your video to be produced in a way that accurately conveys your mission and message.

Tip #15: Clarify what part you will play in the process.

Clarify what part you wish to have in the creation of your video. Are you hoping to be directly involved in every part of the process? Find a team who will include you along the way. Do you wish to have a more hands-off approach? Hire a team that is comfortable with that approach and fully capable of creating a video that properly represents you or your company.

These are just a few of the factors that need to be considered while hiring a video production team. Much of the process will be determined by how well you define both your goals and your strategy. Proper planning will produce a video that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Don’t be discouraged if the hiring process seems lengthy while you search for the ideal video production team. Taking your time during the initial stages of producing a video will guarantee a more streamlined process in the long run.