Are you planning to hire a video production agency? You’re probably struggling to select one. It’s understandable, considering the number of options available today.
Everyone looks great online, every Reel looks slick, and every team claims they ‘’get’’ your brand. So how do you know who’s actually right for you?
The truth is, a good agency does a lot more than just shooting nice footage. They listen to you and bring your ideas to life. Plus, they know how to work within your budget and still make something that looks professional. Our guide teaches you what really matters when hiring a video production agency. Let’s get right into it.
Video production agencies don’t just make ads. They handle all sorts of projects, some focused on brand storytelling, others built for quick social hits or training needs. The right agency will match your message with the right format.
Some common videos you can hire a video production agency for are:
No matter your goal, there’s a video format that fits. Even better, there’s an agency that can create it for you in the best way possible.
Once you’ve decided what kind of video you need, the next step is finding the right team to make it happen. Here’s how to go about it.
Not every video production company works the same way. Some handle every stage of production under one roof, while others focus on specific formats or audiences. It’s important to understand these differences.
These are the common types of agencies you’ll come across.
These agencies manage everything. They help you right from the concept stage and all the way to delivering the final cut. INDIRAP is a good example here.
These agencies are ideal for larger projects like commercial video production or brand films where you want creative direction, scripting, filming, and post-production handled in one place.
These teams live and breathe digital trends. They focus on short-form, vertical, and platform-optimized content. If you’re aiming for reach and engagement, they should be your pick.
These agencies produce high-end ads for television, streaming, and digital campaigns. They often work with professional actors, studio sets, and cinematic equipment to create broadcast-quality content.
If your message relies on visuals rather than live action, an explainer video company or motion design studio is the way to go. They create animations and 2D or 3D visuals that simplify complex topics. Moov Studio is an excellent example of such a video production agency.
Are you focused on B2B video marketing? You need a video marketing agency that can handle internal videos and onboarding materials. These agencies can also create videos to convey leadership messages on your website or social media pages. They know how to keep things professional without losing attention.
You might think a single Google search is enough to find the right video production company. But you need to dig a little more than that. Compare portfolios, read reviews, and talk to a few teams before deciding.
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to spot great candidates and narrow them down fast. Start with referrals from marketing peers or other businesses that have run successful video campaigns.
Then, check trusted video marketing agency directories, LinkedIn company pages, and professional groups where production teams often share their latest work. Don’t skip social platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Agencies post behind-the-scenes clips and client tags that show their style and tone.
Here’s a video from INDIRAP showing the kind of real estate content we make.
Use this quick list to evaluate each agency before you reach out:
A strong shortlist helps you spend your time on serious contenders instead of endless browsing.
Once you’ve found a few promising agencies, look closely at their portfolios. Don’t just skim the flashy clips on their homepage. Take a few minutes to watch full videos. That’s where you’ll see how they handle pacing and storytelling.
Look for projects that feel similar to what you need. If you’re after corporate video production, check how they present real people and real stories. For ads or brand films, notice if the message sticks or if the visuals overpower it.
Pay attention to the mix between production value and clarity. A beautiful video that doesn’t say much isn’t a win. Also, take note of how consistent their quality is across different clients.
Your first call with a video production agency sets the tone for everything that follows. A good agency will welcome your questions. So, ask some good ones.
If the agency answers confidently and backs it up with examples, that’s usually a good sign you’re talking to the right team.
It’s time to talk numbers. Every video production company prices projects a little differently, so don’t be shy about asking for a detailed quote.
Most will base their rates on a few simple models, such as day rates, flat project fees, or milestone payments tied to each phase. Some even offer monthly content packages if you plan to produce several videos over time.
Pricing depends a lot on format and complexity. For example, a short explainer video or social clip can cost a few thousand dollars, while a high-end commercial video production for a supply chain brand might run well into five figures.
Here are a few things that often stretch a budget faster than expected:
Set a realistic budget by defining your main goal, such as sales or training. Then, share that scope with every agency so that their quotes reflect what you actually need.
Before you finally select an agency, ask about their video production process so that you know what to expect and when to give input. The process usually kicks off with discovery and goal-setting, where the agency learns about your brand, audience, and objectives. That’s what we do at INDIRAP.
From there, the team moves into concept development and scripting. They create storylines and messages that go with your strategy. Next come storyboards and shot lists, translating words into visuals.
You’ll also discuss scheduling and permits, especially if there are specific locations or on-camera talent involved. For example, a video production agency Chicago will have to get permits for public places where you want to shoot.
On shoot day, everything comes together under the guidance of the director and crew. After filming, the focus shifts to editing and rough cuts. Here, music and graphics bring the story to life.
You’ll usually get a chance to review and request revisions before the final delivery, which might include:
This is what a general video production process looks like. But some agencies may have additional steps or limits on the number of times you can ask for revisions. So, it’s best if you know about all of this beforehand.
You must have selected your video production agency by now. Congratulations!
Before you start working with them, get everything in writing. A contract keeps both sides aligned and prevents surprises later.
Start by clearly listing deliverables, including the number of final videos, versions, and file formats (for example, 4K MP4s or ProRes masters). Next, clarify who owns what. Will you get the raw footage or just the final edited files? Most businesses prefer full ownership of both, especially if you plan to reuse clips later.
Plus, make sure your agreement covers:
Now, you’re all set to create videos for your business. Get planning.
Before you commit, look for signs that an agency might not be as buttoned-up as they seem. Some red flags to identify are as follows.
If they can’t explain how the project moves from idea to delivery, that’s a problem. A good video production agency walks you through each step.
You always know what’s happening and when. Vague timelines often mean delays and confusion later on.
Phrases like ‘’we’ll create a few videos’’ or ‘’some edits’’ are red flags. You should know exactly what you’re paying for. That includes how many videos, how long each will be, and in what format you’ll receive them.
Professional crews carry insurance and secure filming permits, especially for commercial shoots. What happens if they skip these essentials? You end up liable if something goes wrong on set.
Some agencies lean too heavily on stock clips instead of shooting original footage. While stock has its place, it shouldn’t replace your brand’s authentic visuals.
If it takes days to get a reply or their answers feel rushed, take note. Communication before signing is usually the best predictor of what working with them will be like. You don’t want to work with an agency that doesn’t respect timelines.
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Admittedly, it can be a bit overwhelming to hire a video production agency. But when you know what to look for and what to avoid, you’ll find a team that fits your goals and creative style.
Start with a few conversations and review the details carefully. Don’t forget to focus on chemistry. The best partnerships happen when an agency truly gets your brand. Once you’ve locked that in, let the pros handle the lights, cameras, and action while you focus on the bigger picture: sharing your story with the world.
Book a free, no-obligation Discovery Call today to discuss your creative strategy with INDIRAP’s professional video production team.
It depends on the agency. Many offer in-house scripting as part of creative development, but if you already have a script, they’ll refine it for pacing and visuals.
Have a clear idea of your goal, target audience, message, and where the video will live (social, website, ads, etc.) so that the agency can create a proposal and give you a quote accordingly.
Many video production agencies offer monthly retainers or content packages for brands that post videos regularly on social media or need fresh material for campaigns year-round. They can create long-term campaigns for you and also help you repurpose your content for different use cases.
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