Video takes over the web
March 8, 2021
Hiring a video production company for the first time — or for a new type of project — can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of companies to choose from, rates vary enormously, and it’s hard to know what questions to ask. This checklist walks you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Define What You Actually Need
Before you contact anyone, get clear on the following:
- What is the video for? — internal communication, social media, broadcast, a website landing page?
- Who is the audience? — employees, customers, journalists, investors?
- What’s the deliverable? — a single edited video, raw footage, multiple cuts for different platforms?
- What’s your deadline? — and is it fixed (a broadcast date, a product launch) or flexible?
- What’s your budget range? — even a rough range helps production companies give you realistic options
Step 2: Watch Their Showreel — Critically
Every production company has a showreel. Watch it with your specific project in mind, not as a general entertainment piece. Ask yourself: have they made something similar to what you need? A company with an excellent corporate interview reel may not be the right fit for a live broadcast. Look for work that matches your project type, not just work that looks impressive.
Step 3: Check Their Technical Credentials
For broadcast work, confirm the company shoots with broadcast-standard cameras (Sony XDCAM, Canon Cinema EOS, or equivalent) and delivers in broadcast-compliant formats. For live streaming, ask about their transmission setup — do they use LiveU or a similar professional solution, or are they streaming via a consumer encoder?
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions Before Quoting
When you request a quote, provide as much detail as possible — and ask the company these questions in return:
- What’s included in the day rate — camera, audio, lighting, travel?
- Who will actually be on the shoot — a senior operator or a junior?
- What happens if the shoot runs over?
- What is your turnaround time for edited deliverables?
- Do you carry public liability insurance?
Step 5: Compare Quotes Fairly
The lowest quote is rarely the best value. When comparing quotes, check what’s included — one company’s quote may include editing, another’s may be shoot-only. Ask every company to itemise their quote so you’re comparing like for like.
Step 6: Check References or Reviews
Ask for client references from projects similar to yours, or look for reviews on Google or LinkedIn. A production company that regularly works with reputable clients is a lower-risk hire than one without a verifiable track record.
Step 7: Confirm Rights and Ownership
Before signing anything, confirm who owns the footage after the shoot. In most work-for-hire arrangements, you own the footage and the finished edit. Some companies retain rights to use your footage in their own promotional material — decide whether you’re comfortable with this and get it in writing.
Looking for a Production Company in Europe?
CamJo24 provides professional video production services across Europe — from corporate video and news production to live streaming and LiveU broadcasts. All quotes are itemised and all-inclusive.
