Prep Like a Pro: 5 Must-Do Before Working with a Video Production House!

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Bali when you opened YouTube and stumbled upon an entertaining video campaign by a brand. The video made you laugh, smile, and left you feeling inspired.

After watching the video, you had an idea and wrote it down. After taking a deep breath and a sip of coffee, you decided to create a video for your business.

You’ve got your brilliant idea, your goals, and the hunger to create something amazing. Yet, you realized that creating this video solo is simply out of the question. You’re in need of a helping hand to bring your vision to life.

“Production House!” – That is what you were thinking.

After closing the Youtube app, you opened your browser and started typing “Production House Bali”.

But then…

Google hits you with a hundred Production House Bali options, each promising the moon and stars.

Different brands have different missions and styles, each with dozens of directors and portfolios that you need to check one by one.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Indeed, Bali’s production house scene is booming, with each company boasting unique styles, directors, and oodles of creative firepower. Think Revolta, M Films, or Silur Barong – they’ve all raised the bar, showcasing Balinese talent to the world.

But with so many choices, the big question looms: who to work with? How to navigate the process? What about budget and communication?

And most importantly, is a production house even the right fit for your project?

Don’t make a costly mistake. Choosing the right production house is crucial.

In this post, we will explain 5 important factors that you must consider before selecting a production house for your project.

Skipping these 5 must-do could spell disaster for your project (and your sanity).

Are you ready to go? We hope so!

Let’s dig in!

1. Dig Deeper Than “Cool Video”

Forget “making a video for social media.” Your project objective, the true north star, needs to be bigger, bolder, and something you can’t tackle solo.

Start by outlining your objectives, goals, and the message you want to convey through your video. Consider the target audience, the desired tone, and the key messages you want to communicate.

This clarity will not only help you articulate your vision to potential production houses but also ensure that you find a partner who aligns with your goals.

Next, determine the scope of your project.

Are you looking for a full-scale production that includes scriptwriting, casting, and post-production, or do you only need assistance with certain aspects?

Having a clear idea of what you need will make it easier to communicate your expectations to production houses, saving you time and effort in the long run.

2. Urgency Check: Is It Now or Never?

Not all video projects are created equal. Before you dive headfirst, take a step back and ask yourself: is this video project truly urgent, or can it wait? This isn’t just about deadlines, but about strategic planning and resource allocation.

Here’s why urgency matters:

Time is money: Working with a production house involves an investment of your time, energy, and resources. Make sure the project justifies this investment. If it’s not crucial to your immediate goals or doesn’t have a clear timeline for impact, consider postponing it. You’ll save valuable resources and avoid feeling rushed.
Market trends: Is your video capitalizing on a current trend or addressing an immediate need in your market? If the hype is fading or the need isn’t pressing, waiting might allow you to adapt your concept for better timing and impact.
Opportunity cost: Every project you choose to pursue means saying “no” to something else. If this video isn’t a top priority, consider if other marketing initiatives or internal projects might be more impactful right now.

Here are some questions to help you assess urgency:

Is there a specific event or deadline tied to the video’s success?
Will delaying the project significantly impact your marketing goals or brand positioning?
Could the video become outdated or irrelevant if it’s not produced soon

Remember: There’s no shame in hitting pause. Sometimes, waiting allows you to refine your concept, gather better resources, or find a more strategic time to launch your video project. By carefully considering urgency, you’ll make a more informed decision about whether now is the right time to partner with a production house.

3. Beyond the Line: Do You Have a Plan?

Your video is like a delicious dish, but it needs the right presentation to wow your guests.

While the production house cooks up your video masterpiece, you need to prepare the dining room for maximum impact. Here’s why having a post-production plan is crucial:

Distribution Dilemma: Think beyond just uploading to YouTube. Where will your video shine brightest? Enter digital marketing: YouTube ads, Google ads, Instagram ads, videotrons, TV channels – you name it!
Content is King (and Queen): Don’t let your video sit alone! Think about complementary content to amplify its reach.
Analytics Appetizer: Track your video’s performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

If you’ve got a clear plan for post-production domination, then a production house is your wingman.

But if you’re clueless about what to do with your video, consider a production agency instead. They’ll handle the whole pre-production, strategy and all.

By having a clear post-production plan, you transform your video from a one-time dish into a multi-course feast that nourishes your marketing goals.

Remember, the production house is your chef, but you’re the host crafting the unforgettable dining experience.

4. Budget Talk: Let’s Get Real

Alright, let’s dive into the not-so-fun but oh-so-important topic of budget. When you’ve got ambitious goals, high urgency, and a complex strategy, it’s natural that the price tag might reflect that.

But here’s the good news: different production houses have different pricing structures and hidden gems within their offerings.

Here’s how to navigate the financial waters like a pro:

Tip #1: Be upfront about your budget range. Don’t waste time (and theirs) with production houses that operate outside your comfort zone. Sharing your budget range upfront allows them to tailor proposals that fit your needs and avoid any unnecessary surprises down the line.

Not sure what you should be spending?
Consult it with your accounting team or finance team.

Tip #2: Look Beyond the Bottom Line. While cost is important, don’t solely base your decision on the cheapest quote. Consider the value each house brings. What’s included in their package? Do they offer additional services like scriptwriting or animation that align with your needs? Remember, the cheapest option might not always be the most cost-effective in the long run.

By being clear about your budget and understanding the value proposition of each house, you’ll be well-equipped to negotiate and find a partner who aligns with your vision and financial constraints.

Remember, a successful video project is an investment, not just an expense. Choose wisely, and your video will deliver returns that far outweigh the cost.

5. Collaboration: Your Time, Energy, and the Power of Teamwork

Creating a video that resonates isn’t a solo mission. It’s a collaborative journey, and your production house is your crew on this adventure. Be prepared to invest your time and energy, but remember, it’s a two-way street. Here are 3 tips to ensure smooth sailing:

Tip #1: Communication is Key. Open communication is the lifeblood of any successful project. Clearly articulate your vision, expectations, and concerns. Be receptive to feedback and suggestions from the production house team – they’re the experts after all! Regular meetings, both virtual and in-person, help keep everyone on the same page and foster a collaborative spirit.

Tip #2: Trust & Transparency. Trust goes a long way. Choose a production house that inspires confidence and transparency. Ask questions, understand their process, and don’t be afraid to voice your opinions. A good partner will welcome your input and keep you informed throughout the production process.

Tip #3: Embrace the Feedback Loop. Feedback isn’t a one-time event. It’s a continuous loop that fuels improvement. Provide constructive feedback on drafts and be open to receiving it in return. Remember, the goal is to create a video that exceeds your expectations, and feedback is the secret sauce that gets you there.

By following these tips, you’ll transform collaboration from a hurdle into a springboard for success. Keep in mind that a strong, collaborative partnership with your production house is the key to unlocking the full potential of your video project.

Conclusion

You know marketing plays a crucial role in any business, and video reigns supreme these days. By working with the right video production house, you will be able to get a good marketing video that suit your brand needs.

The problem is, choosing the right production house partner to produce your video is crucial (and not easy).

By considering the 5 must-haves outlined in this post – project objective, urgency, strategy, budget, and collaboration – you’ll be well on your way to finding your perfect match.

Still feeling unsure? Don’t sweat it! We’re here to help.

Our expert Video Producer, Ryanda Octhora, is offering a FREE consultation (valued at $500) to business owners like you. During this consultation, Ryanda will:

Dive deep into your project objectives: Uncover your true goals and ensure your video aligns with your business strategy.
Assess your urgency and resources: Determine if a production house is the right fit for your project and budget.
Craft a winning strategy: Explore distribution channels and post-production plans to maximize your video’s impact.
Offer expert guidance: Get personalized recommendations and insights based on your unique needs.

Click Here to schedule your consultation with Ryanda Octhora.

Remember: The right production house partner can be the difference between a “meh” video and a game-changer. So, take action, embrace the power of collaboration, and watch your video project dreams come true!

P.S. Don’t forget to share this post with other business owners who might benefit from our expertise!

Ryanda Dwi Octhora. Video Producer