You probably have an idea for a video or maybe several! But where does one even start the process?
It can seem like a lot, picking a video professional to help bring your idea to life. If you are considering a video production company, here are the top 5 things we recommend asking at the start. These questions will help you get to know their videographers and whether they are the right fit for your project.
Can I see examples of work from your video production company?
If you are on the lookout for a video production company, we recommend asking about their past experience. Specifically, can they provide video examples that are similar to what you had in mind?
If they are able to provide you with video work examples, this can show their team’s ability to handle the project, and may give you some ideas for your own! As of 2024, Skyline’s Vimeo library holds more than 850 videos. So that means when you ask us about our experience we are thrilled to share specific examples relevant to your project and goals.
Do you handle pre-production planning?
Pre-production, which is all of the planning that takes place before filming (also known as the Production day), can make or break your project. Here at Skyline, we handle pre-production for clients that don’t want to take on the planning beforehand. Pre-production can include the following:
Building storyboards
Script writing
Location scouting and planning
Coordinating with Personnel
Some video production companies provide pre-production and some do not, so make sure to ask!
How can I get the most value for my video production budget?
This is a great question! There are many ways to save money or get more value for your video production budget. One of the best would be filming multiple videos at once. This provides more footage for you and saves time for us on location, which can bring cost down. Another way to maximize budget is to use pre-production time to fine tune what you expect as the end result. The better direction we have for your storyboard and script, the easier it is for us to edit the final result together. Of course we can handle revisions that come up in the editing process. But if you require less changes during editing, we can deliver your video sooner and avoid any potential extra editing costs.
What kind of videos does your video production company specialize in?
Ask your videographer what kinds of videos they specialize in and you should get a better idea of what to expect with deliverables. Do they incorporate drone footage? Is it interview style only? Can they handle close up product videos? Get familiar with the style of your video production company to make sure they are a good fit for your project and vision.
What is your experience with my industry?
Taking it one step further than style, ask a video production company about industry experience. We work with a variety of local businesses and nonprofits in Salem and traveling around Oregon. It can be helpful to know if a videographer has worked with your specific industry. Do they know the terminology and what is the priority for the industry? We have partnered with clients from the following industries, and each one is unique!
Medical Video Production
Oral Hygiene / Dental Video Production
Commercial Video Production
Home Construction Video Production
Non-Profit Video Production
Political Video Production
Senior Living Video Production
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right video production company is a big decision that can determine the success of your project. Asking the right questions upfront helps you find a team that understands your vision, fits your budget, and can deliver the style and quality you need. By discussing experience, pre-production support, budgeting, specialization, and industry familiarity, you’ll get a clear sense of whether the company is the right partner for you and your overall goals. At Skyline, we love helping clients bring their ideas to life, offering everything from pre-production planning to final editing.
Ready to get started? Reach out to discuss your project goals and discover how we can make your vision a reality.
