Video Production Frequently Asked Questions
We break down the variables that affect how much video production costs, how long it takes, and how the storyboarding and creative work.
IMAGE VIA: NOBLE BISON PRODUCTIONS
It's not uncommon that we have clients come to us who know that they want a video to help their business grow, but they don't know where to start or what to expect when purchasing a video from a video production company. And we often find in these situations that these are the top three questions we get asked:
How much does video production cost?
How long does it take to make videos?
How do storyboarding, the creative, and art direction work?
These specific questions are so common because they don't always have a direct answer. However, we thought we could break each of them down and let you know the variables that affect things like cost, time, and stuff like storyboarding.
1. HOW MUCH DOES VIDEO PRODUCTION COST?
The cost of video production can vary greatly. The reason is that producing videos can mean anything from creating a social promo video shot in your home office to planning and producing a broadcast commercial with several locations. However, there is a way to break down a video production project and understand costs.
Here are the primary questions that help our team determine the scope of a video project:
What kind of video quality and video style are you looking for? Do you need a drone shot, or maybe you have a certain type of camera equipment in mind?
How many cameras do you need? Multiple camera angles, when done well, will make a video look more professional and interesting to watch.
Do you need us to find a filming location(s)?
Do you need talent, such as actors or voice actors?
How many videos do you need?
Do you need editing?
Do you need animation or special/virtual effects of any kind?
These questions help us determine who and how many people to hire and the work needed in each phase. Professional video production can be a significant investment. Plenty of research shows why it continues to be the most effective type of content marketing.
2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A VIDEO(S)?
The length it takes to complete a video depends on the project's scope and the depth of planning and details that need to be done. Most people don't realize that the pre-production phase (planning) and the post-production phase (editing) tend to take much longer than the actual production (filming) phase.
The time it takes to produce your video could change based on how much work needs to go into each of the phases noted above. For instance, maybe you need a lengthier amount of time to realize and coordinate the video you want. Or, perhaps you want to create a video that doesn't have live-action elements very much, yet you may need a significant amount of editing and post-production services.
With that said, how well you know what kind of video you want to produce, how ample your project scope is, and the number of details you already have sorted out will affect how long it takes to make your video from start to finish.
3. HOW DOES STORYBOARDING, THE CREATIVE, AND ART DIRECTION WORK?
You can reach out to a video production company even if you don't have a particular vision for your video project. We often speak with clients who know they want to create a high-quality video, but they need help with the rest. That's why we're here! Many video production companies, ours included, help clients brainstorm and storyboard the video that best fits their needs.
First, we ask what the purpose of the video is. What do you want your viewers to gain from watching this video? Then we can get deeper into how you want them to see your brand and feel about your products or services? The greater we understand your brand, voice, and intentions, the better we can curate a creative for you.
On the other hand, if you have determined a great deal of your storyboard, then we are here to bring it to life. We will lend our professional opinion or advice where we see fit, but we work for you. It's your video and investment, and you have the final say.
A great example is a commercial we shot for Global X EFTs. They had a complete storyboard already created, so we just needed to turn it into the real thing! Their logo is an "X," which they wanted to incorporate throughout the commercial. Additionally, their brand's colors are a lovely blue and orange that we were able to integrate as well. See if you can spot the different elements:
4. What camera do you use?
We love working with the Alexa Mini, however we abide by a “right tool for the right job” mentality. We’ve filmed with every high-end camera under the sun (Sony, Canon, RED, ARRI, Black Magic, and beyond)
5. What is the video production process?
It starts with a client’s need or vision for a branding campaign. They reach out to us with a vision and a general budget. Typically, multiple production companies put in bids that cover the creative approach and budget breakdown of how they plan to execute the production all the way to the final hand-off. Once the job is won, pre-production begins with storyboarding, casting, wardrobe selections, prop selections, camera decisions, location booking, and crew hiring. We then take all of our prep work to finally shoot the project during a long 10-12 hour day. From there we take the footage and start editing and revising with the client. Most projects undergo 3 or 4 revisions before a final is officially stamped and approved.
6. Do you have a drone?
We sure do! and great pilots as well.
7. How do you choose your crew?
We source only the best crew in town and we take special care to make sure the right people are suited for the type of project. For example, we have different lighting department heads depending on whether it’s a broadcast commercial or a talking head shoot.
8. How long have you been in business?
Noble Bison is in its fourth year of business. Our owner, Jeff, has been working in video production since 2010, ranging from direct client work to various crew member positions on commercials to even a small stint as an in-house cinematographer for another local video production company in Denver.
9. Do you travel?
Of course! We know the in’s and out’s of traveling with all of our gear to anyplace in the world.
10. Can video increase traffic to my website?
Video is one of the best ways to quickly attract potential clients, customers, or whoever you’re trying to reach. Ask any marketing professional, videos are the strongest format in marketing and creating conversions by a mile.
11. Do you edit your videos?
We sure do! Generally, they are edited in-house by Jeff, but occasionally, we’ll outsource an editor who may be better suited to accomplish the project's demands.
12. Can I get all the raw files from the footage?
Yes! We’re not picky about that (but many companies will charge for this).
13. Do I own the rights to the video we make?
Absolutely! You paid for it, right?
14. How do you source the music for the videos?
We love using royalty-free music sites. They are quite good these days, and they help save everyone time and, most importantly, lots of money. However, if you have lots of money and want something custom-made, we have the right people for that as well! Check out our commercial for the Wyoming Lottery—fully custom made by our good friend Jesse Burkett.
15. What do I need to do before I contact you to make a video?
Get your project details in order as best you can! What is your budget? When are you looking to film? Do you need any motion graphics? Animations? Where is it going (web vs. broadcast).
Examples are always super helpful, and a clear timeline is helpful to everyone! For example, when you plan to choose a vendor, when you want to film, and when you need everything finished by, the sooner this is expressed, the better, and everyone can comfortably stay on the same page.
16. Do you film weddings?
Very rarely and only on special occasions.
17. Can you make broadcast TV commercials?
That’s our favorite type of work! See our ads for The Wyoming Lottery Ad, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Ad, and Global X ETFs.
Do you have any questions you want to ask a video production company?
Did you know nearly 90% of businesses use video as a marketing tool? Not without reason either, it’s the most engaging and informative medium you can use to share your products and services with people.
Don’t be left out!
NOBLE BISON PRODUCTIONS
A DENVER VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY