Video Production For Brands... Hire In-House or Go With The Pros?
08/28/2023
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, video content has become an indispensable tool for businesses to engage their audience, showcase products or services, and convey their brand story. As companies strive to harness the power of video marketing, a crucial decision arises: should you contract an independent video production company or build an in-house team to create your video materials? In this article, we'll break down the key differences between these two approaches, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your business objectives.
When you're looking to produce high-quality videos that resonate with your target audience, expertise and experience are paramount. Independent video production companies are seasoned professionals with a wealth of knowledge in creating captivating visual narratives. Their diverse portfolios span across various industries, giving them a unique perspective on crafting videos that stand out. Video production professionals also know what it's like to be a business owner, and know to focus on creating content that not only looks good, but sells your brand or service as well. One of the downsides of hiring a professional production team is that there is often higher upfront cost to be expected.
On the other hand, an in-house video team brings an intimate understanding of your brand's ethos and vision. Their day-to-day involvement with your company fosters a deep connection that translates into videos that embody your brand's identity. As they grow alongside your business, their skills evolve to cater specifically to your unique needs. While this can be a benefit in the long-run, it might not be ideal if you are wanting to have a video campaign created in short order, since the individuals making up the in-house team would need to spend more time getting to know the brand.
The budget is a pivotal factor in any business decision. Independent video production companies offer a cost-effective solution, particularly for sporadic or one-off projects. Outsourcing on a project-by-project basis allows for greater financial transparency and eliminates the need for maintaining a full-time team. When hiring a video production company, each individual on the shoot is paid a day rate for their services (often based on role, years of experience, and the market you're located in). This makes it a lot easier to budget for the production based on what the client's top-line numbers are. In many cases the production company will already own most of the equipment needed for the shoot, which in turn reduces additional rental fees to the client.
In contrast, building an in-house team requires an initial investment in hiring, training and purchasing equipment. While this upfront cost might be substantial, the long-term benefits become evident as your team becomes more proficient, leading to potential cost savings over time. A skilled team of in-house shooters, editors and graphic effects artists can pave the way for reliable, well put together marketing campaigns that help your business flourish.
The flexibility of choosing between an independent production company and an in-house team depends on your project's nature and volume. Independent production companies offer unparalleled flexibility by tailoring their services to your project's specific requirements. Scaling up or down becomes seamless, making them an ideal choice for businesses with varying video production needs. Some shoots may require a lot more production assistants, makeup artists, camera operators or grips, and working with a professional video production company means that you get quick access to their network of highly skilled artisans.
Conversely, an in-house team offers the advantage of immediate availability. They can quickly adapt to changing priorities, and their constant presence allows for spontaneous project execution. However, scaling an in-house team during peak periods might present challenges, potentially impacting project timelines. One of the biggest drawbacks to keeping all your video production in-house is that any additional roles or knowledge base that the team doesn't already have must be outsourced, or otherwise must be taught to the staff. For this reason it's important to constantly reinvest in ongoing education for the individuals in those roles.
"The magic of film is the ability to create an emotion." - Rian Johnson
Maintaining creative control and ensuring brand alignment are critical considerations in video production. Independent production companies thrive on clear communication and collaboration to understand your brand's identity. Their fresh perspective often brings innovative ideas that can elevate your videos. At WulfenBear Media we hyper focus on making sure we get every detail from our clients regarding their messaging before we even get started. It is crucial for us to understand not only what the brand stands for, but also what the long term marketing goals are. We then cater the video to meet those requests, ensuring that we are staying on brand every step of the way.
In-house teams excel in capturing the essence of your brand. Their deep familiarity with your company culture and values results in videos that seamlessly integrate with your brand identity. The advantage of consistent branding across all videos is a compelling reason to opt for an in-house approach. The catch 22 here is that this also means it is up to you as the business owner to create a welcoming and productive work environment, ensuring that your employees will deliver content that matches up to what you are selling.
Time is often of the essence in the fast-paced world of marketing. Independent production companies boast streamlined workflows that can lead to faster turnaround times. However, establishing clear project timelines and effective communication is crucial to meet deadlines successfully.
In-house teams shine in rapid communication and decision-making. Their proximity allows for swift collaboration, reducing the time required for approvals and revisions. Yet, juggling multiple concurrent projects may occasionally stretch their resources, impacting project timelines.
Choosing between an independent video production company and an in-house team hinges on a range of factors. Both approaches have distinct advantages: independent production companies offer specialized expertise and flexibility, while in-house teams provide brand alignment and creative control. Understanding your business's unique needs, budget, and long-term goals will guide you toward the optimal choice for your video marketing endeavors. Whichever path you choose, the power of video content to captivate and engage your audience remains undeniable in today's ever-evolving digital landscape.
