What do you do if your video production clients have high expectations for quality work?

One of the first things I do with every client is establish a visual language. Share some videos and images, talk about what you like and don’t like. Not only does this put everyone on the same page visually, but gives you insight into what level of production value your client is expecting.

Working with high-expectation clients, managing expectations is key. I personally try to be clear about what can be achieved within the budget and timeframe. I prefer to reach an understanding before going into something together. Provide a detailed production outline with milestones and potential challenges to prevent misunderstandings. Avoid promising more than you can deliver to maintain credibility and good client relationships.

Understanding your clients' vision and aligning it with practical realities is key to a successful video production partnership. By laying out a clear path from concept to completion, including what's possible with the available resources, you ensure everyone is on the same page. It's about creating a balance between aspiration and what's realistically achievable, which can often lead to more creative solutions. Keeping an open line of communication throughout the process can help in smoothly navigating any bumps along the way.

Exceed it The very first job in Square Bears' order book 34 years ago, was to create an animated video of state-of-the- art, commercial refrigeration. Involving tech drawing, in- depth illustration, immense product knowledge, as well as expert offline and online editing... Square Bear created a highly effective sales tool... Exceeding all expectation

Here's the best practical piece of advice I can give: Under-promise and overdeliver. If you promise too much and can't deliver on your promises, you'll end up disappointing your clients. So instead promise what you can deliver as your minimum, and excel when it comes time to deliver the goods.

To make great videos, keep learning new skills and stay updated on industry trends. Practice cinematography, sound design, editing, and color grading to meet client needs.

Find skills adjacent to yours to work on and improve. For instance, if you are a video editor, consider studying design and motion graphics. This will allow you to create graphics and fundamentally understand design, putting you a step above other editors who can't provide either of those things.

Continuously improving your video production skills is essential for delivering high-quality work consistently. Stay updated on industry trends, techniques, and technologies through workshops, online courses, and networking. Cultivate expertise in cinematography, sound design, editing, and color grading to meet and exceed client expectations

Understand Client Expectations: Start by thoroughly understanding your client's expectations. Schedule a meeting or discussion to clarify their vision, goals, and specific requirements for the project. Utilize Cutting-Edge Technology: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in video production technology and techniques. Invest in state-of-the-art equipment, software, and tools. Incorporate Creative Solutions: Leverage your creativity and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and deliver innovative solutions that exceed client expectations. Prioritize Client Satisfaction: Make client satisfaction your top priority throughout the project lifecycle. Be proactive in addressing any concerns or issues that arise.

Every work that we do should always have a quality first approach. The more good work we deliver are the more chances of making a better film. I always believe in having a consistent team with whom I can champion films.

Invest wisely in people then product because people make good product. Money is not essential always but a good team will always give a great outcome. I believe in spending money on team rather then just making money. This has always works for me in past.

Smart investments in high-quality equipment and software can notably enhance the production value of your videos. While having the latest gear isn't mandatory, choosing tools that elevate your ability to deliver polished results is key. Prioritize investments in equipment like reliable cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software to make the most significant impact on your work

Know the professional people you work with on any production. You then know their sense of what is financially feasible and trust them to do the best.

Ein qualifiziertes Team ist für mich essenziell, besonders wenn die Anforderungen hoch sind. Bei uns geht es nicht nur darum, die notwendigen Ressourcen zu haben – was zweifelsohne Geld erfordert –, sondern auch darum, wie wir diese mit Expertise mit einem guten Netzwerk optimal nutzen. Qualität hat ihren Preis, und wir setzen auf transparente Kommunikation darüber, was unsere Kunden für ihr Investment erhalten: Unsere Anpassungsfähigkeit an die Bedürfnisse und Anforderungen unserer Kunden garantiert, dass hohe die hohen Erwartungen unserer Kunden auch erfüllt werden.

Fostering collaboration with a team of skilled professionals can elevate your video production endeavors. From directors to scriptwriters, editors, and sound engineers, each member brings expertise that enhances project quality. Encourage open communication and creative input to align with the client’s vision and deliver exceptional work

Establishing a stringent quality control process is crucial to uphold high standards in video production. This includes thorough review of footage, meticulous editing, and careful attention to details like color correction and audio mixing. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement before presenting the final product to your client

A great tactic is to involve your clients in the creative process, allowing them to feel heard and part of the journey. This not only enhances satisfaction but also minimizes the need for revisions, as expectations are clear from the start. Remember, a happy client is your best marketing tool! Their positive experience can open doors to new opportunities through word-of-mouth. Always aim for excellence, not just in the final product but in every interaction, to create lasting relationships and a strong brand reputation.

Understanding the customer's vision is one of the main keys. Show them your past work through your portfolio, with references similar to their request. Have as detailed preparation, action and post-production processes as possible to reassure the client as well as for your own action plan. "Confidence comes from anticipation". Unfortunately, video production is an expensive business, so you shouldn't be afraid to spend a certain amount of money on the right tools and to surround yourself with talented, professional people. Finally, when filming is finished, it's important to tease the client by sending them extracts before the fully edited version, to keep them informed of the progress of the work.

This is the best possible scenario. Your client is insisting on high-quality work. Congratulations. This is an opportunity to leverage, not a problem to overcome. "Pressure is a privilege" as Billie Jean King famously says. Embrace the challenge. Find out how the client is defining high quality. Ask them for benchmarks from popular culture, competitor's advertising, etc...any content that helps best communicate their definition of 'high quality' and 'not high quality'...it'll help keep everyone accountable along the way. The first step is to ballpark a price and time scenario related to their ask. If they can meet those thresholds, you're off to the races. Have backup plans for your backup plans, stay nimble and have fun.

Never underestimate a clearly defined scope of work. This agreement, signed by both you and your client, should be your North Star when it comes to managing expectations about what is achievable given the resources allocated and timeline to deliver. I make a point to draft comprehensive SoWs that clearly articulate the specifics (including rounds of edits, specs of final output and pricing for out-of-scope requests) of what my team can deliver within the client’s budget and timeline, then go over them line by line with the client before both parties sign. This document then becomes a barometer for my team and our clients to gauge the quality of work delivered at each stage of the production process.

I think communication is key here. Make sure you understand exactly what he needs and work towards it. You might deliver more quality than he expected but still not please him.