8-Tips to Prepare to Work with a Video Production Company in Calgary

If you're reading this, you’re most likely considering working with a professional video production company to create impactful content for your brand, either in Calgary or elsewhere. Before the cameras start rolling, there are a few key steps necessary to ensure the process runs smoothly. Whether you’re looking to make a corporate video, a television commercial, or a brand film highlighting Alberta’s local flavor, preparation is pivotal when working with a video services company. So, let’s go through it! 🎥✨

Step 1: Understand Your Goals

The first step in any successful video project is knowing what you want to achieve. Ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of this video? (e.g., brand awareness, product promotion, internal training)

• Who is your target audience?

• What action do you want viewers to take? (e.g., visit your website, buy your product, share the video)

• How big is the problem we are trying to solve?

Having clear goals in mind will help inform each choice your freelance videographer or video production company will make, from the platforms we are creating for, to the storyline and messaging, and of course, how it looks.

Step 2: Communicate a Vision

While the video production company you choose to work with will bring their creative expertise, industry knowledge, and tricks of the trade, having a general idea of your vision helps:

• Tone and Style: What is your brands voice and tone? Serious, playful, or inspirational? Think about the vibe that aligns with your brand and customer.

• Key Messages: Outline the main purpose, key takeaways and benefits, as well as the single most important message you want to communicate.

• Inspiration: Share examples of videos you like and dislike (this can sometimes be more informative).

Remember, at the end of the day your Calgary-based video production company will also know how to craft your message and infuse business objectives into the material you opt to create.🌄

Step 3: Arrange Your Team

Collaborating with a video production company is a team effort. Identify key players in your organization who will:

• Be the Main Point of Contact: Choose someone to coordinate with the production team and relay updates.

• Provide Approvals: Decide who needs to sign off on scripts, footage, and edits.

• Be On-Camera(if necessary): If employees or leaders will be featured, ensure they’re comfortable and prepared.

Step 4: Consider Your Budget

Understanding your budget for video production and content creation will ensure your organization is ready to enter talks. Your Calgary video services will bring a lot of value, and should clarify the video projects details. Such as:

• Scope of Work: How big is the project?

• Deliverables: How many deliverables will be included?

• Revisions: Clarify how many rounds of edits are included in the price.

• Add-Ons: Will you need extras like drone footage, animation, additional shooting days or video editing?

• Additional Terms of Service: Length of contract, ownership and intellectual property, payment terms, and cancellations.

Pro Tip: Investing in high-quality video production might cost more upfront, but the payoff in overcoming your business challenges (lack of sales, engagement, recruitment, etc.) will yield a great return on your investment.💸

Step 5: Messaging Content & Company Materials

Ensuring you know what you want from the video(s) is crucial. Have materials and information ready for the production team, such as:

• Brand Guidelines: Share logos, fonts, and color palettes to save time for the video editors, and post-production specialists.

• Sales Pages or Talking Points: If applicable, share sales pages, talking-points, or at least key details you would like to cover.

• Products or Virtual Files: If your video features specific products or virtual renderings, have them ready or send them over.

By providing these details and materials you'll save time for your creative services contractor, allowing them to have all the specifics necessary to craft your production.

Step 6: Scheduling your Video Production

Work with your video production company to establish a clear schedule. Doing so will involve discussing:

• Production or Shooting Days: Your production company will coordinate with your team to confirm availability or locations and necessary participants.

• Identifying Deadlines: Outline key milestones, such as draft reviews and final delivery dates.

Step 7: Efficient Communication with your Video Production Company

Good communication is the secret sauce to a smooth production process:

• Be Transparent: Share your ideas, concerns, and expectations upfront.

• Trust the Experts: Calgary video production professionals know their craft and will value your input as they guide you to the best results.

• Ask Questions: If something isn’t clear, always ask. It is important to healthy productions and strong relationships to share information and resolve queries.

Step 8: Reviews & Approvals

After the lights go off and the cameras stop, the post-production magic begins. Stay involved by:

• Reviewing Drafts: Be prepared to provide your opinion, and add constructive feedback on edits as they come available.

• Sticking to Deadlines: Ensuring you provide feedback in a timely manner will help to keep the project on schedule.

• Focusing on the Big Picture: At the end of the day, you trusted video production professionals to deliver you a polished final product. Patiently await their final deliverables and revise if necessary.

Why working with a Calgary Video Production Company Pays Off

Working with a Calgary video production company is a partnership. The more prepared both parties are, the smoother the process, and the better the results. Plus, taking proactive measures saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you get a video that truly represents your brand.

Ready to Roll?

At Seaweed Creative, we’re here to make your video production experience seamless and fun. From pre-production planning to final edits, we specialize in creating high-quality videos tailored to Calgary’s unique business landscape. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life! Contact us today to get started. 🚀

https://www.seaweedcreative.com/