This blog details important questions to ask a video production company to ensure you get the best result from your video.
1. How does the video production process actually work? What steps are involved?
Don’t be scared to ask this question if this is the first time you will be working on a video production project. It’s important that the production company explains how the process works. Even if you’ve worked on a video production project before, everyone has a different way of working. Dream Engine’s video production process is explained here.
2. Can you name some video production clients you’ve worked for in my industry?
This will help in establishing the credentials of the company. It will indicate whether they have some background knowledge in your area.
3. Please describe a video production that you’ve worked on recently that might be similar to what I require?
Having a case-study described to you is a great way to learn about the process of the video production company: how they create a solution based on a brief. It will give a clue as to how they have tackled challenges specific to your industry.
4. Can you show me some of this video?
It’s important to see examples of the work described to see how the ideas were put into action.
5. Do you have public liability insurance?
It’s standard Industry practice to have $20- $50 million in public liability insurance.
6. How do you back up and store your material? What procedures do you have in place to ensure that my work is kept safe?
It’s absolutely vital that the video production company has a comprehensive backup and storage policy. Dream Engine stores all of its data on enterprise class drives on a RAID 5 system. This means that the drives are less likely to malfunction. Importantly, a RAID 5 system is a safe way to back up data. If a drive does fail, it will replicate and rebuild the project. In addition, source video tapes and cards are stored in a fireproof safe for the duration of the project. This provides additional peace of mind.
7. Do you retain the copyright to the video when the job is done, or does it transfer to us?
To make sure that you have control of the work that you have paid for, ensure that the contract states that upon delivery of the completed work and payment, that copyright of the video cedes to your organisation. This will give you the most flexibility in terms of future use and repurposing of your work. You may be surprised to learn how many video production companies insist of retaining copyright of completed work.
At Dream Engine our policy is very simple – Once video production work is delivered and paid for, copyright cedes to you. You’ve commissioned the work and it’s your right to use it in whatever way will help you to further your interests.
8. How many rounds of changes may be made to the edit?
‘Changes’ refers to alterations or additions that you may wish to make in the edit stage. It’s important for the production company to explain how they work with clients to make changes.
At Dream Engine we provide you with the opportunity to make changes at both the rough cut and fine cut stage. This ensures that you can make amendments or changes as the project evolves. The changes sessions take place at our edit suite. This means that you are able to see the effect of the changes as they happen, and can further tweak them on the spot.
Ready to discuss your video production project? Please contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
