Oh, shoot! We called the wrong people for our shoot!

Know the difference between Production Companies, Production Services and Videographers.

The world of video production changes by the day. Someone with the latest iPhone, a good eye and great software could bill themselves as a “production company.” But how can you really tell the difference between a solo shooter and a full-fledged team? Knowing who to bring on for your next video project can save you, and the pros you contact, a lot of time and money.

Here are questions to pose when deciding if you need a full creative production company, production services, or a videographer.

How do I know if I simply need a videographer and not a production company?

If you approved a script with your in-house marketing or creative department, have the ability to produce it on your own and just need a professional to capture the content with a camera so you or your team can edit it later on. This means you are in charge of producing, directing, scheduling, logistics and all post-production. The videographer just points and shoots.

Why is this important to know? Budget and time. A production company will have people who can wrangle the crew, help to shape the creative, share advice from decades of experience and make sure no stone is left unturned in its quest to stay on time and budget. In short, they will be in charge of producing, directing, scheduling, logistics and all post-production.

Good videographers are talented and in high demand, but they will lean on you to produce and direct because you are not paying them to.

How do I know when I need a production services team and not a production company?

You are a marketer or ad agency with an in-house creative or production department, or you are a production company with a roster of directors, but do not have the people to handle the myriad of pre, principle and post production logistics. This means you need help with everything from location scouting, the production book, casting, art department, production insurance, vendor payroll, permits, client services, catering, craft service, VFX, wardrobe, wardrobe fitting, renting cars and trucks, props…

Why is this important? Savings. All of these talented crew members are for-hire workers who are well known to the production companies (or line production companies) that typically hire them on a per-project basis. A solid production services team allows you and/or your director to focus on their work. They save you money and are worth every penny.

How do I know when I need a full production company?

This is the easiest answer. You need everything mentioned above (producers, directors, videographer, production services, post production, etc.), and maybe even help developing the scripts from scratch because you do not have an ad agency to help you write them.

We hope this was helpful. If you still have questions, give us a call. We’re always here to help and share our experience with you.

The Kestum Bilt Team